Chairman raises thousands for local charities as he hands over the chains
Ashfield’s outgoing Chairman has raised more than £5000 for Ashfield charities in a memorable year representing the District.
Cllr Paul Grafton has handed over the chains to Cllr Dale Grounds as he takes the reign as the new Chairman of Ashfield District Council.
During his time as Chairman, Cllr Grafton has raised a total of £5,339.50 for his chosen charities for the year, which were the Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes and the Huthwaite Hub.
This was raised through successful events such as the Chairman’s Charity Ball, his 70s: The Decade of Disco event and Step into Christmas with the Chairman at Sherwood Observatory among others.
He has also led services in memory of the five crew members who died when a Stirling Bomber, EH988, crashed in Annesley Forest on 14 January 1945, Merchant Navy Day and the VJ 80th anniversary ceremony.
Particular highlights have included attending the opening of the new Cornerstone Theatre, honouring those who go above and beyond at the Discover Ashfield Awards, standing in front of thousands of people to officially open Ashfield Show 2025 and meeting some of the District’s inspiring residents.
Cllr Grafton, who represents the Huthwaite and Brierley ward, said:
“Being elected to represent the people of Ashfield was a real honour for me and there have been so many highlights through the year.
“Opening Ashfield Show to around 20,000 people over three days was amazing, as was Sparks in the Park. You could really see people enjoying the incredible live music, entertainment, stalls and the magnificent firework display.
“The amazing turnout of more than 3000 at the Sutton Remembrance Day parade is something I won’t forget. What a show of respect.”
A heart warming letter from Matilda Lewis is also something that will stick with Cllr Grafton. The 8 year old was upset by the amount of litter dropped on the pathways around her school and asked for permission to pick it up.
Cllr Grafton said:
“I visited Matilda’s home and met her family. I presented her with a hi-vis jacket and litter picker and we went on a litter pick of her route to school. Now Matilda goes litter picking with the help of many of her school friends and she was a winner of a Discover Ashfield award.
“A final memorable evening was my Step into Christmas with the Chairman event at the Planetarium. It was mesmerising when Chris Miggells performed on the piano.”
Throughout his year as Chairman, Cllr Grafton has also attended services at Southwell Minister, Christmas carol services and civic luncheons with Bishop Paul Williams.
Taking over as Chairman is Cllr Dale Grounds who will be raising money for the John Eastwood Hospice and Pasic – a charity supporting children with cancer. Cllr Tom Hollis is the new Vice Chairman.
Posted on 19 May 2026