Dacorum Mayor's Appeal

Mayor of Dacorum, Derek Townsend, has ended his year on a real high with his appeal total for the Iain Rennie Hospice At Home standing at around £42,000.

His final fundraising event was the Mayor's Jubilee Heritage Walk on Sunday 26th May which is organised by the Hemel Hempstead Lions Club. Walkers enjoy a pleasant route through Dacorum countryside and, through sponsorship, raise funds for charity. The Mayor's appeal should benefit from sponsorship in excess of £500. Our picture shows Derek with walkers on the steps of the Civic Centre firing the starting pistol.


Three days later, Derek handed over his chain of office to Catherine Appleby who was elected Mayor at the annual Mayor Making Ceremony in the Council Chamber. Mayor Appleby will be supporting the Hospice of St Francis during her year in office. For more information about St Francis visit their website.

In his concluding speech (right), Derek commended the vibrant voluntary sector within the Borough, and spoke warmly of his year fundraising year with the IRHH and his commitment to the work of the Iain Rennie Nurses.

Even though he has left office, funds are still coming in for his appeal. Our picture (left) shows Keith White, leader of the Labour Group at Dacorum Borough Council, presenting Derek with a cheque from the group of £500 at a reception held at the IRHH Tring offices on Friday 21st June which was attended by a number of Borough Councillors and guests.