Ian Adkin

Town Clerk

Ian joined as Assistant Clerk in 2020, a week before lockdown and quickly found himself in the hotseat!

He later became Town Clerk in December 2020. He has lived in Hackney in Darley Dale for over 10 years and his role involves advising Councillors, balancing the books and making sure all the office technology works.

He is though most passionate about improving the town and the local environment in any way he can.

Sarah Rivett

Community Engagement Officer

Sarah joined Darley Dale Town Council in November 2022 taking on the newly created role as Community Engagement Officer. The purpose of Sarah’s role is to forge connections with residents, groups and businesses, enabling them to have more of an influence and say in Darley Dale.

Sarah previously worked as a Community Development Manager for a property management firm. Prior to that, she worked in marketing for a London-based investment management company.

Cllr Dave Oakley

Chair of the Council

Dave worked in the motor industry most of his working life before retiring in 2021. He was first a councillor from 2008-2011 and was co-opted back onto the Council in December 2019, before becoming Mayor in 2020.

He represents the North Ward and is on the Finance Advisory and Planning Committees within the Council. He is also a member of the Personnel and Community, Events and Marketing Working Groups, as well as sitting on the Board of Trustees for The Whitworth.

Dave joined the Council to be able to help, guide and support the local community as well as helping influence decisions that best benefit the people of Darley Dale. You will often see Dave at The Whitworth, with his dog Pasha, catching up with the Town Clerk team and he is always on hand to catch up with residents and local businesses.

Cllr Julie Bishop

Julie moved to Derbyshire in 2001 and now lives in Morledge in Darley Dale. During her working career she has had various roles including working as a business development manager, an ambulance driver and air cabin crew for a large airline.

Julie was co-opted onto the Town Council in March 2023 and represents the North Ward. She is part of the Planning Committee and also sits on the Board of Trustees for The Whitworth.

Her motivation to become a councillor has stemmed from listening to people locally and feeling a need to help them have their feelings, views and ideas heard.

Cllr Ann Elliott

Before retiring Ann worked in banking in Darley Dale and Matlock.

Ann gained her Council experience in Matlock, firstly on the Town Council for 16 years where she was Mayor on two occasions and eight years on the District Council.

She is on the Finance Advisory Committee and the Community, Events and Marketing Working Group and is also the lead councillor for Twinning.

Ann was co-opted onto the Town Council in September 2021 and joined to represent families in Darley Dale having lived in the area for many years and being a mother to three now grown-up children with their own families.

Cllr Alan Long

Alan was elected to the Council in May 2019 and represents the North Ward. He is a member of the Finance Advisory Committee and Chair of the Whitworth Trust. Alan is also one of the lead councillors for Ecobat.

He also established an Environmental Working Group involving the Council, The Whitworth and other local stakeholders. 

Alan works within affordable housing and care, where he has 17 years’ experience and became a director of a housing association.

Alan wanted to become a councillor because as someone who benefits from living in Darley Dale, he wanted to give something back.

Cllr Sarah Halliwell

Sarah is an award-winning businesswoman, former school leader and community champion. 

Sarah has given three decades to helping children, young people and families play, become safer and overcome poverty. As a parent carer, she advocates for SEND inclusion and social care. She is passionate about good governance and effective policy and sits on the Board of Trustees for The Whitworth.

Sarah represents the South Ward and is a member of the Environmental and Governance Working Groups and a member of the Planning Committee. She is also a lead councillor for Youth Provision.

Cllr James Wilson

James moved to Darley Dale in 2019 after being a regular visitor to the area for work. He has worked in the brewing industry for the last 14 years, with community playing a big role in his work.

He wanted to join the Town Council to make sure that the local community had a voice and to improve the area for everyone.

In particular, he wants to make sure that young people in the area get the help and support they need, and that the local environment is cared for and improved.

James joined the Council in May 2023 and is a member of the Community, Events and Marketing Working Group, he is also one of the lead councillors for Ecobat and Youth Provision.

Derbyshire Dales District Council

District Cllr David Burton
T: 01629 734072
E: david.burton@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

District Cllr Marilyn Franks
E: marilyn.franks@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

District Cllr Roger Shelley
E: roger.shelley@derbyshiredales.gov.uk