Our Councillors
Neil Edmiston (Chair)
I have lived in Carsington for 25 years with my wife Pam and my two daughters Sophie & Claire and my dog Winnie. I retired from the Defence Industry towards the end of 2019 in which I worked for over 30 years. We have lived in Derbyshire since we married in 1983 and have always loved the county and in particular the beautiful Peak District. I joined the Parish Council because I want to contribute to the Community in whatever way I can as it has become an important part of our daily lives.
Michelle Wilson
Carsington and Hopton has been my home for nearly forty years, but my family connections go back for generations.
I think I am very fortunate to live in this rural community and I hope that by becoming a parish councillor I can contribute to the local community.
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Neil MacPherson
Originally from 20 miles away in North Staffordshire, I have lived within 8 miles of Carsington since my twenties, moved to Hopton in 2023 and I'm currently Churchwarden of St. Margaret’s. I worked in engineering for many years, especially in Railway infrastructure and managed a firearms business in Wirksworth.
I served a total of twenty years as an Army Reservist and was awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal. My particular interest in the Parish is to encourage self-sufficiency and to maintain and improve infrastructure.
COUNCILLORS
The Role of a Councillor
They are elected to represent the interest of the local community as a whole and promote a harmonious local environment. The number of elected Councillors depends on the size of the area, in Carsington & Hopton we are able to have 5 Councillors.
Local Councils are the first tier of governance and are the first point of contact for anyone concerned with a community issue. They are democratically elected local authorities and exist in England, Wales and Scotland. The term 'Local Council' is synonymous with ' Parish Council, 'Town Council' and 'Community Council'.
Local Councils are made up of locally elected Councillors. They are legally obliged to hold at least four meetings a year. Most meet on a monthly cycle to discuss council business and hear from local residents. District and County Councillors regularly attend parish meetings and report at the Annual Parish meeting. Councillors are expected to attend meetings on a regular basis.
Councillors must abide by a Code of Conduct, a set of rules on how Councillors are expected to behave. They must also declare their financial interests in the parish, details of which are kept by the District Council.
Frank Horsley (Clerk)
I joined the Council as Parish Clerk in June 2024. I have enjoyed a long career working at all levels of local and regional government primarily in Economic Development. I live in Nottingham but enjoyed over 8 wonderful years as Head of Economic Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council so I know the area well and love this beautiful county.