The Latest News, Happenings and Events from Greasley Parish Council

Newly elected Chairman of Greasley Parish Council, Cllr June Layton, intends to operate an “open door” policy during her civic year.

Not only will she “lend an ear” to parishioners who need help or have a problem but she is also willing to “lend a hand” and support community groups in any way which she can.

Greasley's new Chairman catches up with correspondence in her home office.

“I feel honoured and proud to be elected to this position to represent the parish of Greasley. If residents need help I want them to feel free to approach me to see what can be done to improve the situation.

“I also believe that the many voluntary groups we are fortunate enough to have in Greasley are the thread which holds the community together and if I can assist them in any way by supporting their events, they only have to ask.”

At the parish council’s annual meeting retiring Chairman Cllr Ian Coupland thanked everybody for their support which had made his journey through the year such a gentle one.

Cllr Layton was born in Nottingham and moved to Eastwood before settling in Newthorpe. She and her husband Lionel celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary this year.

As a member of the Young Conservatives she assisted with the group’s administration and also worked as a receptionist for a local dental surgeon. She subsequently moved to Vic Hallam’s at Langley Mill where she worked as Assistant Personnel Office until the firm’s closure.

During this time she also worked as Secretary of the Eastwood and District Conservative Club. She worked for a time as secretary to local builder Lawrence Birkin and rounded off her professional career with Prudential Assurance as the Customer Accounts Representative.

Cllr Layton lists her interests as keeping fit using the aerobic facilities and swimming pool at a local fitness club. She also enjoys flower arranging and won a first prize in floral art at Moorgreen Country Show in 2006.

This is her third term as a parish councillor. “I find the work very interesting. I’ve always had an interest in politics, I enjoy helping in the community and I love Greasley. It really is an outstanding parish and although some parts have been heavily developed we will do everything we can to protect and preserve its rural character.”

Cllr Martin Wright is the new Vice Chairman.

Greasley Castle was a tremendous example of a fortified medieval home, and many of these castles attracted communities around their walls to benefit from the security they offered.

As a significant castle, did the walls of Greasley Castle attract any such hamlet itself?

Well, a local team spent several months investigating the legend of 'the lost village of Greasley Castle' themselves and have now reported their amazing findings in 'The Lost Village of Greasley Project', which is now available for download, so you may judge for yourself!