Derbyshire street named after voluntary worker

Published by Debs Ramsden for Nottingham Community Housing Association Ltd in Housing

A street leading to an affordable housing scheme in South Derbyshire has been named in honour of a tireless community voluntary worker. The development, off Wilmot Road, in Church Gresley, will act as a poignant tribute to the late Dorothy Staley, who was known for her love of the District.  Her family have described the gesture as ‘wonderful’. 

Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) and South Derbyshire District Council agreed to call the connecting road Staley Close in recognition of her work. 

Originally from London Dorothy moved with her mother Elizabeth to Ashby, before eventually settling in Church Gresley.  Here she became an integral part of St. John Ambulance in Wood Street for more than 20 years, organising activities across the country for the District’s youngsters. 

Her love for children was evident as a governor of Church Gresley Infant and Nursery School and Pennine Way Junior School in Swadlincote.  Her passion for nature was fulfilled as treasurer and one of the founding members of the South Derbyshire Group of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. 

Described as clever, strong willed and funny, Dorothy was a regular at meetings trying to help make South Derbyshire an even better place to live, work and visit. She sadly passed away in December 2010, aged 88. 

Frank McArdle, the Chief Executive of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “Dorothy was a lovely lady, a local institution and caring character who would do anything for anyone. “Fiercely loyal and positive, she helped to make a difference in her community and her values commanded the utmost respect from everyone she met. “We are proud to create a permanent reminder of her outstanding contribution to local life by virtue of this street name.”

Alison Staley, who lives in Melbourne, is touched that the name of her relative will live on in such a public fashion. She said: “We feel that Staley Close is a wonderful tribute to Dorothy and that she would be incredibly proud to receive such recognition. It's heart-warming for the family to know that she was so highly regarded by her colleagues and the community in which she worked. She loved helping people and nurturing wildlife and her passion was infectious.”The family would like to thank everyone for such a kind and thoughtful gesture to Dorothy's legacy.”