Following the death of Lady Winifred Hilton, our Patron of many years, the Derby Hospitals Choir has invited John Rivers, CBE, DL to undertake this role. We are both privileged and delighted that John has accepted our invitation.
John’s connection with the Choir stems directly from his being Chair of the Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Coincidentally, he is also the Chair of the Florence Nightingale Derbyshire Association (FNDA). The personal links were strengthened when the Choir accepted an invitation from the Association to lead the singing in a Commemorative Service for Florence Nightingale in Derby Cathedral in August 2010.
In addition to being Chairman of the DHFT, John is both Chairman of the Derbyshire Branch of the Prince’s Trust and Chairman of the ViVA Sinfonia, a large professional orchestra based in Derbyshire. He is also vice-chairman of the Arkwright Trust in Cromford, part of the renowned Derwent Valley World Heritage site and is Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Derbyshire.
John’s interests include history, politics, music and sport and he was awarded a CBE in 2001 for his significant contributions to the community.
This year’s annual dinner provided John with an early opportunity to introduce himself to our choir members and he was particularly happy to be presenting long service awards to those members who have served 25 years with the choir.