St Peters Quarter bids fond farewell to ‘Ranger Dave’

A St Peters Quarter ranger, who has patrolled the city streets welcoming visitors and supporting local businesses, has retired after more than a decade of service.

Dave Wilson, 59, was one half of the team serving the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) and has become a familiar face on Derby’s streets.

Now, the former police constable has hung up his boots.

He said: “I have loved being a ranger in Derby. It has been the most rewarding job and I have met some truly wonderful people.

“From the moment you start your day, you feel a huge sense of responsibility to support all the businesses and shoppers in your area. It has meant so much to me to be able to help them.”

Ranger Dave, Nikki Matthews and his Cathedral Quarter colleagues, Scott Harris and Jon McKenzie, each walk around 10 miles a day and clock up thousands of hours patrolling the city.

Dave said: “Some days are hugely rewarding because you’ve helped someone, but other days are much trickier.

“You need broad shoulders, but together we support the BID businesses and make sure people are enjoying themselves safely in Derby.”

The role of rangers in the St Peters Quarter and Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) is three-fold: to support the businesses in their respective BID areas, to welcome visitors, and to work closely with other city partners and agencies acting as a support and referral resource.

Nikki Matthews, who also patrols the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District, said: “Dave has been the best colleague. Being a ranger is such an important job in Derby and Dave and I have been a regular point of contact for businesses and members of the public. We have played a key role in liaising with relevant other partners and agencies, quickly and effectively.”

Brad Worley, BID Manager for St Peters Quarter, said: “We salute our loyal, dynamic, and fantastic BID rangers, and we’d like to thank Dave for his hard work and sterling service.

“He has been an integral part of the team, and everyone is going to miss him.”