Bondholders hit all the right notes – just don’t ask me to sing them!

Here, in his latest monthly column reflecting on the news over the past month, our Press and PR Executive Robin Johnson looks at the headlines.

Well, it’s that time of year again.

The pretentious ads flogging overpriced smellies, which serve no purpose other than to annoy me, have started appearing on the television.

The local supermarket has rearranged all the aisles to make way for their festive food offering, totally disorientating my weekly ‘big shop’.

And I’ve been dicing with a trip to A&E by precariously balancing on a stepladder to ensure the house is decorated to a standard acceptable to Mrs Johnson.

Yes, Christmas is well and truly here.

Despite my little moans, I do love Christmas – even more so for the fact that my young son is beginning to understand what it’s all about.

Yes, ‘Santa-Cam’ is fully operational at Johnson Towers (I’m sure I’m not the first parent to convince their child that the burglar alarm sensor in the lounge is actually part of an intricate CCTV system monitored by Father Christmas 24/7 to check whether they’re behaving).

My son isn’t quite old enough for the Christmas panto experience – but when he is, we’ll definitely be there shouting “He’s behind you!” and “Oh no he’s not!”. I only hope my son can keep me under control!

This year, Derby Theatre’s main Christmas panto is Cinderella, while for smaller children, its studio is hosting Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Meanwhile, over at Derby Arena, we have Mother Goose. So, plenty of choice if you fancy a bit of festive entertainment this Christmas.

I have very fond memories of being taken to the panto at Derby Theatre as a child.

And that’s why I was particularly delighted to report on the news in November that this much-loved venue – along with the Guildhall Theatre – would receive an equal share of £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund.

Since then, Derby Theatre has announced plans to use the cash to transform its facilities.

The plans are so ambitious that it has launched a further fundraising campaign called Derby Theatre: New Horizons, to help it fully realise its vision.

Of course, as well as hosting Christmas pantomimes, Derby Theatre will be the setting once again for Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event, which is due to take place on 20 February.

The first round of invites have already gone out – and more than 300 people have already booked in. So don’t delay, book your place today!

As for the Guildhall Theatre, that was the place where, as a youngster, I won a trophy for singing during the annual Derby Arts Festival.

It was a solo performance of a song called “Whiskers” (no, not after the brand of cat food).

My prize for winning the competition was the Ethel Noton Cup. What do you mean you’ve never heard of it?!

I think my music teacher at the time thought I was going to be the next Aled Jones – so much so that she pushed me to go for a place in the Derby Cathedral Choir.

Sadly, my voice broke not long after my award-winning performance – and that was that. Not so much ‘Walking in the Air’ – more ‘walking towards the exit’.

Winning any kind of award is a nice feeling though – and one that was experienced by several Bondholders at East Midlands Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards, which took place in November.

I was absolutely delighted to see how many Bondholders had won awards on the night – showing that we have some truly incredible businesses and organisations among our ranks.

On the subject of awards, that reminds me, Marketing Derby is currently running a competition of its own at the moment.

Our annual Rising Star competition aims to give a helping hand to up and coming businesses.

More information and details on how to enter can be found here:

November was a good month if you are a budding entrepreneur or small business.

That’s because East Midlands Chamber announced that it had been awarded almost £9 million to deliver a comprehensive new business support programme called Accelerator.

From small businesses to one very large business – November was a busy month for Rolls-Royce at both its civil aerospace site at Sinfin – and its defence business in Raynesway.

At Sinfin, the boffins there achieved another landmark with its visionary UltraFan engine, performing to first run at maximum power using Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

And over at Raynesway, ministers from both the UK and Australia visited the site to check on the latest progress being made on the AUKUS submarines programme.

November also saw Derby welcome some special visitors from Toyota City.

As part of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the twinning agreement between Derby and Derbyshire, a delegation visited the city and county.

Among the places they visited was Derby Cathedral, which is just a short distance from the site of what could be the city’s latest major residential scheme.

In November, Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments submitted plans for Cathedral One – a 186-apartment scheme, in Full Street.

Marketing Derby is fully behind the proposals, which will see quality homes built on a site which has stood vacant for many years.

The scheme overlooks the River Derwent, where work is continuing to protect the city from major flooding events.

In November, Derby City Council approved the second phase of the Our City, Our River project, which aims to bolster Derby’s flood defences.

A story in November that brought a smile to my face was one which involved Derby Kids’ Camp.

It was awarded a King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the charity equivalent of an MBE.

Every child deserves a proper holiday – just as every child deserves to enjoy a proper Christmas.

All our Bondholder charities have been working tirelessly in the run up to Christmas to ensure those less fortunate, or facing tough times, are supported.

And Marketing Derby has been doing everything it can to publicise their festive appeals. We hope you can find time to support them.

Finally, may I wish you a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to catching up with you again in 2024.