Greg hits bullseye with first meet-the-Mayor event

Cheers . . . people turn up at bar to chat with new civic leader

The new civic leader for Erewash enjoyed two hours of “fantastic” conversations as he staged the first in a series of meet-the-Mayor sessions at a popular pub – where he apologised for being duff at darts.

Cllr Greg Maskalick said of his mission to meet local people: “It was much appreciated by the public. I would like to thank the management and staff at The General Havelock in Ilkeston for taking excellent care of me – but most of all a major thankyou goes to the customers.

“I had a great time meeting great people and having loads of fantastic conversations. The friendship I was shown was heartening – although I do apologise for my dire darts playing.”

Greg, who was handed the chain of office in May, said of the Saturday afternoon event: “Basically, instead of bringing the people in the pub to the Mayor, it was about bringing the Mayor to the people in the pub.

“We will be doing it every other month at The General Havelock – which has now become ‘The Mayor’s Pub for Ilkeston’.”

A hostelry in the borough’s other main town of Long Eaton – the York Chambers – will be the venue for similar sessions. The first is on Saturday 11th July from 2pm to 4pm.

Pittsburgh-born father-of-two Greg, 66, was a professional pianist in the US before he settled in the borough and took British citizenship. As a sought-after keyboard maestro he worked with a string of stars – including helping Hollywood legend Bruce Willis to make his solo album The Return of Bruno. Greg is now a teacher as well as being councillor for Ockbrook and Borrowash.

He said of becoming Mayor: “The variety of civic events has been amazing so far.”

Greg is keen to prioritise engaging with young people – and thrilled members of the local 2nd Ilkeston Scout Group who bumped into him as he headed home from a council meeting.

Scout leader Skip said: “We were on an evening trek back from Shipley Country Park when he stopped to chat – praising the group for their teamwork and for embracing the great outdoors. It was a brilliant opportunity for the young people to see that local leadership isn’t distant or formal – it is part of the community they live in.”

Some of the Scouts reckoned the unexpected encounter which showed how community life can surprise you in the best ways was the highlight of the evening. One said: