Dronfield Eye issue 211 July 2023

dronfield EYE
Keyboard ‘cowards’ criticised
Anti-social media posts have seen ‘baseless
slurs and viscious slander’ directed at
local councillors. Mike Firth reports
A
FORMER councillor who lost his seat at May’s local
elections has slammed anonymous people who make
false and prejudicial online accusations about Dronfield
Town Council and its members.
Martin Hanrahan said that being a member of the local authority
since 2019, he had found people with many relevant skills,
talents, expertise, wisdom, judgement and a genuine affection for
Dronfield, with a willingness to work for the best interests of the
residents.
However, he told May’s Town Council meeting that Dronfield
unfortunately also has “a very small minority of ill-informed -
maybe wilfully ill-informed - craven cowards who hide behind a
curtain of anonymity.”
He said: “We have people who parade their vitriol hatred on
social media with vile slurs and invective false accusations. And,
through the prism of their prejudice, they see good things being
done and choose to label them as the opposite.
“Everybody here is out in the open, but some people choose to
make their comments hiding behind a keyboard.
“The people I’ve come to know are honest, open, decent, fair,
trustworthy and principled. The dignified, noble and brave
manner in which those who were so grievously maligned by
baseless slurs and viscious slander, and the way they conducted
themselves, was laudable and commendable
“There is no place for such appalling hate. It’s not the CIA, it’s
not the FSB, it’s not Putin invading Ukraine. It’s properties, parks,
events - it’s community.
“Such hatred should be discouraged by all. The tone must be
set in this forum where individuals should be afforded respect
and civility.”
Martin’s comments were applauded by Town Council members.
HREE runners crossed the
Dronfield 10k finish line to
raise more than £2,000 for the
Fragile X Society.
Dronfield couple James and Sheridan
Woodward’s three-year-old son, Jude,
was diagnosed with the condition in
February 2022.
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic
condition affecting around one in
4,000 males and one in 6,000 females.
It can cause a wide range of learning
difficulties, as well as social, language,
attentional, emotional and behavioural
problems. FXS as it is known, is the
most common inherited cause of
learning disability.
James’ brother-in-law Louis Hands
and best friend, Dave Rodgers, were
pleased to be able to boost the
charity’s funds by taking on the
Dronfield run, as well as raising
awareness of the condition.
James’ mum, Ann Elsdon, said: “The
Fragile X Society is a small charity
8
Martin Hanrahan... ‘No place for such appalling hate’
Trio’s trek supports FXS charity
T
which needs all the help it can get to
raise money for research and help for
children diagnosed with the condition.
“Jude is non-verbal. Although he has
not hit any of his milestones on time,
he is slowly but surely showing a
gradual improvement day by day.
“He has now learnt to walk and can
feed himself with a spoon or fork. His
determination is empowering, and we
are beyond proud of him. His smile
lights up the room, he is always happy
and makes everyone laugh.
“Jude attends Hilltop Tots three days
a week and has a special educational
needs co-ordinator who dedicates her
time to encouraging him in all aspects
of nursery.”
Jude was among family and friends
supporting James, Louis and Dave on
the day.
Dad James Woodward
pictured with three-year-old
Jude after the race