22/09/2025
Alderman Terence Frank Gilby
Terence Frank Gilby (known as Terry) has passed away peacefully at Riverdale Care Home. Terry was born in Old Whittington and attended Edwin Swale School. After studying at Newcastle Polytechnic, Terry joined the Inland Revenue, becoming HM Inspector of Taxes, a position he held until his retirement in 2013.
Terry was an active member of the Labour Party. He was first elected to Brimington Parish Council in 1983 and served as Chair of the council from 1986 to 1987. In 1987, he was elected to represent Brimington North on Chesterfield Borough Council. Terry served the people of Chesterfield borough with great distinction for 36 years, stepping down from his role in May 2023.
Terry held many roles during the best part of four decades of service to the people of Chesterfield borough, including his time serving as the 359th Mayor of Chesterfield from 1999 to 2000, and as Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Growth following his appointment in 2011. In September 2023, Terry was recognised for his eminent services to the council and to the people of Chesterfield, receiving the honorary title of Alderman.
Terry was also active in taking on roles outside of the council – supporting local charities. This included 17 years as a trustee for Ashgate Hospice, and as a Non-Executive Director from 2011 to 2018. Terry served for many years as a Governor on Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Trans Pennine Trail for 16 years from 1999 to 2015, including 6 years as its Chair. In 2005 Terry was proud to be appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).
Aside from politics, Terry had many interests, including music, art, literature, film, and theatre. His lifelong passion for railway locomotives inspired his instrumental efforts to save the Barrow Hill Engine Sheds from closure. Terry’s fondness for hiking led him to climb the highest peaks in all the Home Countries and English Counties. His motto was, “Never stop exploring” consequently he travelled widely across all six of the populated continents. He avidly followed his idol, Bob Dylan, and other North American and British singer-songwriters of the folk rock era. Terry was the architect of the council’s award-winning ‘Percent for Art’ scheme, which has led to over seventy art installations across Chesterfield borough. During his retirement, he studied with the Open University, gaining a BA Honours degree in English Literature in 2019. He enjoyed socialising with his friends and colleagues especially if that included a pint of Real Ale.
Terry leaves Tricia, his wife and partner of 34 years, his children Joanna, Alastair, and Kieron, grandchildren Dylan, Keanu, Paige, Ariel, and Olivia, stepchildren Richard and Lizzie, and step-grandchildren Ella, Evie, and Oscar.
Terry’s funeral will take place on Thursday, 2 October 2025, at 12 noon in St. Bartholomew’s Parish Church, Old Whittington, followed by burial in the churchyard. The funeral cortège will pass the front of Chesterfield Town Hall at 11.30am as a mark of respect for Terry’s tireless commitment to the people of Chesterfield borough. In lieu of floral tributes, people are invited to make a donation to local charity, Chesterfield Care Group, these can be left on the day, made online at www.memorygiving.com/terencegilby or sent care of B Hattersley & Sons.
