Russell Pollard

St. Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi-Academy Trust (SRS CMAT) operates 25 academies, principally in Derby, and Derbyshire. It was formed on 1st September 2018. 8 years later it is on the verge of bankruptcy amongst much controversy. Parents are upset, teachers being made redundant, Governors being sacked, suppliers not being paid and children losing their education.

The Derby Telegraph (DT) continues its role as an uncritical “Public Relations agency” for Cllr Phil Ingall; the local Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Derby, who was banned for life, for shoplifting, from Sainsbury’s On 15th April 2026, the DT published an article entitled “Derby councillor who ‘reflected deeply’ after heart problems is standing down”.

In April 2026, work will finally start on the renovation and conversion of Allestree Hall into a 160 person wedding venue. Following the leasehold sale in December 2024, planning permission was finally granted by Derby City Council on 22 January 2026 – taking nearly 12 months! Photo from drone footage taken by Roland ‘Roly’ Keates aka Lost Histories “The intertwined history of Allestree Hall.