To Shildon residents, those who have moved away and all newcomers to the Town.
The last year has been full of challenges for me personally and my family. I am sure many can relate to ill health, mental fatigue, relationship break downs, financial and social pressures to name a few. I have learnt that we cannot do anything in isolation, so if you are struggling in any way, please reach out to family, neighbours, friends or health professionals. We are all here to support each other.
As usual my year as Mayor has been a busy one, promoting Shildon, working with partners, attending events, and more recently looking towards 2025 and the 200-year celebrations of the first passenger rail travel. I am extremely proud of my humble roots, living in both New Shildon and Jubilee Fields Estate most of my life. I believe we have a great town and have many wonderful residents. To date I have presented my Mayor’s Award to 19 separate people or couples for their amazing acts of kindness and fundraising. All were worthy recipients, and it has been an honour to share their stories with you all.
2025 looms close, and we will be sharing information regarding events taking place along the 26 miles of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, from Witton Park to Stockton. Shildon has a major part to play and meetings are already taking place for community groups, schools, and churches to “get on board” and organise coordinated fringe events, right here in Shildon. Unfortunately, we will not be able to repeat the magnitude of 1975 Cavalcade Event, mainly down to Health and Safety, but we certainly can give our young people something to remember. This can only be achieved if we work together.
I would like to thank the staff of Shildon Town Council for their unwavering support in creating a welcoming community. We excel at meeting the needs of people with the baby bank, recycling preloved school uniforms and winter coats from the Town Council office, as well as the staff’s day-to-day job. The workforce has again worked in all weathers to maintain the park area, churchyards, putting up the Christmas decorations and Christmas trees, as well as all the events we have hosted, many free to all. The Civic Hall staff have again had a variety of events from party nights, entertainment, special occasions, funerals etc. as well as the daily restaurant meals.
It leaves me to wish you all the very best over the festive season. Spare a thought for those who will be alone or at work supporting others. I send my best wishes to all our armed forces around the world, keeping us safe in these troubled times and of course all our emergency services. We all are in your debt, and we thank you.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous, healthy 2025.
Councillor Shirley Quinn, Town Mayor
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
