Shildon Town Mayor Councillor Shirley Quinn apologises for the delay in presenting her awards, due to ill health and recovery.
The recipients of the awards are all amazing people making Shildon a better place by their acts of kindness and commitments.
Everyone chosen, as always, are worthy award winners.
July’s Award goes to Ann Hill
Ann, a resident from Shildon is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and is affectively know as Aunty Ann to many.
Ann has been fund raising to support the Macmillian Coffee mornings since 2014 after a diagnosis and treatment for cancer. Ann, supported by family and neighbours, plans and organises the coffee mornings in her garden, welcoming attendees, providing some wonderful home baking, holds a game of bingo, raffle and tombola.
During these events Ann provides a much-needed social event where everyone comes together in friendship.
To date Ann has raised £2,500 to support Macmillian who support cancer patients from diagnosis to palliative care. This year Ann held the coffee morning while nursing a broken shoulder.
Ann has asked if we can thank everyone that helps and supports the events and making it such a great success.
August’s Award goes to Eric Craggs
Shirley said: “I have had Eric in mind for a while but after the office was contacted by a local resident, I felt this was the right time.”
Eric’s award is for his commitment in tending Quinn’s and Dylan’s Garden near Station Street.
“Following the sad death of Quinn,” continued Shirley, “Eric watched as her family and friends started to plant flowers and add articles around the tree.
“Eric told me it was all a bit disorganised so after speaking to Quinn’s parents and brother, he took over tending the garden. This has given Eric a great deal of pleasure and the garden has been visited by young and old, enjoyed and respected.
“Following Dylan’s sad death the garden became a spot that was visited by many of their friends. Eric told me that while tending the garden he has struck up conversations with many people. Some go there to remember, some go there to reflect on their own lives, some suffering mentally or feeling alone.
“This welcoming area will continue to be a place people want to visit.
“Thank you, Eric, for your commitment to this very special area.”
Quinn and Dylan’s parents wish to thank Eric also for helping to keep their children’s memory alive.
September’s Award goes to Ken Hodgson
Ken, a lifelong resident from New Shildon, raised his family and now has two grandsons. Retiring in 2003, Ken concentrated on his hobbies – mainly golf and trains.
Ken became a member of New Shildon Residents Association and three years later became Chairman. As a vital part of this group, one area they decided to improve was Shildon Railway Station. After contacting Northern Rail, the Association adopted the station and planning began.
In 2015 Ken approached Greenfields School about a project. After applying for funding, artwork designed by the pupils was added to the train station with words and inspiration from all involved.
Shirley said: “In September this year, I attended an unveiling of an art project designed by two local secondary schools.
“This is the beautiful design on the bridge connecting the two stations. It was made possible with funding and initially working with the young people from Northern Heartlands.
“The artwork was delivered by Illumination Wall Art.
“All this would never have happened without Ken’s love of Shildon and the railway. Thank you, Ken, for your endeavours to make Shildon a welcoming and beautiful town.
“Ken’s next project is to get a train named in next year’s 200th anniversary year. Watch this space as I am sure Ken will achieve this and the name he has chosen is perfect!”
October’s Award goes to PCSO Jess Brown
Jess has been part of the Shildon neighbourhood policing team for almost five years.
Her role as a PCSO consists of supporting police by patrolling neighbourhoods, preventing minor crime, gathering intelligence and engaging with the community and local schools.
Problem solving is a vital part of the role to help prevent and deter criminal activity.
In the last twelve months in Shildon, Shirley and the neighbourhood policing team have worked with partner agencies including the local authority, Shildon Town Council, social housing providers and other agencies with the primary aim of making Shildon a safer place.
Their work has included a positive contribution to reducing anti-social behaviour, delivering key safety messages to younger members of the community and responding quickly to people in need.
The role of a PCSO is extremely challenging at times but the rewards outweigh the challenges. Jess has been an inspiration to the whole team taking all new recruits under her wing.
Thank you, Jess, for your continued support and guidance.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
