Shildon Mayor, Councillor Shirley Quinn, awarded two awards during the town council meeting recently.
January’s award was presented to Mark Arnott who has designed and funded the Shildon Poppy Badges.
Mark started making them in 2018 after he wanted to do a design around the Memorial of the kneeling soldier, outside St John’s Church. He produced only a small number that sold within two days. This spurred Mark on and produced another badge the following year, increasing the number made. This was a gamble that thankfully paid off.
The badges have gone far and wide with some being posted to Scotland, Kent, Canada, and Australia. Last year, Mark was so proud to have one of his badges on the chest of a man attending the Auschwitz Parade on Remembrance Day. Mark has made eight in total including a VE Day commemorative badge.
In total, Mark has raised £6700 which he has donated to RBL Poppy Appeal. Mark is a well-deserved recipient of the Mayor’s Award who showed initiative and produced something that Shildon and the town’s people can be proud of.
Mark has asked if we can thank everyone who has bought badges and venues that offered to sell them. Mark is not finished yet – he hopes to reach £10,000 in total for the charity. With everyone’s support and desire to wear one of these badges with pride, Mark’s goal is sure be reached.
February’s award was presented to Carol Fletcher, who has been a Shildon Volunteer for twenty five years. Carol volunteered for nineteen years for the Shildon Community Safety Group, fifteen years as treasurer.
Carol went into schools to deliver safety workshops and arranged Intergenerational Day workshops as well as fitness and healthy eating workshops. Dawn till dusk lights were fitted to many houses, as well as equipment for home and personal safety. Carol volunteered with the police, starting as secretary for Pub Watch that she continues doing today. Other roles that Carol undertook was chair as well as being a mystery shopper. Carol was a member of Jubilee Fields management committee and served as chair for a while.
At Timothy Hackworth School, Carol accompanied the young people on outings and swimming lessons. She went into schools to listen to the pupils read which has been invaluable. She has assisted during SATs to ensure that pupils had full tummies and full minds. Carol volunteered for the Town Crier where she did the accounts. Carol also has worked in the Community Bus office and took on the responsibility of treasurer one year ago.
Carol is another worthy recipient of the award. Without people like Carol putting themselves forward and being a valuable asset, many organisations would not operate. We have a lot to thank all our volunteers for. Carol commented that she really does not know where the last twenty five years have gone.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
