Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Cllr Sam Zair, has pledged to raise as much money as possible to help his chosen charities during his term of office.
He has chosen local charity, Angel Trust and national charity, The Alzheimer’s Society, who provide dementia support to people both in our area and throughout the country.
Further donations have now been received by two generous benefactors. Mayor Zair has been gifted a framed artwork called Little Treasures, by acclaimed local artist John Smith from House of Smudge in Fore Bondgate, which retails at over £300.
Myra Smith, Manager of House of Smudge said: “We are thrilled to be helping Sam with his fundraising efforts, as we are wholeheartedly delighted at how House of Smudge has been received during our six years of trading on Fore Bondgate and it been a pleasure to see the joy which John’s paintings have brought to so many people”.
Mayopr Zair said he was speechless when presented with the painting: “Once again, I cannot thank people and businesses in Bishop Auckland enough for their generosity and kindness in helping my fundraising efforts,” he said.
The Mayor also wrote to Manchester United FC, due to the long association with Bishop Auckland, regarding his fund-raising efforts and has been gifted a signed football in a presentation box with certificate of authentication.
The news sparked the donation of two additional pieces of local football memorabilia.
Former Newcastle United player, Frank Clark and local historian John Phelan have both donated signed books.
Mayor Zair said: “The Man United football has created quite a stir.
“I had the pleasure of visiting the 2nd Bishop Auckland Cubs before Christmas to explain my role as Mayor and on discussing my charity fundraising and mentioning the football, the children were keen to see it on its arrival.
“The excitement of the youngsters was infectious so I popped in to one of their sessions.
“They were thrilled that we now have the football and were first to see it.
“They loved spotting the signatures of some of their sporting heroes”.
Raffle tickets for the prizes are being sold at both Bishop Auckland Town Council offices in Kingsway and other venues around the town.
The raffle for the football will be drawn on 11 April at Heritage Park as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the 1954 Bishop Auckland versus Crook Town Amateur Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
The raffle for the artwork, at £5 per ticket, will be drawn at the Mayor’s Irish night on 15 March at Bishop Auckland Rugby Club.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
