For Sue Reece it is “that desire to give something back” that prompted her to join the Town Council in 2024 and be an active participant in community engagement. Now, two years later, she has been elected as the Chilton Mayor for the second time, writes volunteer community journalist, Mona Schulze.
She describes herself as privileged to have grown up in a small mining town in County Durham and to have built an international career representing the British university sector. In her past, she led and worked with multicultural teams across more than 30 countries, where she gained significant global experience.
“My greatest passion has always been in my work, both professionally and as a volunteer,” Sue says. She wants to help people make positive changes to their lives, particularly within the Northeast and Durham – “a region that sometimes feels forgotten”, as she puts it. Returning to Chilton, she is determined to ensure that this does not remain the case.
Growing into Mayor’s role
Sue Reece was first elected Mayor of Chilton in 2025. Following her re-election, she speaks openly about her first term in office: “It’s very humbling, given that in your first year as Mayor you are really just learning the role,” Sue says.
She therefore feels especially honoured by the recognition of her colleagues and their confidence in her work. Their support gives her the opportunity to build on the progress made so far and “continue to represent and promote Chilton and the wider community,” she says.
Looking back, moving forward
During her first term as Mayor of Chilton, Sue Reece focused strongly on preserving local heritage and “championing the incredible community spirit that defines our town,” as she puts it.
In her view, the overseeing of the Community Grant Scheme was “one of the most rewarding aspects” of her last term. The scheme is funded through councillors’ continued decision to forgo their personal allowances, allowing money to be reinvested directly into the community.
As a result, the Town Council was able to provide “vital funding” to local groups such as the Chilton 1st Scouts, Chilton Chi Taekwondo Club and many more.
One of the bigger projects during her term was the restoration of the Miners’ Pavilion, which was transformed into a heritage exhibition centre. This was made possible by a £250K grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, helping to preserve an important part of Chilton’s heritage.
Further physical improvements were taken in playparks, the cemetery and allotments such as the newly established Community Allotment. Additional enhancements to sporting facilities, including the Charlie Wayman pitches, were supported through funding from the Miners’ Welfare Recreation Ground Charity, enabling the return of competitive football for all age groups.
For the Mayor’s charity, Sue was able to raise £4,000. This year’s beneficiaries include the Chilton Toy Appeal, Blood Cancer UK, and the Chilton Bikes, Boards and Brushes Project.
The spirit of Chilton
Being directly involved in the local projects, Sue Reece learned something remarkable about the character of Chilton’s community:
“Chilton is blessed with some of the most generous, passionate and committed people that I have had the privilege to meet and work alongside,” she says.
What stands out to her most is their ability to “always retain a sense of humour in any circumstance”.
What’s next?
The Town Council already has a busy agenda ahead. However, a key priority remains the completion of the Chilton Heritage Project, which aims to safeguard the town’s mining and cultural assets for future generations.
At the same time, Cllr Sue is committed to supporting local economic development by linking Chilton to the South Durham tourism triangle. Alongside this, ongoing work continues on fundraising for local causes and securing funding for development projects that meet community needs.
Ultimately, one focus stands above all others for Sue: “My first priority would always be to continue to listen to residents, represent, support them and take action where appropriate.”
The new Mayor’s charity
“The new Mayor’s Charity will focus on mental health and wellbeing,” Sue says. Fundraising efforts will support a range of organisations that provide services to the Chilton community.
The first of many events and activities is a Mayor’s Coffee Morning on the 28th of June to celebrate Armed Forces Day and raise funds for the charity “Combat Stress”.
Mona Schulze
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
