Stockton civic awards honour inspiring volunteers and local heroes

The awards, along with record-breaking funds raised for the Butterwick Hospice and the Moses Project, were handed out at Stockton Council’s annual general meeting. Councillor Bob Cook was also appointed Mayor of Stockton for the next year during the event at Billingham Forum.

Cllr Jim Beall nominated Cllr Cook, saying the former fitter was committed to public service with almost 35 years on the council and 14 years as its leader, describing him as kind, dedicated, reliable, calm, down to earth and affable and a champion for the disadvantaged. He said: “I am confident he will represent the borough with distinction.”

Cllr Cook chose Autism Matters and Neoangels as his charities as mayor. Cllr Marilyn Surtees, praised as a hard working, well respected community activist and champion, was appointed deputy mayor.

Cllr Lynn Hall praised the outgoing mayor, Cllr Stephen Richardson, as tireless and enthusiastic, said he “ensured we were well represented on the world stage” during the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentenary celebrations, among more than 200 engagements as he raised a “staggering” £46,108 for his charities: “I think we can say you nailed it, Stephen.”

Cllr Tony Riordan said: “Your year as mayor has been nothing short of impressive. You’ve done a wonderful job bringing people together.”

Cllr Richardson said: “It’s been a tremendous honour and privilege. Every visit, every conversation, every event has reminded me how fortunate we are to live in such a remarkable borough. One defined by kindness, generosity and unwavering community support.”

He said Butterwick Hospice and the Moses Project, for which he raised £20,054 each, were both “life-changing” organisations, with Butterwick touching families at their most difficult times and providing comfort and dignity, while the Moses Project lifted people up from their lowest point and turned lives around, adding: “Both of these charities represent the best of our community – care, compassion and hope.”

He gave the following civic awards to people who went “above and beyond” and made a difference in their communities:

• Young Person – eight-year-old Ariadne Goldsmith, for the “amazing achievement” of walking 80 miles and raising just under £2,000 for Young Lives Vs Cancer;
• Service to the Community (Individual) – Janet Hodgson who, at 78, who “continues to inspire generations through her passion for dance”, teaching dance for 60 years at the Janet Dickinson School of Dance and raising over £250,000 for charities;
• Service to the Community (Groups) – Hope Cancer Community Group, a support group “like being in a family unit where everybody understands what the other is going through”;
• Service to the Community (Business) – Choco-Latte for providing a “safe, warm, welcoming community hub for everyone”, helping people with issues including isolation, mental health and dementia;
• Health and Wellbeing – Stockton Volunteer Driver Service, for providing “safe, door-to-door journeys for those unable to use conventional transport”, giving more than 300 people a “lifeline, restoring confidence and independence”;
• Green Award – Bright Minds, Big Futures, a youth organisation which has focused its efforts on sustainability and promoting recycling this year, hosting a thrift event with a catwalk and helping families find low-cost prom outfits;
• Special Award – Olga Maloney, for her “enormous selfless commitment”, working with the Billingham International Folklore Festival “at the heart of the event for nearly 30 years” as artistic director and producer, with similar festivals around the world and tours including Torvill and Dean.

Cllr Richardson also gave long service awards to three council employees for 25 years’ service. Council leader Cllr Lisa Evans announced there would be no changes to her cabinet this year.