Volunteers across County Durham have been recognised for their outstanding services to the community.
Durham County Council has awarded a Chairman’s Medal, which is the highest civic honour that can be granted in the local authority area, to volunteers from the Open Door Church in Willington, as well as Chester-le-Street residents, John Adey and Jimmy Carroll.
John and Jimmy’s award recognises their efforts within the Chester-le-Street community to remember those who have served in war and other conflicts.
The pair were instrumental in creating the town’s Remembrance Memorial and annual Remembrance parade, offering residents opportunities to reflect and pay their respects.
After raising funds to purchase and install the town’s war memorial in 2009, the pair dedicated their efforts to growing an annual parade, which has developed into a huge community event that sees more than 4,500 people participating.
Both ideas were born out of their passion for remembering those who have served, with Jimmy also being a veteran himself and having a personal understanding of the sacrifices often made by service personnel.
Volunteers from the Open Door Church have also been recognised by the council for the support provided to vulnerable residents across Willington.
From cooking meals in the church café during the coronavirus pandemic and delivering them to those in need, making Christmas Day lunches and buying and wrapping presents for struggling families, to running a range of activities to bring residents together, volunteers continue to make a huge difference to their community.
They have helped local people to develop important life skills, by offering support with budgeting, completing forms and signposting to qualifications and personal enrichment activities.
Children have also benefitted from some exciting and memorable holiday events through Open Door’s Fun and Food activities, with volunteers ensuring that these support people of all ages across the community.
The awards were presented by Joan Nicholson, the outgoing Chair of Durham County Council.
To find out more about the Chairman’s Medal, visit www.durham.gov.uk/chairmansmedal
