Community centre stalwarts and volunteer gardener honoured with Chairman's Medals

Cllr Joan Nicholson presents Chairman's Medals to Betty Minto, Christine Clarke and James Holden.

Betty Minto, Christine Clarke and James Holden have each been presented with a Chairman's Medal from the our Chair, Cllr Joan Nicholson.

Formidable duo turned round community centre's fortunes 

Betty and Christine are the driving force in turning round the fortunes of Burnopfield Community Centre, which was struggling when Betty arrived in 2006.

Working together, head trustee Betty and treasurer Christine have proven a formidable duo, bringing community services, clubs, bingo and a day care nursery to the venue.

They rallied to serve breakfasts and dinners to people affected by power cuts during the 2021 storms and one of their most recent ventures is a new community shop.

James's floral displays brightening lives in Newton Hall

Green-fingered James has transformed the flower beds at Bowes Court flats in Newton Hall, where he lives.

Spotting they were in need of some "TLC" several years ago, James stepped in and got planting.

And he's not stopped since - the beds are now home to a colourful array of plants and flowers enjoyed by the flats' residents.

Trio making "huge difference" to their communities

The Chairman's Medal is the highest honour we can award to individuals and organisations for their outstanding voluntary contribution to the county.

Cllr Joan Nicholson, our Chair, said: "People like Betty, Christine and James make such a huge difference to their local communities.

"In Betty and Christine's case, they've built a thriving community venue and everything taking place in there is changing the lives of local people for the better.

"The flats where James lives are primarily occupied by older people, and the fruits of his hard work not only brighten up the place itself but also the lives of those who live there.

"It was my great pleasure to present them each with a Chairman's Medal, and thank them for their respective contributions."