[N]ineteen deserving volunteers who were nominated by Parish Councils for their community work, took centre stage at Eden District Council’s Chairman’s Dinner on Friday 4 May 2018, which was held at the Heather Glen Country House, Ainstable.
Council Chairman, Councillor Mary Robinson, organised the dinner to recognise the hard work of community volunteers, who work without reward to benefit others.
Cllr Robinson said: “In Eden District we have many vibrant towns and villages, where many individuals are putting their communities first and investing their own time to provide services, deliver projects or apply for funding to make things happen. These people give their own selflessly and the Chairman’s Dinner was a small way to say thanks and recognise all their hard work.”
Some examples of the community volunteers who attended the dinner include:
Caroline Morris – Nominated by Ravenstonedale Parish Council – Caroline, also known as professional artist Caroline A Metcalfe-Gibson, gives her time freely to help the community She has been involved with Lune Spring Players, is a member of various committees including the Ravenstonedale Arts Festival and has helped raised money for repairs to the church.
Peter Leach – Nominated by Hartley Parish Meeting – For the past 13 years, Peter has edited and produced a publication entitled Hartley News, which he initiated and he sells to raise funds for charity. Peter has raised nearly £8,000. The Hartley News makes an outstanding contribution to the life of the village and is enjoyed by residents.
Ian Johnson, Head Teacher, Samuel King’s School, Alston – Nominated by Alston Moor Parish Council – Since Ian came to Alston Moor, he has done his best to retain the secondary school. This has and still is a challenging task involving negotiating the differing views of parents and governors. Ian was also amongst the first group of people to volunteer to drive the Alston ambulance, spent a year with Alston Moor Partnership as a director and has recently volunteered for the Fairhill Recreation Grounds committee. He is someone who has made an impact upon the community.
Many local business supported the Chairman’s Dinner by generously donating prizes or sponsorship as part of the Charity Auction which has so far raised over £2,700 to split between Hospice at Home and the Great North Air Ambulance.
Councillor Robinson, said: “I would like to thank all the people who attended the Dinner it was a tremendous occasion. The local business community has been very generous in sponsoring or donating prizes for the Charity Auction which benefits two fantastic causes. I would also like to thank BBC Radio Cumbria’s Gordon Swindlehurst and auctioneer Stuart Maughan for their support.”
111 people attended the Dinner including the Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Trish Vasey and the Chairman of Cumbria County Council, Councillor Elizabeth Mallinson. Representatives from the Chairman’s two chosen charities were also present. Local musicians Two Lane Road also kindly performed at the event.
Local businesses and individuals who kindly supported the Chairman’s Dinner include Judith Smith from the Heather Glen County House, Atkinsons Builders, Cranstons, Marks & Spencers, Virgin Trains, Mrs Millers Culgaith, Four & Twenty Penrith, Hill Croft Park Pooley Bridge, Another Place, Story Homes, the Lakes Free Range Egg Company, Carrs Billington, Cumbrian Homes, Greenwich Leisure Limited, Pioneer Food Service, George Bowman Junior, Pat Turnbull and Geoff and Hazel Proud.
For more information about the role of the Council Chairman visit www.eden.gov.uk or email: [email protected]
