Double Community Recognition Awards at the Town Council!

Before the main full Council Meeting on Wednesday, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Neil Collinson presented awards to two worthy nominees.  Paul Howarth was nominated by Carrie Howarth and Don Walker for his outstanding dedication to the Newton Aycliffe community and Carol Gaskarth was nominated by Heather Brewster for her dedication to improving the health, wellbeing and learning opportunities for Great Aycliffe residents and beyond.

Carrie said, “Paul is an outstanding and dedicated member of the Newton Aycliffe community whose impact reaches far beyond what most people realise. Through his roles with the Newton News, Ayclive and Aycliffe Radio, Paul works tirelessly to support local residents, groups, charities, and events, almost all of it voluntarily and quietly behind the scenes.

Paul organises and helps deliver key affordable community events such as the ‘Spooktacular Halloween at ROF59’, Town Centre activities, Pride, and the Ayclive Festival. Alongside this, Paul consistently uses the Newton News to promote and support other local groups and their activities, giving them a platform to reach the wider community”.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Neil Collinson said, “Paul has followed in the footsteps of his fondly remembered father, Syd, in promoting and supporting the community via his work with the Newton News, as well as Aycliffe Radio and Ayclive Events, and has played a key role in improving services, events and facilities in Great Aycliffe. I am sure Syd would be very proud of you”.

Nominating Carol Gaskarth, Heather Brewster said, “As Chief Executive of the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), Carol exemplifies outstanding leadership, resilience and community impact.  She is charismatic, inspiring and deeply committed to making a difference.  Her ability to blend social impact with business acumen ensures sustainability and growth while keeping people at the heart of PCP’s mission.

Under Carol’s leadership, the number of individuals and businesses receiving support has significantly increased. Staff and volunteer numbers have grown, £1.5m investment has been secured for the Hydrotherapy Pool and facilities, and over £900,000 in funding to the County Durham voluntary sector has been distributed”.

Presenting the award, the Deputy Mayor said, “Carol has made a huge contribution to the community of Great Aycliffe, both in her role as Chief Executive of the PCP and in a voluntary capacity, in helping to improve the health, welfare and wellbeing of residents, and this award is very richly deserved”.

Great Aycliffe Town Council launched their Community Recognition Award Scheme to recognise and acknowledge the dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution that nominated individuals make to improve and promote the Parish of Great Aycliffe. 

If you would like to nominate someone from the Great Aycliffe Parish for a Community Recognition Award, please get in touch by email or see our Community Recognition Awards page