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Good Neighbour Awards 2009

The DAMHA Good Neighbour Awards are one of the most important events of the Association’s year. In keeping with tradition, the awards ceremony took place at The Red Lion pub in Chester le Street on 8th December. The winners were presented with plaques and cash prizes in recognition of their thoughtfulness and caring for others.

Mrs Pat Wilkinson

1st Prize: Mrs Pat Wilkinson, Witton Park
“I was stunned when I won the award”, said Pat Wilkinson (73). “We all look out for each other here and I think it is perfectly natural to care for and support your neighbours and I didn’t expect to win an award”. Eighty-nine year old Mrs Jessie Hughes nominated Pat because “She has been a valued friend now for over twenty years and recently, when I broke my hip and wrist through a fall in my garden, Pat took control of the situation and made sure that I was properly cared for”. Jessie said,” Pat made sure that I got to hospital for surgery, organised a visiting rota, takes care of my bungalow, does my laundry and keeps family and friends up to date with my progress. She has always been an amazing and true friend but in this crisis, she became my guardian angel”.

Pat said, “Just being nominated came as a surprise to me, but winning was absolutely wonderful. I didn’t think that I did any more than my friends would do for me. There was a lovely atmosphere at the award ceremony and it just goes to show that there is plenty of community spirit”.

Mr. John (Jack) Harrison

2nd Prize: Mr. John (Jack) Harrison, Shotton Colliery
Thomas Tempest, Jack Harrison’s neighbour said “Since my wife Ann and I have had medical and mobility problems over the last seven years, Jack has supported us every single day”. Thomas said, “Jack is not only dedicated to our well-being, helping us with things like shopping, but he also does a lot for our other neighbours in the Aged Miners’ Homes”.

It comes as no surprise then that Jack, despite health problems of his own, has a reputation for helping others. Jack who won the DAMHA Good Neighbour Award in 1999, said,” I was really surprised to be nominated. I just help out where I can and we just help each other really”.

Mr. & Mrs. Alders

3rd Prize: Mr. & Mrs. Alders, Peterlee
Sheila Alders, (65), joked about how she reacted when she found out that she and her husband Bob, (71), had been nominated for the award by next door neighbour Mrs Wyles. “I said that I could bump her off, I was so embarrassed, said Sheila. “We both had a good laugh and a cup of tea. She knows that Bob and I don’t like a fuss but it was really lovely of her to put our names forward. She is a lovely neighbour and a joy to know”.

“You couldn’t wish for better neighbours than Pat and Bob”, said Mrs Wyles, “They have been particularly helpful since my husband died five years ago. Sheila has looked after me when I have been ill and Bob does my garden. Nothing is a bother to them”.