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left to right: Gordon Gray, DAMHA Chief Executive, 1st Prize winners Lawrence & Irene Potter, 2nd Prize winners Nancy & Billy Alderson, 3rd Prize winner Alfie Stephenson.

Good Neighbour Award 2007

2007 was a bumper year for the annual DAMHA Good Neighbour Award with over 70 residents nominated by their neighbours. The Award winners were honoured during the special ceremony at the Barracuda Bar, (previously The Red Lion Hotel) in Chester le Street on Tuesday 11th December and presented with plaques and cash prizes in recognition of their exceptional generosity and community spirit.

1st prize: Lawrence & Irene Potter, Castle Dene, Lumley.

“I was shocked when they told me that we had won the award. We just naturally do the things that we think that neighbours should do” said Irene Potter, 71, when she and her husband Lawrence, 72, were awarded first prize in the 2007 DAMHA Good Neighbour Award. Irene and Lawrence were nominated for the award by a number of their neighbours at Castle Dene, Lumley.

Mrs Nora Flannigan, 74, said, “Lawrence is there when you need him. He's a very pleasant and helpful person. He will help anyone if he can and he was there for me when I lost my husband. Lawrence was such a good friend to him”.

Mrs Margaret Oliver said, “When I had my eye operation, Mrs Potter came in every day to help me with my eye drops. She is making an excellent job of running our community hall”. And, it's business as usual for Irene when, on the day after the award ceremony, she is cooking Christmas Dinner for her neighbours in the Castle Dene Community Hall. “That's no problem”, said Irene, “I was a school cook for 26 years until I retired at 64, and I love to cook for people”.

The high regard that Mr and Mrs Potter's neighbours hold for them is summed up by neighbour Joy Wanless, “Lawrence and Irene are there if you need them, at any time, and they are always very supportive and caring”.

Nancy & Billy Alderson

2nd prize: Nancy & Billy Alderson, North Hylton Road, Sunderland.

“I am thrilled that Nancy and Billy have won this award and I hope it shows just how much they are appreciated”, said the Alderson's neighbour, Mrs Joan Boyle, 75.

“Since my husband died suddenly this summer, their help and support have been fantastic. Nancy pops in every day to make sure that I am okay and Billy has taken care of my gardens and made them beautiful”.

Nancy said, “We think a lot of Joan and it was a complete shock when Peter died so suddenly. They had been married for over 53 years and made a lovely couple. Joan has a lovely family who can't be there as much as they would like to, and it's a pleasure for us to help wherever we can. Billy loves gardening so taking care of Joan's garden isn't a problem at all”.

Gordon Parkin, DAMHA Vice President and Irene Potter

3rd prize: Alfie Stephenson, Gair Court, Nettlesworth, Chester-le Street.

“Alfie is a very popular character” said Mr Stephenson's neighbour John Munneke, who nominated Mr Stephenson for the award.

Alfie Stephenson, is well known in Gair Court for helping his neighbours out: delivering newspapers, bringing in little surprises and treats, and making meals for some of his neighbours who can't get out much.

“He is always cheerful and has a great sense of humour. He treats people with respect and has a caring nature”, said Mr Munneke.

DAMHA Chief Executive, Gordon Gray said, “The award is a great opportunity to celebrate the natural sense of community that we have in our homes. What impresses me most is that the most caring people just seem to think it's perfectly natural to care for their neighbours. For me, it sums up what's really special about the mining community and we are very proud of our contribution towards nurturing these traditional social values.”

“We are grateful to Aareon UK for their continued support of the DAMHA Good Neighbour Awards. I know that Stephen Makin, Aareon UK's Managing Director, wanted to present the awards but had to go into hospital and we would all like to wish him a speedy recovery.

The Award winners' presentations were made by Gordon Parkin, DAMHA Vice President.