Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Friday, 15 January 2010

Today Mary and I were delighted to join Durham University for their Winter Congregation Ceremony where undergraduates and postgraduate students were presented with their degrees.  I joined the academic procession and Mary was shown to a seat in the audience. It was great to meet the students and staff.

It was then back to Stockton to visit Mrs Amy Atkin at Churchview Nursing Home who was celebrating her 100th birthday.  It was great listening to Amy talk about her life before and after the second world war.  Amy was born in Scotland but moved to Norton as a child and has lived here ever since.  Also as a Salvation Army Chorister,  the Salvation Army Band was there to help her celebrate.  I wish her a very happy birthday.

Tonight Mary and I attended a Town and Gown dinner being hosted by the University of Durham in the Waterside Room at the Queen's Campus, Teesdale.  The dinner was attended by Professor Ray Hudson, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University, who gave a very welcoming speech.  The purpose of the event was to further cement the relationship between both organisations and share ideas. It was a really good evening and the food was delicious.