Civic Award winners are honoured
Outstanding people across the Borough have been honoured by the outgoing Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Stephen Richardson.
The annual Mayor's Civic Awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond in the community and help make Stockton-on-Tees a great place to live.
At the Council's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, April 1, Councillor Richardson used his final engagement as outgoing Mayor to honour the winners of the seven award categories.
He said: "The Civic Awards are a fitting way to end my Mayoral year because it gives me the opportunity to highlight the amazing residents and organisations going out of their way to help boost community spirit in the Borough.
"Each award has gone to a truly worthy winner, and it has been an absolute pleasure to meet them all and present them with the honour."
Young Person Award, Ariadne Goldsmith
The inspirational eight-year-old girl has showed determination, kindness, and an impressive sense of purpose, by raising almost £2000 this year in support of several cancer charities after walking 80 miles when completing a number of sponsored walks, while also hosting a fundraising pyjama party at the Ingleby Barwick Hub. Ariadne is now planning to build on her achievements by taking part in more fundraising events in the future.
Service to the Community, Janet Hodgson (née Dickinson)
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Janet Dickinson School of Dance and, at the age of 78, she is showing no signs of slowing down. Janet has inspired countless students, many of whom have pursued performing arts careers or become involved in amateur dramatics. While the dance school remains strong and deeply rooted in the Hartburn community, Janet has also raised over £250,000 for numerous charities through decades of community shows.
Service to the Community - Group or Organisation, Hope Cancer Community Group
The Hope Cancer Community Group has been described as a 'lifeline' for those going through the 'scary' and 'lonely' journey of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Set up and run by Ann Hope, the group provides help and information to cancer patients in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Service to the Community - Business, Choco-Latte
After taking over the Norton High Street business a year ago, owner Zara Swallow has transformed Choco-Latte into a safe, warm, welcoming environment for everyone. The dog-friendly community hub is the ideal meeting point for a cuppa, cake and a chat for people who would otherwise be isolated at home, while the staff are on hand to help with customers who have mental health issues, physical problems and dementia.
Health and Wellbeing Award, Stockton Volunteer Driver Service
National charity, Volunteering Matters, were commissioned to set up this innovative service in 2024 to enable Stockton residents, particularly older people, those with disabilities, and individuals on low incomes, to make short journeys that felt impossible due to gaps in public transport and mobility barriers. Since its introduction the service has helped over 300 people to date. Of the 4,000 journeys taken, 66 per cent have enabled residents to attend social and wellbeing activities, reduced isolation and loneliness and positively impacted people's overall health.
Green Award, Bright Minds Big Futures
This organisation has a key focus on delivering events and opportunities for young people. They have placed significant emphasis on sustainability—promoting recycling, reusing and upcycling materials. From showcasing creations on a catwalk at their Upcycling Thrift Event, Bright Minds Big Fashion, to helping 30 young people find their perfect prom outfit at low or no cost via the Second Dance Prom Project, there's been lots to celebrate this year.
Mayor's Special Service to the Community Award, Olga Maloney
Olga has been the Artistic Director of Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance and Producer of theatrical shows since 2011. With the support of Arts Council England, she has brought contemporary dance, based on multi-cultural roots, alongside the traditional dance, into its programme. Olga has also provided multiple platforms for professional development and helped showcase new work by local and regional talent and emerging dance companies.
