EASTWOOD TOWN COUNCIL
Town Mayor’s Awards 2007
OFFICIAL CITATIONS
GEORGE HENRY BELSHAW
Born in 1926 George enlisted
for armed service in 1940 where he served in Italy
and North Africa until 1946. Upon leaving the services
he joined Eastwood Collieries Football Club and
become captain of a very successful team. During
his time with them he was dubbed ‘The Stag’ on
account of his speed and doggedness. Very
few wingers got the better of George! In
1953 he become a founding member of Eastwood Town
Football Club, devotedly serving as a player, ‘sponge
man’, gate man, club official and for over
20 years as Club Chairman. His 60 years
of unbroken service to Eastwood Football is a remarkable
record unlikely every to be equaled let alone bettered.
It
is because of extensive contributions over many
years given by people such as George Belshaw that
Eastwood Town has a quality Football Club that
is constantly and progressively striving for professional
excellence.
HERBERT SIMPSON-EYRE
Herbert has been a member of the Eastwood Collieries
Male Voice Choir for over 50 years where he sings
with a second tenor group. As a member
of the Choir he has helped represent Eastwood on
both radio and television, singing (and winning)
at many musical festivals and helping numerous
charity organizations raise funds.
He has also raised funds for various charities
outside the Choir and being a garage proprietor
often gave lifts to people, even going out of his
way to do so. Herbert is a member and
supporter of the United Reformed Church often performing
the tasks of ‘odd job man’. Regarded
as ‘The Father of the Choir’, Herbert
continues to sing with the Choir whenever he can. A
remarkable man whose efforts make him an ideal
candidate for a Mayor’s Award.
PASTOR RAY GRAHAM
Pastor Graham has been the senior
Minister of the Assemblies of God Church, Eastwood
over the last 28 years. In those years he has helped,
encouraged and contributed to the well being of
the Local Community, members of his own church
and other churches in the Eastwood area. Some of
those duties include helping in providing a meal
for senior citizens, traveling to various hospitals
to pray for the sick, visits to homes to give guidance
and counseling and in helping to comfort the bereaved.
He has arranged and conducted many visits to support
the residential and nursing homes for the elderly.
Pastor Graham continues to help all the Schools
in the area with advice and ministry including
conducting school assemblies when required. He
has helped cement the friendship of the various
churches by encouraging them to work together on
the many projects and activities to help the people
of Eastwood.
In summary, a member of our community whose work
thoroughly deserves public acknowledgement.
DEREK HICKINBOTHAM
Derek has spent many years helping various groups
and individuals in many ways. He is
Vice Chairman and Long-time supporter of the Eastwood
Arcadians Band. He is Chairman of a local
grant making committee giving financial help to
worthwhile causes.
When he was proprietor of a fruit and vegetable
store, he often donated baskets of fruit to charities
and community groups to help them raise funds.
Derek personally funded and arranged the attendance
of the 3 time Grand National Winner, Red Rum, to
head a parade on to Coronation Park; an event which
attracted thousands of people. For
all this good work on behalf of many local groups
and individuals, Derek is worthy of the highest
praise and a Mayor’s Award would be a suitable
form of recognition.
JOHN AND WINIFRED TIMBY
A couple, nominated by a previous recipient of
this award Mrs Mary Bend, have over many years
both individually and as lifetime partners given
countless contributions to community support groups
and individuals. They hold coffee
mornings each week in their own house for Christian
Aid with Winifred producing a variety of tasty
cakes. They regularly take a housebound
lady to carry out her weekly shopping and help
another housebound lady with house cleaning. John
does a variety of jobs to support Greasley Church
and is currently on the third year of a course
for Chaplains in the work place. Many people have
in the past commented upon the caring attributes
of this couple of Eastwood residents, and have
provided many individual examples of the work for
other in need.
Both John and Winifred have over many years set
a wonderful example upon how we should all do what
we can to help our neighbours and friends within
our local community.
JEAN AND MICHAEL WOOD
These awards are to two partners who have organized
and managed the Eastwood Tae Kwon Do Karate Club
for over 25 years. They have influenced, inspired,
cared, and role modeled for the children and young
people of Eastwood who have taken in interest in
this activity. Initially starting the
club in Greasley Church Hall, they then moved to
Eastwood Comprehensive Upper and Lower Schools
and currently operate from the Plumtre Hall at
the rear of St Mary’s Church, Eastwood. Without
fail twice weekly they have been there ready on
time with a good word for every student, come rain,
hail or shine. First there and
last to leave, their dedication is not only in
the on night training but the never ending organization
and competitions, specialist training events, travel,
logistics and supply of equipment. Their
door is always open and the example they have set
has been exemplary to all children and adults alike.
In the words of the nomination letter it is truly
a worthwhile and gladdening experience to walk
into the hall on any training night. To
see anything up to 40 or more children all courteous,
respectful, orderly, hardworking and most importantly
happy, being taught and inspired with an excellent
work ethic and care for their fellow students. The
personal attributes of courtesy, integrity, perseverance,
self control and indomitable spirit are taught
and understood by every single student of the ages
of 5 upwards. Their dedication,
care, and hard work over the years have inspired,
helped and developed absolutely hundreds of children
and young people of the Town to become good, hard
working and productive citizens.
Two people who again have made an enormous contribution
to the development of people within our community.
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