Trimdon Station Residents Association receive recognition from Durham Police Authority
30 September 2011

Trimdon Station Residents’ and Neighbourhood Watch Association has won a royal recognition for its outstanding work in the community. The group is one of just 130 winners of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is described as an MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their community for the benefit of others.

The annual award was created by the Queen to mark her Golden Jubilee in 2002. The prestigious national honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering.

Members of the group were invited to a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace and have since received a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal which was presented to them by the High Sheriff of County Durham, the Queen’s representative in County Durham.

At a Police Authority meeting held on Friday 30 September, Mr Peter Thompson, Chair of Durham Police Authority and Police Authority member, Cllr Lucy Hovvels presented Christine Carter and Jean Pike who are members of the group, with a bouquet of flowers and a commemorative award and congratulated them for their outstanding work in their community.

Mr Thompson said: “Trimdon Residents Association have shown dedication and commitment in their community. I congratulate them and thank them on behalf of Durham Police Authority for their hard work and dedication in keeping their area safe. This is an excellent example of how well communities can work together and be recognised for their hard work in protecting their neighbourhoods”.

Councillor Hovvels said “as a result of the effort of the Residents Association their area is now a much safer place to live in and I am delighted to be associated with this award”.