Our Annual Town Meeting was held on Tuesday 13th May 2025 in Sedgefield Parish Hall. It was another great turnout with residents keen to express their views, learn about the council’s work and to show support to friends and families receiving awards or donations. Everyone was provided with refreshments as they listened to the meeting and presentations by County Cllr Chris Lines, Sedgefield Charities (by Anne Gladwin) and Sedgefield Development Trust (by Janette Savage). Newly elected County Councillor Ian Catchpole was also in attendance and took a moment to introduce himself, having only recently taken up his position.

Following the meeting, Mayor of Sedgefield Peter Hinde took the time to thank his Consort Jaime for her support and hard work behind the scenes over the last year.

Peter will be the first to admit it isn’t easy being a full-time working Mayor, but his efforts have not gone unrecognised. Raising nearly £2,800, Peter focused on building rapport with the vast variety of organisations and groups Sedgefield has to offer and chose to give back exclusively to the community, without nominating a headline charity.

Congratulations to the following who received a donation from the Mayor this year. You can find a full gallery of images from the event at the end of this write up!

1st Sedgefield Brownies, 1st Sedgefield Girl Guides, 1st Sedgefield Scout Group, DIDO, Handbell Ringers, Homebryth House Residents Group, Local History Society, Memory Café, Pop-In Club, SCA Med Fayre, Sedgefield in Bloom, Sedgefield Out of School Fun Club, Sedgefield Youth Club, SPYS, St Edmund’s Christmas Tree Festival, u3a, Woodland and Wildlife Group.

To conclude the evening, we had two final presentations to make – Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year!

Your 2024 Citizen of the Year winner is… Tony Guest.

To anyone who knows Tony, we’re sure it’s no surprise that the moment has finally arrived to put him in the spotlight and surprise him with this prestigious award.

Tony moved up north in 1976 to attend Bingley Teacher Training College and it was there that he met his wife, Sarah (our 2018 winner!). Tony and Sarah moved to Sedgefield 43 years ago, where they’ve raised their three sons: Robert, Thomas, and Matthew.

Tony began working locally with Sedgefield District Council, managing Ferryhill Leisure Centre. He moved on to run several other local leisure centres before transitioning to a more strategic role. In the final 15 years of his career, Tony worked for the NHS, retiring in 2021.

Soon after arriving in Sedgefield, Tony immersed himself in community life. He was an active member of the Sedgefield and District Round Table until he ‘aged out’ at 45. Not one to step back, he helped establish PMT – Past Members of Table – where the camaraderie continued. Tony has also been a member of Sedgefield Community Association (SCA) for roughly 30 years, serving as a Trustee for half of it. Tony has a very hands-on role and is well known as Chair of the Bar Committee and Facilities Manager. 

Tony brings a wealth of professional experience to his continued volunteer work, but it’s his dedication and spirit that truly stand out. Always ready to lend a hand, he’s often the first to arrive and the last to leave. Known for his kindness, and knack for rallying people together, Tony is approachable, good-humoured, and just an absolute joy to work with.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to shine a light on his incredible service and commitment to our community – a truly worthy winner. Congratulations!

There’s more!

We’re delighted to have once again received nominations for Young Citizen of the Year, a fantastic chance to show appreciation and recognition to the younger members of our community that make such a lasting impact.

The fourth recipient (technically fifth as the 2021 award went to sisters Martha and Maggie!) of this award is… Iona Darnton!

Iona has been involved in our community from a very young age. Many recognise her as being a member of Sedgefield Lyrics Youth Choir (SLYC) for nearly a decade. If not, you may recognise her as, well.. a range of characters! Iona has graced the Parish Hall stage as a member of Sedgefield Players Youth Section (SPYs) for years and even took on a role of SPYs committee member last year. Iona is also a valued member of Sedgefield Youth Club and has recently taken over as Senior Youth Leader from last year’s winner George!

In addition to her community spirit, Iona has earned significant praise and recognition throughout her academic life. Iona was presented with the Governor’s Award at the end of Year Six. She still returns to her primary school when available, to help in the Early Years Department. Now at college, she represents the school at parents’ evenings and new starter meetings. In 2024, she was asked to apply for the position of Head Student, a role that she has fulfilled in her usual determined, dedicated and cheerful manner.

Congratulations on all your achievements Iona!