Syd Howarth Community Service Award Winner

Newton News Editor, Paul Howarth, under the guise of being invited as a guest speaker, this week attended Rotary Newton Aycliffe’s weekly meeting with the rest of the members, via Zoom. After a short presentation to the members, the award was announced to the surprise of the recipient, Geoff Batchelor.

Geoff has been Rotary Welfare Officer for a number of years and over that time has liaised and built up a rapport with many local agencies in and around Newton Aycliffe. He has many mutual connections and they know and trust that he will assist a family or a good cause in need of help. Geoff is contacted by foodbanks, social services, health visitors, family charities and individuals in complete confidence and these organisations understand that talking to Geoff will get results, but due to the nature of the donations and the recipients, the outcome is largely unknown to the general public.

“I am proud to be the first individual to receive this award, especially with the very close connection with Syd”, said Geoff.

The Howarth’s recognised this work and believed it was time to reward the excellent community work that Geoff achieves on a regular basis - helping clients without ever meeting them