Northumberland's Local Heroes honoured
09 Jun 2025
Local heroes who make a real difference to communities in Northumberland have been honoured for their efforts.
The County Council’s Local Heroes event recognises those sometimes unsung stars who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of others in their local areas.
Those invited were nominated by their elected members from across the council (prior to the May 2025 elections) and the heroes were invited to a civic reception at County Hall to be honoured for their work
Council Chairman Councillor John Beynon, who hosted the event, said: “It’s a fantastic experience to meet these residents and hear about their contributions to their local communities.
“There really are some incredible people in Northumberland who do so much to make their local area a better place – it’s a real honour for me and everyone who came can truly be called a local hero.”
Those recognised were:
Bob Manners – nominated by Cllr Liz Dunn
Bob and his wife Christina formed “Bacmans Community” over twelve years ago and together they have worked tirelessly to support the most vulnerable in Lynemouth and the surrounding villages, despite Bob having to contend with his own serious health problems.
Throughout the Covid pandemic Bacmans co-ordinated support throughout the four villages and this continues today, when anyone who feels they can benefit from their support is warmly welcomed. Their aim is to support those who need help in overcoming barriers and to enable people living in disadvantaged areas whatever their background to enhance their skills, attitude and experiences.
Working closely with other organisations such as the Parish Councils, schools and churches, Bacmans facilitates holiday club activities and promotes local events to increase social cohesion and prevent isolation, as well as providing benefit and financial advice to those in need. And there is definitely a need in this area.
Lynne Watson - nominated by former Cllr Alex Wallace
Lynne has, along with friends and fellow trustees, her partner Dave, Hilary and Kath, taken over the management of West Sleekburn Village Hall. Supported by Choppington Parish Council they have turned this “mobile unit” with its wonderful garden into a most welcoming place. It’s used a meeting place and is available for hire as and when required.
Lynne and her team open on a “Social Saturday” and this community facility holds a Pop-up Pantry. Residents and those who wish to visit can enjoy a tea or coffee, home-made scones and for an additional £3 select up to 10 items to take home. Regular visits to the Hall arranged by Lynne and her team are the neighbourhood police where residents are appreciative of their attendance.
Steven Beaty – nominated by Cllr Alan Smith
As co-ordinator for Cramlington Rockets, Steve has transformed what was initially a dilapidated and disused hut into a community resource that goes far beyond the provision of rugby training.
He has utilised not only formal links with the town and county council, but involved local charities and businesses to help support and fund Rockets
It has become a service to historically underprivileged and marginalised communities, offering opportunities to them to become involved in sports.
Cramlington Rockets has introduced a community kitchen, giving local people the chance both to be involved in food preparation, and take part in inexpensive and nutritious meals. This has increased social interaction and reduced isolation of excluded social groups, and those who may be vulnerable.
Steve is also involving veterans who wish to contribute to the community, by initiating a young Dads group. This includes giving veterans the chance to interact with particularly young men in need of a role model, helping them to develop social and parental skills
Scott Gillan and Steph Robinson - nominated by former Cllr David Ferguson
Scott and Steph are residents of New Hartley who have used their own love for the outdoors to inspire others to connect with nature and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. They have set up their own not for profit organisation, Tyne to Summit which they run around their actual jobs. Each month, they craft unique hiking experiences around beautiful Northumberland that showcase diverse trails and landscapes, ensuring no two adventures are ever the same. Designed for all fitness levels, abilities and dog friendly - the walks are inclusive, welcoming, and tailored to inspire everyone, from seasoned hikers to first-time explorers.
Jill Brown – nominated by Cllr Paul Ezhilchelvan
Jill has made outstanding contributions and shown exemplary leadership in community volunteering which has over the years enhanced the wellbeing of local residents of all ages, from primary school kids to retirees.
She became a principal founder member of “Friends of Valley Park” shortly after the Council refurbished the woodlands asset Valley Park in Cramlington South East. As the leader of Friends, she leads a team of volunteers in maintaining and enriching that asset in conjunction with the council. The activities involve regular litter-picking, encouraging Red Squirrel habitat, arranging flower beds, activity trails for kids.
Residents were so impressed with many small steps of progress that the number of regular volunteers is continually soaring which currently stands near to 45.
Jill also leads the Cramlington Community Choir which regularly runs concerts to raise funds for many good causes. The Choir is so popular that there is a waiting list to join!
Jill further takes a leading role in “Cramlington Litter Pickers United” and “Keep Britain Tidy” which keeps Cramlington the most cleaned town in Northumberland.
Richard Martin – nominated by former Cllr Liz Simpson
Volunteering is about being part of a team, working together as a collective, a beacon of hope to overcome challenges when they come along, with a common goal to help others, making a difference in society and the environment whilst inspiring others to get involved, a legacy for future generations.
Richard has been a lifeboat volunteer for about 50 years, he also litter picks in the town every Thursday. He is a credit to the town.
John Stenhouse – nominated by former Cllr Eileen Cartie
John has worked as a Trustee and volunteer for years running Northumberland County of Sanctuary. This charity supports many people from the BAEM (Black Asian Ethnic Minority). They support Asylum seekers and Refugees, who need support after fleeing war torn countries. John, with a team of volunteers and the Red Cross, support people settling in, find clothes, food and everyday essentials helping them into a new life and feel safe. They provide support registering them with various services, such as teaching English.
John is also a volunteer Trustee for the Friends of Ridley Park in Blyth where they support the work in the park keeping our greens spaces in good order for all to enjoy.
Dianne Rossiter – nominated by Cllr Scott Lee
Dianne Rossiter worked tirelessly with residents of East Cramlington and surrounding areas to document and present evidence that a pathway had been used for over 20 years in order to establish Retrospective Rights of Way permission to access the East Cramlington Nature Reserve.
Sean Malone – nominated by former Cllr Jeff Watson
Sean formed a group in Acklington Village to restore and repair many kilometres of footpaths, both Rights of Way and Permissive Pathways. He has negotiated with landowners and Northumberland County Council Countryside teams. He works very hard and has a team of residents recruited to help.
Anna Louise Melling – nominated by Cllr Daniel Carr
Anna has been recognised for her tireless voluntary work, inclusive spirit, and outstanding contribution to improving lives through communication and the arts.
Ayesha Jackson – nominated by former Cllr Ian Hutchinson
Ayesha has been working with youths in Haltwhistle for 18 years and has developed services provided to young people in her local area,
With the support from trustees, she set up the ‘Young and Sweet’ charity which provides the opportunity to secure funding to provide extra activities for young people.
As the charity went from strength to strength, Ayesha identified a local building which had great potential to be a designated space for young people and the local community. As a result of a successful asset transfer from NCC the building, "Hillside" is owned by the charity and with a great deal of investment is now a functioning accessible space for the whole community.
The young people are provided with an open access youth provision which has themes of learning through a weekly program as well as extra holiday activities including day trips and residentials.
Vivienne Morgan - nominated by former Cllr Anna Watson
Vivienne lives in the ward and is part of the community volunteers in Blyth and also Friends of Ridley Park. She is always there on local litter picks and normally has collected a bag or two on her way there! Vivienne volunteers her own time to make the ward and the town of Blyth a better place and is actively involved in her community.
Amanda Sheldon – nominated by Cllr Caroline Ball
Amanda is a true community hero and has worked hard for Ashington and local charities.
Nothing is too much trouble, and she will help anyone if she can.
From raising awareness of various health campaigns to supporting local initiatives and well-being. Amanda has a great heart and really deserves to be recognised for everything she does.