As I’ve reached halfway through my term as Mayor it’s a good time to reflect on the many opportunities where I’ve been able to meet people and learn about Bishop Auckland. Understanding the diverse range of activities from individuals, local businesses and organisations has certainly contributed to my knowledge of my hometown. Throughout the year there are numerous events such as the Heritage Fair, Car Show, Art Exhibitions in the Town Hall which were very well supported and not forgetting the respectful crowds at the D Day Commemoration and Remembrance Service. Large numbers enjoyed external organisations events such as the Annual Bishop Auckland Food Festival, Street Food Markets, an excellent Family Festival at Jane Armstrong Park in the summer and the Winter Wonderland at the Auckland Youth and Community Centre. It was very pleasing to see a record number of nominations for the Council’s Annual Youth Awards. Sponsored by local businesses, the red-carpet event in the Town Hall recognises the stories and best achievements of our young people. All Exceptional , All Inspirational, a credit to their families and to us all.
The run up to this festive season has been busy for the town, with the combination of ‘Christmas Town’ from Baccanalia and Bridge Creative, ‘AGLOW’ from The Auckland Project, an exhibition in St Anne’s Church with permanent features like the Mining Art Gallery, the Spanish Gallery, Cafes , Restaurants and Bars inviting visitors to enjoy the towns hospitality.
This is my opportunity to recognise and say ‘Thank You’ to the volunteers who work across our whole community to assist residents overcome some of the difficulties they may be experiencing. We are extremely fortunate to have active Youth Services and Crisis Support, readily available in the form of Food Banks and the Churches and Charities who provide homeless and housing, mental health and wellbeing support. People helping people builds a sense of community that’s relevant and important for everyone. The Town Council makes donations to a number of organisations through our Community Committee and we hope to maintain this through 2025.
It was also a real privilege to present the Members of Bishop Auckland Rotary Club with a Commemorative Medal to mark the 100th Anniversary of their long and continued service to the community. A memorable achievement!
As the year draws to a close, I am more than hopeful that 2025 will see the work of the Stronger Towns Board and Durham County Council’s ‘Regeneration’ efforts come to fruition. My confidence in the future is boosted when I see the transformation of the 132 year old ‘McIntyre’s’ into a Training Facility, Restaurant and Digital Centre. Bishop Auckland College have set a new benchmark for vision, strategy and delivery of a ‘Best In Class’ Regeneration Project. Improvements in Bondgate to walkways and urban space the new Kingsway Car Park and Bus Station are well underway. Sizeable developments of this nature appear to be slower than we would like but be assured that numerous parties are working hard to bring these to life as soon as possible.
Challenges and issues may change but realistically they never go away and you get new and different ones. What I have learned this year is that we all belong to a community that meets these head-on and with that kind of resilience and some optimism our town has much to look forward to in 2025 and beyond.
On behalf of Bishop Auckland Town Council, my fellow Councillors, Council Officers and Staff, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Cllr Mike Harker, Mayor of Bishop Auckland (my hometown!)
Published: 19th December 2024
