A Spennymoor Town bandsman has been awarded the Durham County Council ‘Chairman’s Medal’, the highest civic honour the local authority can bestow on a County Durham resident.

Award

Hugh Stephenson received his award from the Chairman of the County Council and Mayor of Durham, Councillor John Robinson at a celebratory event in Durhan recently.

The award recognises Hugh’s significant achievements and outstanding efforts, ambitions and successes in the community, with particular reference to fundraising and promotion of the brass band movement in the North East.

Impact

Councillor Robinson stated: “These awards recognise our service men and women, the emergency services and unsung heroes. They are real champions who have had an impact on the lives of many in County Durham.”

Hugh, is known for his ‘midas touch’ when it comes to fundraising for brass bands and community groups, and has raised nearly £200,000 in the last 25 years, most recently securing over £5,500 for the Durham County Brass Band Association.

I’m obviously delighted to be recognised in this way, but have always found my fundraising for brass bands and other community groups to be a hobbyHugh Stephenson

Fundraising

Hugh told 4BR: “I’m obviously delighted to be recognised in this way, but have always found my fundraising for brass bands and other community groups to be a hobby.”

He added: “Brass bands have played a big part in my life for over 40 years and my current mission is the promotion of free brass tuition for children and young people by Spennymoor Youth Band.”