Kevin Nicholson (politician)

Kevin Nicholson
BEM

Kevin Nicholson with BEM in purple shirt

Kevin Nicholson with the British Empire Medal
chairman
Firthmoor & District Community Association
Assumed office
25 July 2008
Preceded by David Preston
Member of Youth Parliament
for Darlington
In office
11 February 2005 – 10 February 2006
Personal details
Born Darlington, England, UK
Nationality British
Religion Church of England
Website www.kevinnicholson.co.uk

Kevin Nicholson, BEM is the current chairman of Firthmoor & District Community Association[1] based in the Firthmoor area of Darlington

In 2014, Nicholson became one of the youngest people in the country to be awarded a British Empire Medal [BEM] in the Queen's New Years Honours List 2014[2]

Voluntary Work

Kevin Nicholson hands out Christmas hampers to Firthmoor over 50's members with Sainsburys Darlington store manager James Dale

In March 2008, Nicholson was appointed a trustee of the Firthmoor & District Community Association, he was then elected chairman at the charities Annual General Meeting in the July of that year, becoming Darlington's youngest community leader[3]

Kevin Nicholson speaks to Darlington Mayoress Carole Johnson and Chief Inspector Mick Button at the official opening of Firthmoor Community Centre Cafe

Nicholson lead programme aimed at revamping[4] and modernising the local community centre[5] initial consultations took place with local residents about the plans[6] which included reverting to the community centre's former name of Firthmoor Community Centre[7]

Nicholson became chairman in a time when the charity was dealing with a number internal issues, including restrictions to the charty's income streams[8] however despite the operational and funding challenges, new projects, initiatives and activities were encouraged to make use of the community centre, such as community fun days, charity social evenings, community newsletters and day trips away, a community sponsorship campaign was also launched[9]

Kevin Nicholson takes part in the Royal Wedding celebrations held at Firthmoor Community Centre

Most notably Nicholson has been involved with the community centre solar panels project[10] and the community café refurbishment[11] in addition Nicholson supported the set up of a regular NHS blood donation service and new NHS dental surgery at the community centre[12]

The plaque to commemorate the official opening of the newly refurbished Firthmoor Community Cafe

New Year Honour

Nicholson received the British Empire Medal [BEM] in the Queen's New Years Honours List 2014 for services to the community, in particular for voluntary work helping to revamp the Firthmoor Community Centre in Darlington[13]

Nicholson was officially presented with the British Empire Medal [BEM] by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, at ceremony held at Firthmoor Community Centre in Darlington[14]


Darlington's Youth MP

In 2005, Nicholson was elected to the UK Youth Parliament as a Member of Youth Parliament representing young people in Darlington[15]

Kevin Nicholson delivers winter assistance leaflets to local residents

Nicholson worked closely with other north east members of the UK Youth Parliament, sharing ideas that were aimed at improving services for local young people[16][17]

Nicholson publicly supported Darlington Borough Council's plans to merge two secondary schools into a £25m academy[18]

In 2006, Nicholson was awarded Darlington's first Young Citizen of the Year Award for outstanding services to the community[19]

Local Council Elections

In May 2011 Local Government elections, Nicholson stood as an independent candidate[20] for one of the three Eastbourne council ward seats on Darlington Borough Council, Nicholson received 423 votes, taking a 27.13% share of vote, coming 4th out of 10 candidates[21]

On the 7th January 2015, Nicholson announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate in the Local Government elections. He announced his intention to stand as an Independent Candidate in the Eastbourne Ward. Speaking to the Northern Echo Nicholson said: “I am passionate about my local area, I care about its future, I’ve been working hard for several years to make things better for local people and I certainly want to do more, he added: “I want to bring the town hall to people’s doorstep, with a new fresh approach to politics[22]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.firthmoor.co.uk/meet-the-board
  2. ↑ "Eric Pickles congratulates New Year's Honours 2014 recipients – Press releases". GOV.UK. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  3. ↑ "Kevin becomes town's youngest charity chairman". The Northern Echo. 26 July 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  4. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4347265.Community_centre_changes_name/
  5. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4243417.Community_group_goes_digital/
  6. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/9082499.Feedback_helps_to_shape_plans/
  7. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4347265.Community_centre_changes_name/
  8. ↑ "Community centres face cuts". The Northern Echo. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  9. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/9105875.print/
  10. ↑ "Green solution to rising power bills". The Northern Echo. 22 November 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  11. ↑ "Darlington community centre café officially opened following £26,000 revamp". The Northern Echo. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  12. ↑ http://northern-echo.vlex.co.uk/vid/community-to-get-own-dental-surgery-77610853
  13. ↑ "Community centre champion awarded BEM". The Northern Echo. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  14. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2615848/Agoraphobic-pensioner-77-leaves-home-time-50-YEARS-watch-grandson-receive-royal-award.html
  15. ↑ "Kevin sets out his manifesto". The Northern Echo. 11 February 2005. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  16. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2005/10/03/7146316.Sharing_good_ideas_for_youth/
  17. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/01/06/7154099.Youth_MP_meets_city_council_chief/
  18. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/01/13/7154637.School_Closure_Debate__Town_s_Youth_MP_supports_academy_plan/
  19. ↑ "Town's finest are honoured for dedication at ceremony". The Northern Echo. 11 March 2006. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
  20. ↑ Cook, Paul (7 May 2011). "Council elections keep it in the family". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  21. ↑ http://www.darlington.gov.uk/dar_public/documents/_Resources/Resources/DemocraticServices/Elections/le11results.pdf
  22. ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/11707261.Community_centre_chairman_to_stand_in_election/#comments

External links

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