By Mayor Cllr Sue Reece
If you’ve been brought up in Durham, you will be familiar with the saying “never forget your roots” and of course why would we. It’s the history and culture that forged us, the grit and determination that built our communities and the passion for what we stand for that continues to drive us forward today.
County Durham Day is an opportunity to celebrate those roots and achievements, it brings residents of all ages together to shine a light on our past, present and future.
For Chilton that reminds us that our town grew out of the mines of Chilton and Windlestone, that the miners and members of the community shaped the streets of West Chilton Terrace and the 5 Rows, they established the Miners Welfare Recreation Ground and built the Church and Church Hall, and as local historian, the late Brian Turner said … “they did this in the name of progress.”
So, it is no surprise that the Chilton community came out to mark the day and celebrate.
On Friday morning we proudly raised the County Durham Flag in front of Hutton House, an event made even more special by the fact the honour went to Chilton resident Jimmy Moffat, who, along with his daughters Hollie and Kate designed the flag that now flies high above buildings and homes across the county. He was joined by Chilton Academy Choir for a great rendition of the Lampton Worm and the cutting of not one but two celebration cakes. This is also the centenary year of the Town Council.
On behalf of the Town Council, I would like to thank everyone who joined us including Jimmy Moffat, Town Crier Norman Strongman, piper Adam Jenkins, residents and most importantly the pupils of Chilton Academy …..they along with young people like Hollie and Katie Moffat show us we have a bright future and that we will continue to harness “that thing called progress” to shape the prosperity of our Town.
