Kevin Nicholson (politician)
| Kevin Nicholson BEM | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Councillor Darlington Borough Council | |
|
Assumed office 7 May 2015 | |
| Chairman Firthmoor & District Community Association | |
|
In office 23 July 2008 – 5 October 2016 | |
| 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 currently serves as Councillor on Darlington Borough Council[1] and is the former chairman of Firthmoor & District Community Association[2] 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[3] Nicholson received the British Empire Medal [BEM] for services to the community, in particular for voluntary work helping to revamp the Firthmoor Community Centre in Darlington[4] 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[5]
Community Work
In March 2008, Nicholson was appointed a trustee of the Firthmoor & District Community Association, he was then elected chairman at the charity's Annual General Meeting in the July of that year, becoming Darlington's youngest community leaders[6] Nicholson lead programme aimed at revamping[7] and modernising the local community centre[8] initial consultations took place with local residents about the plans[9] which included reverting to the community centre's former name of Firthmoor Community Centre[10]
Nicholson became chairman in a time when the charity was dealing with a number internal issues, including restrictions to the charity's income streams[11] however despite the operational and funding challenges, new projects, initiatives and activities were encouraged to make use of the community centre, including the community centre solar panels project[12] and the community café refurbishment[13]
In addition Nicholson supported the set up of a regular NHS blood donation service and new NHS dental surgery at the community centre[14] a community sponsorship campaign was also launched[15]
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[16]
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[17][18] Nicholson publicly supported Darlington Borough Council's plans to merge two secondary schools into a £25m academy[19]
In 2006, Nicholson was awarded Darlington's first Young Citizen of the Year Award for outstanding services to the community[20]
Local Government
On the 7th January 2015, Nicholson announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate in the Local Government elections. 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[21]
Nicholson was successfully elected receiving 1,142 votes, taking a 45% share of vote the largest vote share in that ward[22] [23]
References
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/12939235.Labour_keeps_control_of_Darlington_Borough_Council/
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/14794720.End_of_an_era_for_community_association_chairman/
- ↑ "Eric Pickles congratulates New Year's Honours 2014 recipients – Press releases". GOV.UK. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "Community centre champion awarded BEM". The Northern Echo. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2615848/Agoraphobic-pensioner-77-leaves-home-time-50-YEARS-watch-grandson-receive-royal-award.html
- ↑ "Kevin becomes town's youngest charity chairman". The Northern Echo. 26 July 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4347265.Community_centre_changes_name/
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4243417.Community_group_goes_digital/
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/9082499.Feedback_helps_to_shape_plans/
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4347265.Community_centre_changes_name/
- ↑ "Community centres face cuts". The Northern Echo. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ↑ "Green solution to rising power bills". The Northern Echo. 22 November 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ "Darlington community centre café officially opened following £26,000 revamp". The Northern Echo. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ↑ http://northern-echo.vlex.co.uk/vid/community-to-get-own-dental-surgery-77610853
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/9105875.print/
- ↑ "Kevin sets out his manifesto". The Northern Echo. 11 February 2005. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2005/10/03/7146316.Sharing_good_ideas_for_youth/
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/01/06/7154099.Youth_MP_meets_city_council_chief/
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/01/13/7154637.School_Closure_Debate__Town_s_Youth_MP_supports_academy_plan/
- ↑ "Town's finest are honoured for dedication at ceremony". The Northern Echo. 11 March 2006. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/11707261.Community_centre_chairman_to_stand_in_election/#comments
- ↑ http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/12939235.Labour_keeps_control_of_Darlington_Borough_Council/
- ↑ http://www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council/democracy/elections-and-electoral-registration/parliamentary-(general)-election-and-local-government-elections-2015/elections-2015/#eastbourne