On Sunday 1st October 2023 the amazing achievements of our local hero Bill Cooksey were celebrated, hosted by Five Acres at ROF59.
Bill was collected in a vintage 1942 Bristol K5G double decker, belonging to Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society, expertly driven by Dave Clark. 1st Newton Aycliffe and 1st Aycliffe BP Scout Groups travelled on the upper deck, with MP, Paul Howell and Gavin & Debbie Iceton on the coach with Bill.
The second coach was a Daimler CCGS, driven by Phil Tindale, accompanied by Phil Junior with Neville & Jo Jones as guests. Both coaches did a loop of Newton Aycliffe, ending up at ROF59 where a whole host of dignitaries awaited Bills arrival including the local 1407 Air Cadets who were the Guard of Honour for veteran Bill.
The assembled crowd watched as Bill unveiled a plaque at the entrance to ROF59 listing his achievements over the last three years.
Dame Dela Smith was present representing His Majesty The King, she made a lovely speech highlighting Bills achievements for County Durham & Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) and our MP, Paul Howell, presented Bill with a Battle of Britain book, which had been signed by Tim Jones (RAF Vice Marshal), The Mayor & Mayoress of Newton Aycliffe and many others representing community groups and our Armed Forces were also in attendance.
Pat Chambers, from CDDFT, commended Bills determination on each of his fundraising activities for the NHS and is already exploring his next challenge.
Aycliffe Village Primary School designed posters and cards for Bill, and special thanks go to Sebastian from Aycliffe Village Primary who represented his school at this event.
After this the entourage travelled to The Steam Machine Brewing Co, where Nick and Gulen had named a beer after Bill, a limited edition Session IPA 3.4% entitled ‘THE LONG WALK’.
Phil Chapman, BBC reporter, recorded Bills historic day, which was played on BBC Look North on Monday this week.
Thank you to all who contributed to this fantastic day. Bill was overwhelmed and chuffed to bits. Watch Newton News for updates on Bill’s future fundraising efforts.
