Dear Sir,
There are many individuals who have contributed – in their own quiet way – to make Newton Aycliffe what it is today. Individuals such as Bob Fleming, whose wisdom, tenacity and foresight, is the prime reason why our green, open areas were saved about eight years ago from the clutches of a housing association and will remain free from housing developments; an environmental heirloom for future generations to enjoy.
In any history of our town, the contributions of such as Bob will be writ large, yet there are others, past and present, from our town, those unsung heroes, who weave their own weft and warp into the fabric of the town’s social cohesiveness.
Currently, one such individual is Honest John. His generosity of heart and spirit is quite remarkable to behold. In a world very much of Me! Me! Me! – John’s devotion to raising money for good causes, throughout Newton Aycliffe, is without parallel.
There can hardly be a cash-strapped organisation, large or small, that has not benefited from his unceasing money raising efforts. All of the cash that he raises – apart from his weekly donation to The Cubby, where he is ensconced – goes 100% to worthy causes, within our town.
Yet John is trenchant in the view, that his work is merely a reflection of, a channelling of the generosity of you, in donating unwanted items for him to sell. Some say that there must be a catch. There is not. I know that John hopes to reach a milestone, in his fundraising, sometime later this year.
Honest John seeks no plaudits nor back slapping; the act of giving, the grateful smile of appreciation is what keeps the coals burning within his heart. John’s health is not particularly robust and at times it is a struggle.
Now, I have a question for you, our townspeople. How can we all show our collective gratitude to him? Sometimes, just thank you, is not enough. But – and yes, there is always a but! We all come with baggage; something, some mistake or issue in our past that we would rather forget, or had not ever happened. And I include myself in this. As the Bible says, let him who is without sin, cast the first stone.
Many years ago John, misguidedly, joined the BNP. He even stood as a candidate for this odious entity. After several months, his eyes were opened to their ways and he resigned, bitterly regretting this aberration. But there are still those with hard hearts who will never be able forgive his mistake “. . . the evil that men do, lives on, the good is oft interred with their bones”.
My hope that in the fullness of time, John’s remarkable contribution to the life of our town will be recognised with some sort of award. I would like to think that it would be before he is resting in his grave. What do you think? Is it time to forgive and forget?
Derek G Atkinson
Denham Place
Editor:
I can confirm that Honest John has been denied recognition due to his five month connection with the BNP by senior politicans blocking his nomination.
