On Saturday 2nd November, one year after the passing of Syd Howarth MBE, two ceremonies took place to commemorate this community minded person who lived and breathed Newton Aycliffe.
At 1.00pm Sydney House was officially opened by Mrs Sue Snowdon, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham.
Sydney House is the new name for the old Newton Press building, which has been refurbished into smaller executive units available for rent for offices or shop units.
Paul Howarth welcomed those in attendance and introduced Stuart Howarth who gave a brief history of the building and the work which has taken place over the previous years to convert the building.
Mrs Sue Snowdon then gave a moving speech from her experiences with Syd over the last 20+ years that she has known him, she then unveiled the plaque.
The audience were then invited on a tour of the building to view the rooms available.
Those in attendance then moved round to the Blue Bridge at 2.00pm, where the Rotary Newton Aycliffe had planted an Acer Griseum tree in memory of Syd.
This species of tree was chosen because of its better known name of, “Paper Bark Maple.” At present, without leaves, this young tree may appear a little insignificant, but in time it will flourish and the bark will peel, giving the impression of paper.
Rotary President, Jean Thompson, welcomed the congregation and dedicated the tree in memory of Syd Howarth. Rotarian Mike Dixon recited a prayer and Don Walker spoke on behalf of the Howarth family. Everyone then retired to the Big Club for refreshments.
All the members of the Howarth family are grateful to the Rotary Newton Aycliffe for this wonderful commemoration, they would also like to thank all those who attended the Opening and Dedication ceremonies on Saturday 2nd November, special thank you to Mrs Sue Snowdon, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham for her time and special words recited about Syd, also to the Mayor Mrs Mary Dalton and Deputy Mayor Mrs Val Raw.
More photos and videos can be viewed on the website www.sydhowarth.com
