Words and Pictures by Ron Eyley
A lifetime of service to the community in and around Newton Aycliffe has seen local printer and newspaper publisher Syd Howarth honoured with the award of an MBE. The Citation also recognizes his tireless support for charities and deserving causes in the UK and his health and life-saving work in Africa with some of the world’s poorest people.
But few people were surprised when Syd turned down the opportunity to receive the medal from a member of the Royal family at Buckingham Palace. . .
Instead, he opted to have the presentation at Woodham Golf Club surrounded by members of his family and a host of friends and supporters.
“I’m not one for a lot of fuss. Local people made the award possible and I thought it would be appropriate to share the occasion with them,” said Syd. Guests at the investiture also learned that Syd had twice previously declined an official honour and that the first he learned about the MBE was when a letter from the Cabinet Office dropped through his letterbox.
“Family and friends had secretly arranged the nomination and I didn’t feel able to refuse the award this time,” said Syd.
Durham’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Sue Snowdon, presented Syd – more properly styled Sydney John Howarth – with the MBE after praising him for his ‘most extraordinary record of achievement’.
At one time, Syd was chairman or a committee member of eleven organisations in and around his adopted home town (he moved to Newton Aycliffe in 1963). He has given long and dedicated service as a Rotarian and former District Governor to local and national causes and has helped provide life-changing health and safety facilities for the very poor in several African countries.
Newton Aycliffe Mayor Mary Dalton commented: “To many people in this part of the world, Syd is Mr Newton Aycliffe.”
