A Paul Harris Fellowship has been awarded to Town Mayor Mary Dalton by the Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe. The award, one of the highest in Rotary International, was awarded to Mary who has served our community well as a Councillor and is on her fourth term of duty as Mayor of Great Aycliffe at the age of ninety.
Mary, who is Dutch, met her late husband Reg when he was a tank driver helping to liberate the Netherlands from the cruel occupation of Nazi Germany.
They later married and Mary made England her home, eventually moving to retirement in Newton Aycliffe near her family.
Mary wasn’t ready to retire and filled her life by seeking election to the Town Council along with Michael her son, who also served a year as Mayor.
Mary involved herself with the community, supporting local charities and gained the respect of all she met.
The award was presented by the President Denese Cartwright in recognition of her service to the Council and the community.
