OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS RECOGNISED FOR MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO DURHAM CITY LIFE

The City of Durham Parish Council has honoured outstanding individuals and organisations at its Annual Meeting, recognising their exceptional contribution to the city through the 2026 Citizen of the Year and Partner of the Year Awards. The awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in supporting community life of Durham.

Councillors and residents gathered at the Annual Meeting to celebrate the achievements of this year’s recipients, whose dedication and commitment have made a lasting impact across the city.

Citizen of the Year Awards were presented to Stuart Lloyd, Julie Marshall and Win Coleman in recognition of their respective contributions to tourism, economic vitality, community events and care within the community. The inaugural Partner of the Year Award was presented to Durham City Riverscape Community for its work improving and protecting Durham’s riverside environment.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, representatives said the Parish was “honoured to recognise those who give so much to Durham and consistently go above and beyond in making the city a better place for residents and visitors alike.”

Stuart Lloyd, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, received his award for services to Durham’s tourism economy. The Council praised Stuart’s leadership within the city’s hospitality and business sectors, describing him as an inspiring and highly respected figure who has worked tirelessly to strengthen Durham’s reputation as a welcoming destination. Through his work with Durham BID and his support for initiatives including Lumiere and community-led environmental projects, Stuart has played a key role in promoting the city’s cultural and economic vibrancy. The Council also recognised his hands-on support for the Durham City Riverscape Community and his longstanding commitment to volunteering at local events.

Julie Marshall was recognised for services to events and the economic vitality of Durham. In her role with Citrus Group and through her previous work at Durham Castle, Julie has become a driving force behind many of the city’s major community and cultural initiatives. The Council highlighted her instrumental role in the delivery of Durham’s Chinese New Year celebrations, her contribution to preparations for the Royal Maundy Service visit to Durham Cathedral, and her support for cultural projects such as Derek Slater’s “Time Changes Nothing” exhibition. Councillors praised Julie’s collaborative approach and the enormous contribution she makes behind the scenes to help Durham thrive as a vibrant and welcoming city centre.

Win Colman received her award for services to care in the community following a lifetime devoted to supporting local people and charitable causes. A lifelong Durham resident, Win has spent decades helping shape community life in the city through her work with Brownies, Guides, youth groups and charitable fundraising initiatives. The Council particularly recognised her leadership of the much-loved Tuesday Group, which over the past 25 years has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities including the RNLI, Great North Air Ambulance, foodbanks and St Cuthbert’s Hospice. Alongside this, Win continues to provide friendship and support to many isolated residents through letters, phone calls and community outreach, embodying the very spirit of care and compassion within Durham.

The Council also presented its first ever Partner of the Year Award to Durham City Riverscape Community in recognition of its outstanding environmental work and successful partnership with the Parish Council. Over the past three years, the volunteer-led organisation has brought together residents, students and local businesses to improve the city’s riverside environment through regular clean-up events and community action projects – this year collecting their 500^th large bag of litter from the river. The group has removed large amounts of litter from the River Wear and surrounding banks while building civic pride and encouraging community participation. Councillors praised the organisation’s “true community partnership” with the Parish and its contribution to making Durham a cleaner, greener and more welcoming city.

The Parish Council said the awards reflected the strength of community spirit within Durham and the importance of recognising those whose dedication often takes place quietly and without expectation of recognition.

“These recipients represent the very best of Durham,” the Council said. “Their commitment, generosity and hard work enrich the lives of so many people across our city, and we are immensely grateful for everything they do.”

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