In December 2020, the then Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Joe Makepeace held a Christmas Prize Draw to help out two local charities. The idea was to provide three lucky winners with a Cash Prize in time for Christmas, whilst also raising money for two local good causes, namely Seconds Out Boxing Academy and Ferryhill Indoor Bowling Club, both based at the Ferryhill Sports & Education Centre.
The prize draw took place on Monday 21st December 2020 in Ferryhill Town Hall, however at that time it wasn’t possible to personally hand over the cheque for monies raised to the two charities, finally on Friday 11th June 2021 the past Mayor, Councillor Joe Makepace was able to meet up with the Ferryhill Indoor Bowls Club and Seconds Out Boxing Academy at Ferryhill Sports & Education Centre.
Councillor Makepeace presented a cheque for £440.50 to Mr Frank Snaith of the Indoor Bowls Club and a cheque for the same amount to Mr Paul Eddy along with members of the Seconds Out Boxing Academy.
Councillor Joe Makepeace said “I am so pleased to have finally been able to present these two groups with a donation to help them with the running costs of their very worthwhile clubs, I was also happy to have been able to provide funding to the Seconds Out Boxing Academy through my time as a Durham County Councillor to purchase a new boxing ring, I wish both club’s the best of luck for the future.”
When the presentation was arranged the Town Council were informed that one of the Members of the Indoor Bowling Club would be celebrating her 100th Birthday, the current Mayor, Councillor Dave Farry was only too happy to come along with his consort Miss Neave Farry and present Mrs Vera Tolley with a bouquet on behalf of Ferryhill Town Council on her special day. Speaking after the presentation, Councillor Farry said “I was very happy to have been invited to the Indoor Bowling Club to meet Mrs Tolley and help her mark such a significant birthday, it’s always a pleasure to meet with local residents”.