Kevin Nicholson (politician)
Kevin Nicholson, BEM is the current chairman of Firthmoor & District Community Association based in the Firthmoor area of Darlington
In 2014, Nicholson became one of the youngest people in the country to be awarded a British Empire Medal [BEM] in the Queen's New Years Honours List 2014
Voluntary Work
In March 2008, Nicholson was appointed a trustee of the Firthmoor & District Community Association, he was then elected chairman at the charities Annual General Meeting in the July of that year, becoming Darlington's youngest community leader
Nicholson lead programme aimed at revamping and modernising the local community centre initial consultations took place with local residents AbOUT the plans which included reverting to the community centre's former name of Firthmoor Community Centre
Nicholson became chairman in a time when the charity was dealing with a number internal issues, including restrictions to the charty's income streams however despite the operational and funding challenges, new projects, initiatives and activities were encouraged to make use of the community centre, such as community fun days, charity social evenings, community newsletters and day trips away, a community sponsorship campaign was also launched
Most notably Nicholson has been involved with the community centre solar panels project and the community café refurbishment in addition Nicholson supported the set up of a regular NHS blood donation service and new NHS dental surgery at the community centre
New Year Honour
Nicholson received the British Empire Medal [BEM] in the Queen's New Years Honours List 2014 for services to the community, in particular for voluntary work helping to revamp the Firthmoor Community Centre in Darlington
Nicholson was officially presented with the British Empire Medal [BEM] by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, at ceremony held at Firthmoor Community Centre in Darlington
Darlington's Youth MP
In 2005, Nicholson was elected to the UK Youth Parliament as a Member of Youth Parliament representing young people in Darlington
Nicholson worked closely with other north east members of the UK Youth Parliament, sharing ideas that were aimed at improving services for local young people
Nicholson publicly supported Darlington Borough Council's plans to merge two secondary schools into a £25m academy
In 2006, Nicholson was awarded Darlington's first Young Citizen of the Year Award for outstanding services to the community
Local Council Elections
In May 2011 Local Government elections, Nicholson stood as an independent candidate for one of the three Eastbourne council ward seats on Darlington Borough Council, Nicholson received 423 votes, taking a 27.13% share of vote, coming 4th out of 10 candidates