| 23 July 2010 | Back |
Every year, hard working locals are recognised by the district for their contribution to the community and their endless giving. This year has been no different.
The recipients for the 2010 Stratford District Citizens Awards are: Geurt Kroon and Beverley Old. The recipient of the 2010 Stratford Youth Citizens Award is Gareth Power-Gordon.
Stratford District Mayor, Neil Volzke, said we have had quality nominations for Citizens awards again in 2010. “The voluntary contribution that these people make to our community shows outstanding commitment and dedication. The committee’s decisions are always difficult and are not made lightly. It is with pleasure and pride that we announce two outstanding individuals to receive a Citizens Award, and one talented young person to receive a Youth Citizens Award in 2010.”
The presentation ceremony is to be held in the Stratford District Council Chambers on Wednesday 14 July 2010 at 5.30pm. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
Geurt Kroon
Geurt is a dedicated man having achieved life memberships in not one but four associations. Including the Stratford A&P Association serving as a past executive member, the Taranaki Branch of the Milking Shorthorn Association, the Taranaki Athletics Association serving as president for three years, and last but not least the Eltham Athletic Club. That’s not mentioning the twenty-six years he has spent as patron with the Stratford Runners and Walkers Club.
Having introduced himself to athletics when the kids were young Geurt became very active in the administration side of things to support his children who were accomplished athletes. He has served as a track referee and judge at Taranaki athletic meetings, and a past delegate to the New Zealand Athletics Association. He is also an active member of the Cardiff Indoor Bowling Club.
Geurt began his farming in Dannevirke, and then made his way north to Bulls and eventually Taranaki. Since living in Taranaki he has been involved with Young Farmers Clubs serving as president to both the Okato and North Taranaki branches. Geurt is secretary of the Taranaki branch for New Zealand Milking Shorthorn Association and has been for over forty years. He is a judge and board member for the NZ Milking Shorthorn Association. He has been showing cattle and judging at the Stratford A&P Show since 1959 and received a gold watch at last year’s centennial show in recognition of this. He is currently a Fonterra Network member Ward 23.
At the age of 83 nothing gets in Geurt’s way. He still makes an effort to attend meetings and shows and be active in the community even though his health has hindered him in recent years. Such dedication to his community is appreciated by many.
Beverley Old
Bev moved to the Toko District with her husband Murray and family in 1965, spending the next 35 years dairy farming. While living on the farm in Toko, Bev was involved in the Eastern District Athletic Club, played competition tennis for Douglas and social badminton in Stratford. For a short time she drove the Douglas School Bus and was a member of the Strathmore Golf Club. Bev was also involved in the local Friendship, Fellowship, Rural Women and Toko Garden Circle groups.
In 2003 Bev moved to Stratford and has continued her support with Rural Women and Toko Garden Circle, as well as joining Grey Power, RSA and Probus. Bev was a volunteer van driver for a local church for 20 years until the service stopped in 2008, taking elderly and unwell people to appointments in either New Plymouth or Hawera. She now delivers Meals On Wheels for the Rural Women and Anglican Church and has recently become involved as a helper for Vision Impaired.
In 1974 Bev was a founding member of Pioneer Village and initially looked after the music room but during the last few years has been spending her time caring for the gardens in front of the Okato and Colonial cottages. Bev enjoys line dancing and has been a member for 10 years of the Taranaki Branch of the NZMCA and the Taranaki Caravan Club, regularly taking off at weekends in her motor home to attend rallies.
However, Bev is probably best known for her piano playing. In the Late 1970’s Bev, Murray, son Graeme and friend Ron Savage formed a dance band and played music for local farewells, cabarets, fund raising events and other social occasions which included dance lessons for the young locals. Today she continues her love of music and enjoyment from piano playing by sharing her music with the elderly, voluntarily playing at Stratford rest homes, Marire, Maryann and Elizabeth R.
With such a busy life helping others Bev still has time to be a special mother to her own five children and supportive grandmother to twelve grandchildren. Bev’s caring nature and dedication to helping others in the community is much appreciated.
Gareth Power-Gordon
Gareth is a high achiever in nearly all things he accomplishes. He has represented New Plymouth Boys High School in debating and law successfully, is a prefect, and also a Board of Trustee representative. Gareth has been acknowledged as a top student by receiving a ‘tiger jacket’ for leadership.
Gareth is great at taking on things outside of his schooling term as well, having already completed two film courses through WITT. He also helps out as an assistant coach to a young soccer team and plays indoor soccer on a social basis. Gareth has also been involved in helping with a local drama group and has also assisted Stratford On Stage front of house duties.
Gareth would be most known for his work with the Stratford District Youth Council. A member for five years and deputy chairman for two of those years, Gareth has been involved with a number of projects for Stratford youth, including last years Area 201 and ongoing events such as Get On The Bus. Recently Gareth has been chosen to represent the Taranaki King-Country electorate at Youth Parliament. Here Gareth will get to showcase his talents and speak on behalf of youth from our region.
Gareth is dedicated to being involved in his church, and is a leader at Youth Group. He has also been a leader at the Taranaki Opportunity Camp for underprivileged children. A committed and active member in Stratford he is always willing to help others.
