Christmas Celebrations for Homeless Persons' Unit

Christmas comes early for Richmondshire District Council's homeless persons' unit

RICHMONDSHIRE District Council's homeless persons' unit celebrated Christmas a little early this year – to mark its 14th anniversary.

George Nickling House, in Colburn, opened on December 13, 1993, and has since helped put a roof over the head of hundreds of people from across Richmondshire.

An anniversary party complete with mince pies and a buffet lunch was organised to spread some pre-Christmas cheer to unit residents and thank warden Noreen Harrison and staff for all their hard work.

And to mark the occasion, all the proceeds from Richmondshire District Council's Staff and Members' Christmas Fair – a total of more than £325 – were donated to the unit.

In addition, Council staff contributed boxes full of toiletries, towels, pots and pans, cooking utensils, jars of food and coffee and even a portable television to donate to the unit's residents.

Councillor Peter Wood represents Colburn, where the unit is based, and holds regular ward surgeries there. He said: "Homelessness is a fact of life, not just in Richmondshire but everywhere, and tackling it is one of our priorities as a Council.

"The homeless persons' unit does a fantastic job, and it's up to the whole community to rally round and support it. Helping people get back on their feet is a great cause, and Noreen does an amazing job to make all the residents feel welcome.

"People living in the unit have a particularly difficult time around Christmas, but Noreen has made it very homely and festive, and throwing a party was a great way to say thank you.

"George Nickling was a well-respected councillor and I'm glad they named the building after him. He would be proud that it is being used properly – and I am proud that it is in my ward."

 Donations are presented to Richmondshire District Council's homeless persons' unit at George Nickling House, Colburn, during the unit's 14th anniversary celebrations. Front row is Colin Eales and Hilda Ellis, both from Richmondshire District Council. Noreen Harrison is back row, fourth from left. Councillor Peter Wood is back row, third from right.