Volunteer awarded MBE for work in community over two decades

David Hodgson was awarded an MBE as part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations.

The treasurer at YMCA North Tyneside has also been involved in 20 other local voluntary, community and educational organisations.

YMCA chief executive Dean Titterton, said: “David has been hugely instrumental in the renaissance of YMCA here in North Shields.

“He has shown leadership and generosity in equal measure, but most importantly, he has worked tirelessly for the people of North Tyneside.

“The financial restructuring of the business that he helped champion has led to real renewal.

“He is committed to ensuring that the most disadvantaged young people in our community get a good opportunity in life and strongly believes in the role that YMCA plays in shaping a strong local community.”

David said: ““I was genuinely surprised and, of course extremely pleased to receive this Honour.

“I have accepted it on behalf of all the very worthwhile organisations and charities that I have been working with as they too have been recognised for their work so highly valued by the community.”

He added: “It has been a joy to see YMCA going from strength to strength, seeing the local community coming together and generational barriers being broken down.

“I’m especially pleased to see the return of supported accommodation.

“Being able to care for young people under our roof is central to the work of YMCA and really helps us to demonstrate the Christian values which underpin the work we do.

“Involvement with YMCA has been a life changing experience for many people over the last 170 years and I’m sure that will continue in the future.

“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the training kitchen and café being up and running later this year, so that our young people can get real on-the-job experience.”

YMCA chairman Ian Pearson added: “David has been amazing for YMCA.

“His business acumen and financial skills have really helped us steer the right course.

“We took a huge leap of faith when raising funds to redevelop the building in Church Way and open up our supported accommodation units for 20 young people.

“David’s advice and guidance was key to making this a success and he has always worked with the end goal in sight; of making North Shields a better place for everyone”.

David has also been involved with Patterdale Hall Estate Ltd, Victor Mann Charitable Trust for Whitley Bay, Cullercoats Watch House Club, Cullercoats National Lifeboat Institution, North Shields Chamber of Trade and Commerce, North Shields Victorian Market, The Wallsend Festival, North Tyneside Business Forum CIC, North Tyneside Business of the Year Award Panel, The NET Heritage Project, Remembering the Past Resourcing the Future CIC, North Shields and Northern Oak Credit Unions and various committees at TyneMet College of FE, New Hope for Children, North Shields Fish Quay Co Ltd., Coping with Cancer North East.