'Gongs of Praise' - King Charles honours stars of South Tyneside in his Birthday Honours List
Stars of South Tyneside have been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
South Tyneside’s new council leader and a rescue service’s long-serving senior officer have been given the Royal seal of approval in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Paul Mackings and Tom Fennelly, the Honorary Secretary of South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, have been made MBEs in recognition of their achievements.
Cllr Mackings, 64, the borough’s Reform party leader, has been given his gong for services to business and the community in the north east.
The Whitburn-born entrepreneur has enjoyed a long and successful business career, including in waste management and consulting.
He stepped into politics ahead of the local government elections in May, winning the vote to become a councillor for the Whiteleas ward.
Tom, 79, who lives in Tynedale Road, South Shields, with his wife Una, is in his 50th year as the life-saving brigade’s Honorary Secretary.
The former council press officer is honoured in recognition of his services to search and rescue but insisted he is ‘standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before’.
He joined the lifesaving team in April 1969 and in January 2020 completed over 50 years as an operational member.
‘Truly honoured and humbled’
Of his MBE, Cllr Mackings said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to have been nominated for an MBE and completely overwhelmed by the recognition. It came as a real surprise.
“Over the years, I have been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated people through both my community work and business.
“Any achievements have only been possible because of their support, commitment and shared belief in making a positive difference.
“It has been a privilege to serve our community, and I remain committed to continuing that work and giving something back to the place that has given me so much.”
‘Deeply honoured’
Tom said his award was particularly poignant as it coincides with the 160th anniversary of the brigade’s founding in January 1866, and he added: “I feel very humble and deeply honoured.
“Although this is a personal honour it would not have come about without being part of a wonderful team of dedicated men and women who have served with me over the years.
“I joined South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade together with my older brother Charlie shortly after Una and I were married.
“We saw the team training outside the Watch House and asked about their role. We were invited in and I am still there 57 years later.”
Paying tribute to the wives, partners and families of brigade members, Tom said: “Members would not be able to carry out their volunteer roles without the support and understanding of our families and employers.
“Being called from home or work at all times of night and day and in all weathers to deal with a wide range of calls to help people in distress around the coast can be very challenging.
“Never knowing what to expect or how long you might be out requires real commitment and teamwork from everyone.”
Meeting the Princess Royal
In April, as a highlight of the anniversary year, the brigade was visited by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
She met members of the team past and present as well as friends and supporters and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
Tom added: “This second Royal accolade during this special year for the brigade is a real testament to 160 years of volunteer lifesaving service by hundreds of members since 1866.
“I am extremely proud to follow in the footsteps of past officers of the Brigade who have received recognition in this way. I stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before me.”
South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade is based at the Grade II listed Watch House HQ at South Shields’ South Pier and is one of only two operational such organisations in the UK.
Each year, it helps in the rescue of around 170 people who have got into difficulties along South Tyneside’s coast and on its waterways.