17 June 2025

‘This town has a habit of getting you involved’

by Rebecca Hannant

Withernsea’s Darrin Stevens has been named the winner of this year’s Town Award, presented by Withernsea Town Council in recognition of his contributions to community projects including the Withernsea Riff-Raff archive and the restoration of the St Nicholas Church War Memorial Clock.

Darrin was nominated for his role in bringing people together through creative and historical initiatives, as well as his leadership as chairman of the Friends of St Nicholas Church, where he helped raise funds to repair the landmark clock tower.

Reacting to the award, Darrin said: “I am shocked that I’ve won this award. I truly don’t believe I deserved it. I think the Friends of St Nicholas Church should have won it. There are far better people out there than me. However, I am very proud to have received it. My wife was very proud too. But equally, I felt like I was collecting it on behalf of the Friends group, who have done a lot for the community.”

One nomination read: “Having worked with Darrin on several occasions, I’ve seen his passion for the area shine through many of his projects. From leading the repairs to the St Nicholas Church clock to the Riff-Raff archive, he’s always on a mission. Despite financial challenges and setbacks, he’s powered through and achieved his goals. He has brought together people who wouldn’t normally meet and created a real sense of community and trust.”

The mayor of Withernsea, Alex Camplin, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to present the Town Award to Darrin Stevens. He received an amazing number of nominations for his hard work with the Friends of St Nicholas and the clock restoration. He’s an absolute asset to the town and is dedicated to putting Withernsea well and truly on the map.”

A Withernsea Town Council spokeswoman added: “Darrin was selected at the Town Council meeting in May. He received several nominations for all the hard work he puts into multiple projects to bring Withernsea back to life. Without his dedication, the restoration of the War Memorial Clock may not have happened. The council is grateful for all that Darrin does.”

South East Holderness councillor Jon Dimberline said: “Darrin is a very deserved winner. He’s passionate about this area and incredibly driven. He’s done great things for the church and is always looking for ways to support the community.”

Fellow ward councillor Sean McMaster said: “A very big congratulations to Darrin. He is a passionate champion for the town, and he and other willing volunteers have worked incredibly hard on fantastic projects. His commitment to the community should be an inspiration to all of us.”

Cllr Lyn Healing added: “A huge congratulations to Darrin and his incredible team. His passion and commitment have truly helped put Withernsea on the map. His work inspires others and brings our local history to life in exciting ways.”

Darrin, who was brought to Withernsea as a teenager after a difficult childhood, reflected on the town’s role in his life.

“I was born in Hull to a big family and lost my mum when I was 12. When I was doing my A-levels, Graham and Rosemary White gave me a home in Princes Avenue, Withernsea, and became the biggest stability in my childhood. Withernsea became home. I was always mixing with the lifeboat crew – I remember watching a boat sink while we were sitting in it.”

After studying graphic design at Scarborough Tech and later gaining a master’s degree in operational management, Darrin became a qualified teacher. He and his wife Flo spent 30 years in the South, where they led fundraising for the Royal British Legion in Northampton, raising nearly £500,000 in 10 years.

Now back in Withernsea, Darrin said: “I never thought I’d come back, but this town has a habit of getting you involved. We said we wouldn’t, but here we are. It was like coming home again.”

He added: “Withernsea may be small, but it has the greatest number of clubs and people who want to help. Everyone gets stuck in because we have no money – we have to fight for ourselves. But the heart of this place is unmatched. To be nominated among so many amazing people is very humbling.”

Since returning, Darrin has led efforts to revive interest in St Nicholas Church through exhibitions, talks and events. He played a central role in restoring the War Memorial Clock, which was handed back to the town in a ceremony in October 2024.

His latest project, Withernsea Riff-Raff, aims to build a digital archive of old photos and postcards to tell the town’s history through its people, businesses and buildings. He hopes to use the images to create interactive walking trails and reinvigorate public spaces. He is also full of ideas for future initiatives.

Also nominated for the Town Award were Emma Robertson, Jon Dimberline, Town SMART, Viki Foster, Andy Medcalf and Dave Penson (Blue Light Weekend), and Paul Whittaker.

The Holderness and Hornsea Gazette
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