Frank Newton, the chairman of South Croydon-based charity The Garwood Foundation, has been conferred with the Order of Mercy in recognition of his service that stretches back over more than 40 years.
Legion of honour: Frank Newton (left) wearing his Order of Mercy medal, with Garwood CEO Ross White outside Rutherford School
At a ceremony held at Mansion House in the City of London, Lord Lingfield, the president of the League of Mercy, honoured Newton together with 21 others from across the country for their prolonged and effective commitment to the voluntary sector.
The League of Mercy was first founded in 1899 by Royal Charter of Queen Victoria, intended in those pre-Health Service days to establish a large body of voluntary workers who would assist with the maintenance of hospitals and “otherwise relieve sickness and suffering”.
After being wound-up upon the formation of the NHS in 1948, the League of Mercy was re-established as a charity in 1999 – on its centenary – and revived the practice of presenting Orders of Mercy to outstanding volunteers at a ceremony at which the medals are bestowed “as a reward for personal services gratuitously rendered”.
Frank Newton is 80 years old.
Following an early career running butchers’ shops and service in the Territorials (with 10Bn the Paras, no less), Newton joined Garwood as an engineer during a time when the Foundation fulfilled work contracts on behalf of other organisations.
Later, he ran their day centre and became Garwood’s director of services. After taking retirement, Newton returned as chair of trustees, a position he has held for 13 years.
Volunteers’ medal: the Order of Mercy
He also sits on the board of governors for Rutherford School.
“I’ve been honoured to work for this amazing charity for over half of my life,” Newton said.
“It’s a great honour to receive such recognition for the work and volunteering I love to do. Each and every day I see amazing things from the people we support, as they reach beyond the challenges of their disabilities.”
Among other recipients conferred with the Order of Mercy this year were two other volunteers from Croydon: Mervin Sharp, chairman of the Croydon Sea Cadets, and Wayne Tibbs, a volunteer for the League of Friends for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution care home in Croydon.
Ross White, the chief executive of The Garwood Foundation, said: “Frank has a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to his role as chair of trustees and as a governor of Rutherford School, tirelessly supporting our work to continue growing Garwood and supporting those we serve.
“It’s extremely gratifying to see someone who gives so much receive such a wonderful sign of recognition”.
Founded in 1952, the Garwood Foundation provides a range of services for people with disabilities in Croydon and the surrounding boroughs. They operate a school and life skills centre, Rutherford School on Melville Avenue, a day centre on Bramley Hill, a residential home, Jean Garwood House, and run fund-raising charity shops on South End and in Addiscombe.
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