Philip Leese is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award in Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s fourth Borough Heroes Awards for showing passion, generosity and lifelong commitment in promoting his hometown’s identity.
Philip is seen as the driving force behind the preservation of Kidsgrove’s heritage. After more than three decades, the former librarian continues to collect stories, document community memory and share local history through books, talks, walks and a long-standing weekly group. His encyclopaedic knowledge is relied upon and his published works have become essential reading for anyone interested in the area’s past.
The council invited Philip and other inspirational residents, groups and organisations – who all make an outstanding contribution to borough life – to a ceremony at Keele after they were nominated for recognition in Business Community, Civic Pride, Lifetime Achievement and Young Hero categories.
Philip said: “When I sat there listening to what all the other finalists had done I assumed I was just there to make the numbers up! I was truly shocked when my name was read out. I’m delighted to have won the award but I really wasn’t expecting it. It means a lot to me and hopefully for the history and heritage of Kidsgrove.”
Congratulations to Philip on being recognised for his contribution to Kidsgrove’s history and receiving the top accolade in an annual competition.
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