(Dipton and Burnopfield Community History Pilot Project)

Joe as a young man	Joe Walker in his role as Chairman at the opening of the Riverside Stadium with her Majesty the Queen

Born and bred in Dipton area, North West Durham, a mining community, where he has lived all his life. Educated at St Patrick’s (Aided) Primary School, Dipton and then St. Cuthbert’s Grammar School, Newcastle. A promising career in football ended in his late teens when he sustained a serious leg injury which necessitated a lengthy stay in hospital, followed by a twelve-month rehabilitation course at Finchale Abbey Training Centre for the Disabled and this led to a strong support and lifelong affinity to the problems and needs of the handicapped and disabled. He believes strongly that the disadvantaged deserve a better deal and that they are entitled as of right to a voice in society.

Married with three children - a girl and two boys - and two grandchildren.

Formerly employed by the National Coal Board at South Medomsley and Burnopfield Collieries and the legal department of the National Coal Board where he qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. He is a former member of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries.

He has been a magistrate for over 30 years.

Joe is a committed practising Christian who strongly believes in Christian unity and also tolerance of other people’s beliefs.

He joined the Labour Party at the age of 23 and entered local government with Stanley Urban District Council in 1967. On reorganisation of local government in 1972 he was elected to Derwentside District Council where he became Chairman in 1981/82. He became County Councillor for Burnopfield and Dipton Division from 1985 to date and was Chairman of the County Council during 1995/97.

Councillor Walker has been an influential figure on the County Council’s Education Committee where he was Chairman for two years (1991/93). He gained the respect and confidence not only of his fellow Members but also of the teaching profession because of his dedication and commitment to, and within, the education system. He had a lifelong ambition, and determination to rid schools of bullying at all levels and was primarily responsible for the production, promotion and implementation of the County Council’s now accepted policy on the elimination of bullying which is accepted not only Countywide but also nationally, Durham being the first LEA in the Country to have adopted such a policy. He believes that all pupils and students should have equal opportunities to learn and to develop their full potential irrespective of gender, social background and special needs in a secure and stress-free environment.

He was appointed a Director and Trustee of Finchale Training College in 1997, becoming the first former student of the College to become a Member of the Board.

He is Chairman of the Registered Charity SHOUT (County Durham and Darlington). (SHOUT: Scheme to Help Others by the Under Twenties), whose main objective is to promote good citizenship within the age group 5-19 years. This is jointly funded by Durham Business and Education Executive, Durham County Council and various other charitable organisations.

He is a Director representative of the County Council on Newcastle International Airport Co. Ltd.

His interests are many and varied, including sport generally, but cricket in particular and music; particularly classical and folk music.

Councillor Walker has been fully active in all aspects of life in his community including  being a Governor of Dipton (Collierley) Primary School and Burnopfield Primary School.