St John Ambulance volunteers honoured for valued service


John Robert Eyre Maunsell of Hillsborough, with his wife Eleanor, a director of St John Ambulance (NI), was promoted to Commander grade in recognition of his quality service in management matters pertaining to the charity at a recent Investiture and Awards ceremony at Hillsborough Castle- Last year the charity donated £100,000 for the work of the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, an overseas project that is supported by the whole family of St John worldwide.	Rachel Sloan (Lisburn Division) was among twelve volunteers who were honoured by the 0rder of St John (a royal 0rder of Chivalry) to mark exceptional service to the first aid charity St. John Ambulance in Northern Ireland.	Tracey Elliot (Eastern Area) from Lisburn was among twelve volunteers who were honoured by the 0rder of St John (a royal 0rder of Chivalry) to mark exceptional service to the first aid charity St. John Ambulance in Northern Ireland.

SEVERAL local volunteers of St. John Ambulance have been recognised for service to the community and the charity at an Investiture and Awards ceremony in Hillsborough Castle.

During the Investiture, 12 volunteers were honoured by the Order of St John (a royal
Order of Chivalry) to mark exceptional service to the first aid charity St. John Ambulance in Northern Ireland, including three locals, Robin Eyre Maunsell of Hillsborough, Tracey Elliot (Eastern Area) from Lisburn and Rachel Sloan (Lisburn Q Division).

Robin Eyre Maunsell, a director of St John Ambulance (NI), was promoted to Commander grade in recognition of his quality service in management matters pertaining to the charity. Last year the charity donated £100,000 for the work of the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, an overseas project which is supported by the whole family of St John worldwide.

Volunteers from the charity's units throughout Northern Ireland travelled to Hillsborough to the ceremony, where 17 volunteers, representing a whopping 480 years of service, were each recognised for their long service to volunteering.

A service medal of the Order, awarded to mark 12 years of service, was presented to Rachel Sloan.
The new Knight Commander, Sir William Hall, commented on the achievements of the volunteers.

"This is my first official event as the new Knight Commander and it emphasises to me the importance of St John Ambulance volunteers and the vital first aid service that they provide. It is a privilege for me to recognise the years of service of these volunteers," said Sir William.

St. John Ambulance Northern Ireland has 750 adult volunteers who delivered a total of 45,000 hours of service in 2010 alone. The charity embraces all sections of the community and through its youth, section offers a wide range of activities to over 1000 young people under the age of 25. For more information on St. John Ambulance services visit www.ni.sja.org.uk or call 028 90 799 393.

staceY.heaney@ulsterstar.co.uk

Ulster Star
03/06/2011