St John Ambulance thanks volunteers
Tracey Elliot (centre) Youth Officer (Eastern Area) for St John Ambulance joins (l-r) Lois and Faith Haffey from the Lisburn Q Division at a recent St John Ambulance Awards ceremony held in Hillsborough Castle. Lois and Faith were awarded a certificate for completing the Grand Prior Award. This is presented to those who complete 24 Cadet Subjects.
ST. John Ambulance celebrated the dedicated service of its volunteers to the community and the charity at an awards ceremony in Hillsborough Castle recently.
Jennifer McKendrick from the Lisburn Q Division of St John Ambulance was awarded a Service Medal of the Order of St John for an impressive 12 years of efficient volunteer service.
At the beginning of the Ceremony, eight youth volunteers of St John Ambulance Youth were awarded a certificate signed by HRH the Duke of Gloucester for completing their Grand Prior Award. This is awarded to those who complete 24 Cadet Subjects. After completing eight Cadet subjects, volunteers receive a bronze award, a further eight subjects means a silver award, four additional subjects -gold award, and four more to receive the Grand Prior Award. These were presented by the Knight Commander Sir William Hall with Lois Haffey (Lisburn Q Division) and Faith Haffey (Lisburn Q Division) among the recipients.
The Knight Commander welcomed guests to the presentation, which began with the presentation of 'Service Medal of the Order' accolades. These were awarded to three volunteers including Jennifer McKendrick (Lisburn Q Division) for completing 12 years of voluntary service within the organisation. A number of 'Bars to the Service Medal of the Order' were awarded to volunteers for each additional five years of service. Jennifer Johnston (Lisburn Q Division), received a first bar to the medal for 17 years of service.
The new Knight Commander, Sir William Hall commented on the achievements of the volunteers. "In my role as Knight Commander, when I present these awards I am reminded of the importance of St John Ambulance volunteers and the vital first aid service that they provide. It is a privilege for me to recognize the years of service of these volunteers," said Sir Hall.
"The fact we have volunteers receiving accolades for over 12 to 22 years of service is an outstanding achievement and not one that many organisations can celebrate.
"I am delighted to be able to present the awards and congratulate all
the recipients," he added.
Ulster Star
28/10/2011
