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St John Ambulance volunteers rewarded for service

rances Brady (West Belfast Division) was presented with a Service Medal of the Order for completing 12 years of voluntary service with St John Ambulance

Frances Brady (West Belfast Division) was presented with a Service Medal of the Order for completing 12 years of voluntary service with St John Ambulance during a recent Investiture and Awards ceremony that took place in Hillsborough Castle. Frances joined the division In 1999 and contributes to delivering public duties. Frances also is a Badger Set Leader with the Lisburn Division spending many hours encouraging her badgers to achieve their potential.

VOLUNTEERS of St. John Ambulance were rewarded for service to the community and the charity at an Investiture and Awards ceremony that took place in Hillsborough Castle recently. 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the revival of the charity in Northern Ireland.

The ceremony began with the Knight Commander of the Order of St John, Sir William Hall, conferring membership and promotions within the Order of St John. The Order of St John is unique, being an Order of Chivalry under the Crown and having five grades of membership.

Lisburn man Len Murray was promoted to Grade Three, having given long and distinguished service to St John Ambulance which began in the 1950's and continued right up until 2011 when he completed a successful term has District Commissioner.

Volunteers from the charity's divisions throughout Northern Ireland travelled to Hillsborough to the ceremony, where 21 volunteers that together represent a whooping 475 years of service, were recognised for their outstanding contribution. The Knight Commander Sir William Hall presented 'Service Medal of the Order' accolades. These were awarded to four volunteers for completing 12 years of voluntary service within the charity.

These were awarded to Frances Brady (West Belfast Division), Chris Delaney (Ormeau Division), Alan Irwin (Portadown Division) and Freda McCormick (Eastern Area).

The Knight Commander, Sir William Hall commented on the achievements of the volunteers. "This is the third occasion where I have presented volunteers with accolades for service and at each event I am reminded of the vital first aid service that the volunteers provide. It is a privilege for me to recognise their years of service," said Sir William.

"The fact that we have volunteers receiving accolades, for over 12 to a remarkable 37 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.

Len Murray from Lisburn was promoted to a third grade of membership to the Order of St John in recognition of his considerable contribution to St John Ambulance

Len Murray from Lisburn was promoted to a third grade of membership to the Order of St John in recognition of his considerable contribution to St John Ambulance during a recent Investiture and Awards ceremony that took place in Hillsborough Castle. Mr Murray has given a lifetime of service to St John Ambulance which began in the 1950's and continued right up until 2011 when he completed a successful term has District Commissioner. Mr Murray was just one of 25 volunteers from the charity's divisions throughout Northern Ireland travelled to Hillsborough to the ceremony, where they were recognised for their outstanding contribution. His wife Jean (left) and guest join Len.

For more information on St. John Ambulance services visit www.ni.sja.org.uk or call 028 90 799 393.

Ulster Star
29/06/2012