‘Diamond Champions’ recognised

Diamond Champions, run by older people’s charity WRVS, recognises the contribution that people over the age of 60 make through volunteering. More than 100 people from across Northern Ireland were nominated as Diamond Champions.

Mr Henry Philips, from: Crumlin and Mrs Annabel Poots will join 70 others from across the UK at the event held at St James’s Palace.

Mr Philips, 75, volunteers for many organisations. He started volunteering with the Young Farmers’ Clubs 55 years ago. He has worked as a tutor to help people with public speaking and as an adjudicator with public speaking and debating teams. Henry is an ambassador for many community groups in Lisburn and Glenavy including Glenavy Development Partnership, Youth project, Crewe United Football Club, Rural Community network, GAA and Lagan Rural Partnership. Henry’s commitment knows no bounds; he always goes the extra mile in his unassuming, honest, hardworking way and inspires others with his boundless enthusiasm.

Mrs Poots, 91, also volunteers for many organisations. Annabel has been volunteering for about 56 years. She has previously been awarded the MBE and the Mayor’s Award for Volunteering in recognition for her contribution to community life in Lisburn. Annabel volunteers for Mencap, Lisburn Gateway Club, the Downtown centre and the Royal British Legion. Among her many duties Annabel supports, mentors and befriends people with learning difficulties and mental health problems. Annabel has developed her own skills by continually taking on new challenges and different roles. She always has a smile on her face and is an approachable, welcoming lady who makes herself available to those in need and puts other people first.

In total there were 10 Diamond Champions from Northern Ireland, chosen by a regional judging panel who were presented with a specially designed Diamond Champions pin by Dame Mary Peters at a celebratory event in the Andrews Gallery at Titanic Belfast on Wednesday October 17. They also received a certificate signed by Their Royal Highnesses, who are joint Patrons of the awards.

The Northern Ireland judging panel included Claire Keatinge, Commissioner for Older People; Jonathan Hegan, Chair of the Titanic Foundation; Patricia Donald, Chair of the Age Sector Platform; Joe McVey, Chair of Volunteer Now; Gloria Hunniford; Mrs Joan Christie , HM Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim; and BBC presenter Wendy Austin.

Margy Washbrook, Manager of Engage with Age, said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the 60 Diamond Champions from Northern Ireland. They are truly deserving of the honour and it is justified recognition of the selfless work they do in their communities to help others. It was incredibly hard to choose 60 Diamond Champions from all the nominations we received; all the nominees are fantastic examples of the incredible volunteering work being done by older people across Northern Ireland.”