Hillsborough Castle reception for successful voluntary groups

Lisburn Voluntary Laundry Service, Lisburn Community Self-Build and Dunmurry Community Association were recently awarded this ‘Oscar’ in the field of voluntary service following nominations submitted by the Council.

The Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading, speaking about the reception, said: “It was an honour to welcome representatives of the three organisations to the splendid Hillsborough Castle for the reception. As Mayor of Lisburn I was pleased to be part of this ceremony which prestigiously recognised the work of these three local voluntary organisations.

“I was also delighted that the Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie, was able to join the reception and to present the awards. On behalf of the Council I would like to congratulate these three organisations on their achievement and to wish there every success in the year to come as they continue to work within the local community.”

Lisburn Voluntary Laundry Service has been providing an invaluable service for over 31 years to people with life limiting conditions. Its volunteers also provide a befriending service and support to those who are socially isolated and lonely.

Dunmurry Community Association is engaged in a wide range of community development work within the local community including events, projects and schemes involving cross-community and peace building work.

Lisburn Community Self-Build is a social economy training company, which has been involved in building numerous projects locally and has successfully trained numerous local people in construction skills.

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee, as host of the reception, added: “It was a pleasure to host a reception to mark the significant contribution which these three organisations have made to the local community. The Council through the Leisure Services Committee places an important emphasis on the role and value of voluntary organisations to the civic and community life of the City.

“Through its Community Services staff the Council supports over 70 voluntary organisations with funding assistance each year. The effort of the volunteers across all of these organisations contributes to improving the quality of life in our communities.

“It is very noteworthy for the Lisburn area that of the four Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service received by Northern Ireland organisations in 2011, three were from the Lisburn City Council area. This is a considerable achievement following the completion of a rigorous assessment process.

“I would like to commend the three groups for the valuable services they provide within different areas of service.”

Alderman Paul Porter nominated the three organisations to receive the award during his mayoral term and said: “It was a great night and I know the three groups who won this prestigious award are very proud, not only for themselves, but for the many volunteers who have helped them throughout the years.

“I look forward to this being the start of many groups in Lisburn being nominated for these awards. Out of the four groups who won this significant award, three are from Lisburn and this shows that Lisburn is the centre of community development. Well done to everyone involved.”