Carrickfergus: football stalwart Terry Pateman and former mayor Noel Williams among King's Birthday Honours recipients

Terry Pateman (82), who has been awarded the OBE, is a former vice-chairman of the Irish Football Association (IFA) and is highly regarded for his contribution to the game down the years.

A retired insurance executive, Mr Pateman has been involved in all aspects of administering the Northern Amateur Football League on a voluntary basis from 1965 to the present day.

It is seen as the largest, most respected adult football league in Northern Ireland and Terry has been active as an official, now entering his seventh decade in various roles.

He said: “I am very proud and privileged to have received this recognition. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a team at the Northern Amateur Football League who have been able to work closely with all communities in our shared love of football.”

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As secretary, vice chair, and then latterly chair of the league management committee, he has pro-actively helped position the league as a place where all sides of the community could join together as equals playing football.

In 2010 Mr Pateman was elected to the position of vice president of the IFA and was in office until 2013, representing the association at international level, including the prestigious FIFA International Football Association Board (IFAB) where the rules of the sport are administered and reviewed.

As a north Belfast resident, Terry was an officer in the Boys’ Brigade during a turbulent period in the 1960s and 1970s. Much time was spent fostering good relationships between communities either side of the Duncairn Gardens / Lower Antrim Road with activities as part of St James’ Parish Church youth group.

Meanwhile, former mayor of Mid and East Antrim Noel Williams has been awarded the BEM. He receives the honour for services to the veteran community in Northern Ireland.

Wing Commander Williams, a former Alliance councillor, is chair of the RAF Association’s Carrickfergus Branch, which plays a vital role in providing welfare support and relief for veterans, and their families.

Noel dedicated his honour to RAFA colleagues for their hard work and all who support their fundraising activities.

He said: “We could not do what we do for our veterans if it were not for the support of the generosity of the people of the South Antrim catchment area.

"They give generously at events, such as Armed Forces Day and our many annual stalls at outlets from TESCO and Sainsburys at Carrickfergus, the Carnmoney Road TESCO store in Glengormley and at the Abbey Centre, ASDA in North Belfast, the Milestone on Middle Road and the Topaz Petrol Station on the Upper Road in Greenisland as well as the DeCourcy Centre.

"Obviously I am hugely appreciative that the larger businesses support our charity, but the many other smaller businesses make a massive contribution throughout by putting out collecting tins on their counters.

“It is also due to the efforts and support of the membership of the branch that we are able to raise such wonderful amounts each year, and that is why I consider the award of my BEM as recognition of the branch.

“I would like to pay tribute to my wife Sheila who is a tremendous support to me as well as being a tireless worker for Wings Appeal. She was likewise an outstanding mayoress where her encouragement there enabled me to continue my work with RAFA during an incredibly busy year as mayor.

“I would of course conclude by asking you all to ‘watch this space’ as the Battle of Britain Wings Appeal part of the year is not too far away. Our members will be out staffing our stalls and hoping for the usual outstanding support from those who care about our veteran community.”

On retirement after serving in the RAF 1966 - 2003, Noel returned home and joined the Carrickfergus RAFA Branch. Roles have included secretary, vice chair, public relations officer, Battle of Britain parade organiser and Wings Appeal organiser.

Mr Williams is also the chair of the RAFA’s NI Regional Committee and the chair of the Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England Area Council.

Wings Appeal organiser since 2007, he began a process of engaging the members in an all-year-round involvement for collecting welfare funds, but with a concerted push around the historic August and September Battle of Britain period. He firmly believes this fundraising activity “galvanises the membership into volunteering for Wings rosters and further leads to a great social programme”.

The branch, which stretches from Larne, through Whitehead to Carrickfergus and onwards to Newtownabbey, Glengormley and Ballyclare, regularly raises £30k-£35k annually with its largest total being £50K in 2018 for RAF100 celebrations.

Kevin McRandle MBE, life vice president of Carrickfergus RAFA, said: “ As a branch we are blessed with an individual with the commitment, energy and outstanding leadership ability that make him the perfect candidate, not only to lead the branch, the region and the area council, but to possess the organisational skills that enable us excel at just about everything we do, from acts of remembrance, parades and very importantly fundraising. The branch is thrilled that Noel has received a BEM, it is richly deserved.”