Royal recognition ‘very special’ for well-known Banbridge couple
A BANBRIDGE couple awarded British Empire Medals in the King’s Birthday Honours have said it feels “very special” to receive the recognition.
Gordon and Audrey McDowell, from the Old Newry Road, were both shocked when the first-class news was delivered in the post earlier this month.
Gordon was rewarded for his services to sport and the community in County Down, while Audrey was recognised for her voluntary and charitable services to the community in County Down.
The well-known pair said they were “delighted” and “humbled”.
Gordon has been involved with clay pigeon shooting since he was 18 and is a member of the Banbridge club, based at Flough Road.
He has had the honour of representing Northern Ireland in championships all over the world, including in Australia and South Africa.
He is the current Chairman of the Ulster Clay Pigeon Shooting Association.
“I’ve been involved with the sport my whole life,” he said.
“I love bringing people to the Banbridge area and showing them what Banbridge can do.
“We have hosted two really successful international tournaments in Banbridge over the past 10 years.
“For me it's not just about the shooting, it's the social aspect and the network of people.
“Audrey is a great help with it, she does the catering and helps me with the running of things behind the scenes.
“The club is going from strength to strength and we have a good reputation, which we are very proud of.”
When it comes to their community endeavours, the couple are a hard-working and well coordinated team.
“It’s a joint effort,” Audrey explained, “I’ll help Gordon and he helps me.
“If anybody was looking for a hand, I've always helped out - no matter where.
“From a young age, I would have collected on the street for charity and then I collected for the Coal Fund in Banbridge.
“Then, we started doing big breakfasts, mainly in the Orange hall, and helping out with the catering at the shooting.
“I don’t see it as work. Sometimes people ask you to do things and you just say ‘yes’... it was the way we were brought up.
“It’s nice to help out in your own community and to do things to promote Banbridge.”
Audrey, who is the unit catering supervisor at Drumadonnell Primary School, said she felt “overwhelmed” to be honoured.
“I feel very humble - you ask yourself, ‘what did I do to deserve this?’
“The school principal brought me to the front of the children and told them I had got a letter from the king, and the P6 class made a sign saying ‘Congratulations Mrs McDowell!’”
Audrey added: “We go to Hillsborough Castle in September where we will be presented with our medals by the Lord Lieutenant.
“Then we’ll be invited to a royal garden party - it’s something very special.”