Sinead rewarded for community work at Thiepval

The Community Spirit Awards event took place at Hillsborough Castle and celebrated people who have made a difference to their community – people who have given their time freely and happily to make their neighbourhoods a little bit better just because they are willing to give up their free time to help out.

BFBS invited people to nominate their Patch Pioneers. The shortlisted nominees were recognised for all the good they have done at a special ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.

Sinead Pinchen, who was nominated by Fiona Crouch and Liz Bartles-Smith in Lisburn, was one of the award winners.

“Sinead is the glue that binds together the wives in Lisburn Station and her actions have galvanised the local military community,” explained Fiona. “Sinead’s efforts have helped many wives to settle into their new Lisburn environment quickly and smoothly, providing them with a network of friends and support that gives their partners the confidence to serve worldwide without having to worry about their families. She is an unsung hero, turning a lonely existence for some families into a great posting.”

Liz added: “Without Sinead the lives of wives in Lisburn Station would be significantly different. Through the Mums and Tots group she set up, Sinead has created a focus for mums in the Garrison, not only providing an opportunity, in what can be a very lonely life, to get out of the house to an organised event, but the chance for newcomers to meet people and become part of the community.

“She does so without fuss or seeking thanks in any way,” she concluded.

Sinead was presented with her ‘Patch Pioneer Award’ by Colonel David Russel-Parsons, the Deputy Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade.

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