A Royal Award for Rathfern Volunteers

The wet weather on Saturday didn’t dampen the spirits of the volunteers at Rathfern Community Regeneration Group as they were presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the presentation ceremony took place at Rathfern Social Activity Centre where the volunteer group received their special award from the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell.

Created in 2002 to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, The Queen’s Award recognises the outstanding work done in local communities and the   dedication of local people to local causes. It is the highest civic award given to local volunteer groups across the UK and is considered to be the MBE for volunteer groups. The award holds extra significance this year as 20 of the group’s volunteers also received a special badge in recognition of their voluntary work undertaken during COVID-19.

Welcoming guests to the event, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said;

“Rathfern Community Regeneration Group is the epitome of volunteering. Their sheer commitment to delivering projects and initiatives that benefit the local community and the environment makes them very worthy recipients of this wonderful award and it is my honour as Mayor to be here today.

Receiving the award on behalf of the group, Chairman George Hill said;

“As a community organisation based in Rathfern, we are honoured and extremely proud to receive this award. Our success is due to the large number of volunteers who arrive each week to contribute to the well-being of local families, senior citizens and children of all ages through the Rathfern Social Activity Centre. This Award is not for any individual in the group but it is an example of how partnership working can be used to the benefit of an entire community. We are delighted that our group’s work has been recognised in this way, and I would like to pay tribute to all our volunteers for giving their time, dedication and commitment to the group over the past number of years.”