Four people receive the British Empire Medal

Four people receive the British Empire Medal

1 January 2013

FOUR local people have received the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List.

They are Georgina Dickson and Brian McGoran, from Ballynahinch, Lindsay Hanna, from Saintfield, and Kircubbin woman Kate Clarke.

Mrs. Dickson is the oldest person in Northern Ireland included in the New Year’s Honours and is due to celebrate her 90th birthday this month. And she admits she has no intention of slowing down and intends to continue with her charity work.

Nominated for the BEM in recognition of her charity work and services to the community, the very familiar figure in Ballynahinch who is still driving, admits she was very surprised to discover someone had nominate her.

Still helping out in the town’s War on Want shop, Mrs. Dickson who is originally from the Cregagh area of Belfast, collects door-to-door for good causes with the sole aim of helping others.

While her fundraising efforts started with Arthritis Research, her efforts are now focused on Cancer Research. She also collects for Christian Aid and says God has blessed her with good health which allows her to continue with her charity work.

“I like old people and helping others. Some day I will be old myself, she quipped. “Ballynahinch is a very friendly place and I love fundraising to help others.

“When I opened the letter informing me that I was to be awarded the BEM I was so surprised; I just couldn’t believe it,” said Mrs. Dickson who was a member of the Presbyterian Women’s Association for many years.

She added: “God has been good to me. I have been blessed with good health. It is really lovely to get this.”

Mr. Hanna was awarded the BEM in recognition of his services to people with physical and mental disabilities in association with Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Mr. Hanna was involved in the inaugural meeting to set up Laurelbank Carriage Driving for the Disabled organisation in 1987 at the home of Mrs. Phoebe Warnock.

Five years later, the organisation moved to its new residence at the home of Mr. Hanna and his wife Irene in Saintfield.

Mr. Hanna is the chairman of the Laurelbank group whose aim is to provide for those who are physically disabled or who have learning difficulties, a morning or an evening when they can add a new dimension to their lifestyle

“I am delighted to accept this British Empire Medal on behalf of all the volunteers and members of Laurelbank Driving for Disabled in association with the RDA. I also owe a lot to my wife Irene,” he said.

In 2013, Mr. Hanna said he plans to help new driving for disabled groups which are being set up in association with the RDA.

Mr. McGoran (73) was awarded the BEM for his voluntary services to badminton. Mr. McGoran has been a member of St. Patrick’s Badminton Club in his home town for 40 years and coaches the club’s young players.

Mrs. Clarke, who lives in Kircubbin, was also awarded the BEM for services to young people through her work with Kircubbin Youth Club and After Schools Club.