Royal recognition for Bovalley Community Association
A small but mighty group of volunteers in Limavady have huge reason to celebrate their 20th birthday this year having received The King’s Award for voluntary service.
Bovalley Community Association, who operate out of a Housing Executive property, were presented the prestigious award by His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of County Londonderry Mrs Alison Millar at a glittering ceremony in The Roe Valley Resort in Limavady.
Lord Lieutenant was escorted by Lady Karen Girvan MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of County Londonderry at the event which saw some 46 volunteers receive certificates and medals in recognition of their sterling work in the community.
Speaking after the event Hazel Brooks, Chairperson, Bovalley Community Association said, “It was such an honour to receive this award, which is the equivalent of an MBE, in recognition of our amazing volunteers who are the true back bone of our community.
“We love our community, and it gave us great pleasure to have all the work we quietly do in the background recognised in such a special way. Everyone had a wonderful night at the awards presentation.
“Our group is unique because we are totally volunteer led with only one part-time Youth Co-Ordinator. We serve over 400 residents with approximately 100 users on a weekly basis.
“Forty-six volunteers do all they can to ensure that our community reaps the benefits of having a volunteer led community group in their area.
“A massive thank you to the Housing Executive for all their support over the years and especially to Hilary Canning who was the Housing Executive Patch Manager in 2013 when she was instrumental in helping us secure our current premises.
“We will never forget the struggles we had in the beginning, and the help, guidance, and training that The Housing Executive and Supporting Communities provided.
“Thank you also to our nominator, Catherine Farrimond, Community Development Officer for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council who noticed the huge impact we were having on our area and nominated us for The King’s Award.”
Hilary Canning, Housing Executive Causeway Assistant Area Manager said, “I am so proud of this group for their huge achievement. They are such worthy recipients of The Kings Award for Voluntary Service.
“Undoubtedly the positive impact they have had on the entire community, adults, and children alike, over the years is immeasurable.
“I wish them all the very best for the future as they continue to make a huge difference in people’s lives.”