Royally Rewarded

Patricia Browne Bem

Mr Jim Neilly was awarded the MBE at Buckingham Palace on Thursday October 13 for services to sports broadcasting and to charity, particularly for his fundraising for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research in Northern Ireland. The investiture was conducted by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Mr Neilly was accompanied by Mr Sam and Mrs Shirley Sinclair, and Miss Maria Shields.

MR RONALD J (RONNIE) ROBERTSON BEM

Mr Ronald J (Ronnie) Robertson, was awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of her birthday Honours in June. Ronnie was awarded this having served as Parish Sexton in Fivemiletown for more than 50 years. He is a much-loved and valued member of the community in the Clogher Valley having served as a grave digger for St John’s Church of Ireland, St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and Cavanaleck Presbyterian Church. Ronnie travelled to Royal Hillsborough for his investiture by the King’s representative in County Tyrone, Mr Robert Scott, Lord Lieutenant. He shared the day with fellow townsman Mr Iain Lendrum, who received his award for services through The Royal British Legion.

Portaferry RNLI volunteer Patricia Browne has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her 42 years of service to the RNLI. First joining the institution in 1979 at Portaferry, County Down, shortly before the town’s lifeboat station was officially established in 1980, Patricia has held the position of chair of the Portaferry Fundraising Branch for 27 years. Under her leadership, the Portaferry Fundraising Branch has raised over £221k for the RNLI in the last 10 years. With an effervescent personality, she is the driving force behind the branch, bringing out the best in her fellow members.

Patricia was presented with her award on Tuesday 28th September at Hillsborough Castle and was accompanied by husband Mark and daughter Mrs Meta Gallogly.