Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering and each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) and this year the city and district has done very well picking up no less than seven awards with FDST receiving the fifth of this year’s presentations.
One of the highlights of Friday’s award ceremony was the musical performance on stage of two young musicians from the Trust - Conor and Bernard who brought the house down with Conor’s rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ and Bernard’s ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ followed by both performing ‘Shoe The Donkey’ and ‘The Kerry Polka’. The duo was ably assisted by Josie Nugent from the FDST staff..
Speakers on the night included the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane Lilian Seenoi-Barr, the Trust’s chair, Angela Thompson, Sandra Adair (KAVS) and the Lord Lieutenant who paid tribute to the Trust on achieving their award which he said, was well deserved and wished it all the very best for the future.
“It was indeed a great honour to present the King’s Award tonight to a very worthwhile group, the FDST. Christopher and his team do very deserving work and this award goes a long way to highlight the sterling achievements they continue to set.”
Responding, Christopher Cooper, manager, FDST said he was delighted that the Trust has been recognised for their work and dedication and that everyone was ‘over the moon’ when they heard the good news.
“It is testament to all at FDST that we’ve been recognised. A big well done to all,” said Mr. Cooper.
The Vice Lord Lieutenant presented the crystal to Laura Duddy and the certificate to Benjamin Thompson to loud applause from the main hall.
Afterwards the ceremony tea and refreshments were served and enjoyed by all.
1. Christopher Cooper, manager, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust pictured with his staff at last week's King Award for Voluntary Service event in the Guildhall, Derry.
Christopher Cooper, manager, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust pictured with his staff at last week's King Award for Voluntary Service event in the Guildhall, Derry. photo by Jim McCafferty Photography Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
2. Group pictured at the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust's handing over of the King's Award for Voluntary Service at the Guildhall. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Group pictured at the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust's handing over of the King's Award for Voluntary Service at the Guildhall last week. From left, Sgt. Niall Downey, Irish Guards, Christopher Cooper, manager, FDST, Vice Lord Lieutenant Ian Moore, MBE, Angela Thompson, chair. The Vice Lord Lieutenant Alan Moore, OBE, presenting the King's Award for Voluntary Service certificate to Benjamin Thompson in the Guildhall on Friday last. At back is Sgt. Niall Downey, Irish Guards (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
3. The Vice Lord Lieutenant Alan Moore, OBE, presenting the King's Award for Voluntary Service to Laura Duddy and Benjamin Thompson, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, in the Guildhall on Friday last. At back is Sgt. Niall Downey, Irish Guards. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
The Vice Lord Lieutenant Alan Moore, OBE, presenting the King's Award for Voluntary Service to Laura Duddy and Benjamin Thompson, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, in the Guildhall on Friday last. At back is Sgt. Niall Downey, Irish Guards. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography
4. Former and long-standing FDST chair and committee member Gerry Craig pictured at Friday's event.
Former and long-standing FDST chair and committee member Gerry Craig pictured at Friday's event. Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography