PRESENTATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Thursday 24th Aug 06 saw the presentation of the Donaghadee Rotary Club award for community service. After welcoming guests Bill Boomer and his wife Marilyn, Rev Little from Shore St Presbyterian Church, Jim Pollock Clerk of Session, President Liz Adams and Vice President Margaret Moore of Cloughey Ladies Probus Club, President Mark Brooks spoke briefly about the community service award. He explained that it was presented for outstanding service to the community over a period of time. It is not necessarily an annual award but presented on occasions when a worthy recipient is nominated. Jim Pollock, this year’s sponsor, then gave a description of the service given to the local community by this year’s recipient Bill Boomer. He said that Bill was born and brought up in Donaghadee. As a boy he enjoyed playing sport, badminton, tennis cricket and rugby. He was a loyal supporter of all the local Donaghadee clubs. Over the years his passion for cricket and rugby continued. He has played cricket for Donaghadee Cricket Club for over 50 years. Although he didn’t hold office he is a valued and respected member whose advice was often sought. He joined Donaghadee Rugby Club at the age of 10 and 55 years later he is still an active member. He has captained the 1st XV and after his playing days he has held office in many posts. He has been fixture secretary for over 20 years, secretary manager and now president. He has also played a leading role in Shore Street Presbyterian Church. He taught in the senior Sunday school for almost two decades, he was appointed as a serving elder in 1972 and has been treasurer for the past 27 years. Bill has certainly served our community well. Jim described Bill as a Christian gentleman. Although not now living in Donaghadee he concluded that you can take the man out of Donaghadee but you can’t take Donaghadee out of the man. In accepting the award which includes a cheque for £100 to be given to Bill’s nominated charity he thanked the Rotary Club for a lovely evening and the church session for nominating him for the award. He said that he was a lifelong supporter of any sport in Donaghadee. He paid tribute to his wife Marilyn who he said acted as his secretary and courier over the years. He ended by saying that he felt humbled in accepting the award in view of the list of previous recipients.
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