MP’s ‘𝗨𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗴 H𝗲𝗿𝗼’ 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 goes to Banbridge man – Colin Steele 

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has presented Mr Colin Steele from Banbridge with an ‘unsung hero’ award, in recognition of his community and voluntary work in the area. 

Speaking Carla Lockhart said, 

“Every month I am endeavouring to pay my own tribute to local people in our community who are making the difference – the ‘unsung heroes’ in our area. 

The August award goes to Mr 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲.  Colin is over 80 and during lockdown he took upon himself to create a garden outside Abercorn Primary School entrance. He has lots of little animals located in the garden and he keeps adding to it regularly. He loves the challenge of maintaining it and loves that it is a wee feature for all the kids and parents and elderly in Banbridge to enjoy. 

Although he didn’t want recognition someone local shared his story with me and I thought it merited a small token of appreciation.  

Colin should inspire us all and to top it off he is quite the character along with it.  

Thank you!  

Also it was lovely to learn of Colin’s new book he has published about a little rag doll called Sophie.  He is in the final stages of publishing and the book will soon be made available in various shops throughout the town.” 

JULY’s unsung hero is the amazing 

Mrs Anne Hamill a long term resident of the Queen Street area.  

Mrs Hamill is someone should inspire us all.  She has worked over 51 years in the Health Service, namely Lurgan Hospital and is continuing to work well after the age of retirement.  She wouldn’t want me to tell you her age but it is just remarkable.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren always ask when she is retiring and she will say maybe next year.  Her love for her job and helping people is just amazing.  It is truly inspiring to us all.  

I will be presenting her with this beautiful brooch from the local Empire Poppy Store to mark the occasion. 

Well done Mrs Hamill - it is now time for the Health Trust to recognise your unwavering service. 

JUNE’s unsung hero is the amazing

Mr Don Corkin from Avenue Road Residents Committee ARC.  

Don, year on year has been involved in planting, watering and generally making the estate look.

This year he took on a mammoth task - he turned some waste ground into a Coronation Garden. It looks absolutely superb with lots of planting, and a beautiful King’s Coronation stone has been unveiled. 

This leaves a legacy on what is a very significant year, with the crowning of King Charles III. 

I was delighted to present him with Coronation Cufflinks & Tie Pin (available from the Empire Poppy Store at Brownlow Castle) to thank him for his efforts.

Thank you Don.  Your commitment I hope will inspire many others to give back to their community.