Thelma Gorman has scooped the Mayor of Armagh’s Award for volunteer of the year 2012.
Thelma picked up the honour at a gala ceremony on 7 March for her volunteer work in the community.
43 people were nominated for the annual accolades which aim to celebrate those who give up their own time to help others in the local community.
Mayor of Armagh City and District, Councillor Freda Donnelly, said: “Choosing the winners of the various categories was one of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever been involved with during my time as Mayor, as there are so many worthy people out there who give up their own time to help others without seeking any reward.
“Thelma and the other winners of the various categories, as well as those who were nominated for the Mayor’s Awards, are examples to us all. Volunteers are extremely important to civic society supporting community activities, creating job opportunities and promoting environmental, educational, sporting and cultural projects. Armagh is a better place for having people like James working in the local community.”
Thelma is a stalwart across the whole community, she cooks for fundraising events and makes daily visits with treats to brighten the day of patients and carers. Thelma and her husband have opened their home to young people with disabilities and Thelma offers every opportunity for these young adults and organizes many trips and outings for them including a weekly visit to the swimming pool. Thelma has given hours of her time every week for decades for the Armagh Community. Thelma was nominated by Mary Donnelly.
20 other people also picked up awards on the night for their voluntary work with the community, their role in encouraging business and commerce or volunteering with cultural, arts and heritage projects.
Winners of awards
COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY CATEGORY
1. Ms Sarah Jane Allen
2. Mrs Betty Devlin
3. Mrs Violet Dougan
4. Mrs Elizabeth Elwood
5. Mr & Mrs Jim & Brenda Gillow
6. Mrs Thelma Gorman
7. Mrs Rosaleen Grew
8. Ms Raye Kingston
9. Mrs Gretta Mallon & Mrs Mary McClelland
10. Mrs Patricia McCullagh
11. Ms Claire McManus
12. Mrs Margaret Simpson
13. Mrs Barbara Turner
14. Mr Richard Whiteside
CULTURE, ARTS, SPORTS & HERITAGE CATEGORY
1. Armagh Art Club
2. Mr Paul Hart
3. Mr Tony Kelly
4. Miss Megan Ní Raifeartaigh
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CATEGORY
1. Mrs Orlagh Grimley & Mrs Kate McCoy
2. Sunnymead Residential Home
SPECIAL AWARDS
1. Master Andrew McMurdie
2. Miss Hannah Sheppard
3. Aghavilly Primary School
YOUTH CUP
1. Keady Youth Forum
