The PST Annual Report April 2009 - March 2010

INTRODUCTION

Once again this year the Trust has been inundated with letters and cards of gratitude in acknowledgement of services and assistance given to our clients during the past year. A number of these acknowledgements have been reproduced and may be viewed at Section 7 of this report.

Our core commitment remains the same; to deliver services and support in the following areas:

Health care
Support services
Life planning

The Hilton Hotel Golf Course, Templepatrick was the setting for the annual Robin Halward Memorial Golf Tournament. Once again we were extremely fortunate with beautiful weather making it a memorable day. After an excellent meal the prizes were present by Lady Bloomfield with Richard (Dickie) Budd taking the coveted Trophy with an impressive 35 points.

This year the educational and cultural trips organised were; 5th – 8th April – Galway for medically retired clients, 10th – 13th May – Bray for our widowed clients, 1st – 5th June – Cotswolds & 15th – 18th June - London for medically retired clients, 14th – 16th August – Edinburgh for medically retired clients, 15th – 17th September – Londonderry and Donegal for our widowed clients and 9th – 11th October – Westport for medically retired clients. Throughout September a number of visits were made to the old Belfast prison. During the month of December a number of our clients received tickets for the Aladdin pantomime at the Opera House, Belfast.

This year the art exhibition was held at our premises in Coleraine on 25th September. As in previous years the many exhibits were of an extremely high standard. As always, this popular event attracted a good attendance of clients. The winners of the three different categories were; Mrs Dee Cairns (beginners class), Mr Billy Waite (advanced class) and Mr Raymond Morrison (overall winner). The prizes were presented by the Mayor of Coleraine and former colleague, Sandy Gilkinson.

The inaugural digital photography exhibition took place on 27th October at Hydebank offices. As with the art exhibition all the photographs were of a high standard. The picture editor of the Belfast Telegraph, Gerry Fitzpatrick was guest of honour and judge. Mr Fitzpatrick commented that all of the exhibits were of an extremely high amateur quality with some of a better quality than those supplied to the Telegraph by some freelance photographers and paid tribute to our tutor, Ramsay Fawell. The winners were; Ian McIlroy (introduction class) and Martin Robb (overall winner). Our manager, Ivan Bolt, presented the various certificates.

The Trust continues to provide it’s clients with various courses in Coleraine, Markethill and Hydebank. These include accredited I.T training, Art classes, guitar lessons, art and crafts, digital photography aromatherapy and reflexology. All of these classes have proved to be extremely popular with our clients and in cases were over subscribed. A substantial number of the I.T. students have been awarded various certificates in recognition of their intellectual achievements.

General knowledge quizzes took place at Coleraine with the finals being held in the Royal British Legion Club, Antrim; winners were the ‘Lady and the 3 Tramps from the North West. This year the trophy was renamed ‘The Andy Killen Memorial PST Trophy’ a fitting tribute in honour of Andy Killen who sadly passed away on 1st August 2009. Andy’s widow, Lottie presented the trophy to the winning team.

Mrs Jennifer Doonan (sister of the late Mabel Hempton) presented the first ‘Mabel Hempton Award for Education Assistance’ of £1000.00. This award was created in honour of Mabel who was esteemed Board member and friend to many. Mabel had a great interest in children and young persons and this is a fitting tribute in her memory.

Twenty children of serving officers who were either, commencing or already at third level education, each received Bursary Awards of £500.00. This money is funded from the no. 2 account and the awards were presented by the Northern Ireland Director of Prisons, Mr. Robin Masefield.

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