On Friday, April 14, Fivemiletown Royal British Legion (RBL) hosted a presentation night with more than 40 awards presented.

They were delighted to have Sam Hudson, the Northern Ireland District Chairman, present at the event.

Harry Alexander (No 5 Group President) and Albert Bell (No 5 Group NI District Rep) were also present.

The first awards were FMT RBL Certificates of Appreciation and these were presented by Mr. Alexander.

These were presented to long-serving members of the Branch Committee and Welfare Team. A total of 12 certificates were presented.

Secondly, the Branch created a special Centenary Certificate to present to those individuals and organisations who have supported Fivemiletown RBL Legion over the years.

Murley Silver Band, Cavanaleck Pipe, Irvine Memorial Pipe, St. John’s Church of Ireland and Precentor Kyle Hanlon received certificates for supporting Remembrance events over the years.

Stephen Hetherington and Adrian Somerville received certificates for acting as official Branch photographers, while Beverley Weir received a certificate for her support during the preparation of the branch’s new book, ‘Fivemiletown Remembers’.

Lisnaskea UDR Association was recognised for their support for the branch over the years, while Fivemiletown RBL’s darts team was recognised for their success in winning the clean sweep of trophies at the NI RBL Darts Competition for the last two years.

The evening then progressed to the main presentations. Firstly, Kenny Dunlop and Iain Lendrum were awarded Gold Badges for years of dedication and commitment to Fivemiletown RBL.

The award of a Gold Badge is a national award and is the second-highest that The British Legion can bestow on its members.

The last award was that of ‘Life Membership’, which was awarded to Victor Wilson and Austin Lendrum.

Life Membership is again a national Award and is the highest award that The British Legion can present.

Both men have been involved with Fivemiletown RBL since the early 1980s. Mr. Wilson has served on the committee for more than 40 years in a variety of roles, including Chairman for a number of years.

Mr. Lendrum has also served on the committee for many years, and as Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator for 20 years.

In later years, both have dedicated their spare time in cleaning Fivemiletown RBL Hall – a role which Mr. Wilson still does to this day.

Both men are extremely deserving of their awards, which were presented by the NI District Chairman Sam Hudson.

Mr. Lendrum thanked Robert Carson (Branch Chairman) for all his hard work in preparing the applications for the awards to HQ in London.

The successful evening closed with supper served.