Frances has tea with the Queen

Article in The Ulster Gazette, 24 July 2008

Tynan resident, Mrs Frances Bothwell, was invited for tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, earlier this month.

Mrs Bothwell joined other volunteers from Crossfire Trust at Buckingham Palace for tea at the Queen's Annual Garden Party, in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

“It was a lovely day and a privilege to be asked to such a grand occasion. The tea and cakes were great and the Queen looked lovely,” Mrs Bothwell said.

Last month, South Armagh based charity Crossfire Trust was one of only three groups in Northern Ireland to be awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Its purpose is to recognise groups of individuals who are giving their time freely for the benefit of others. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status to the MBE. As such, the Queen´s Award not only serves to provide recognition of volunteer groups, but also demonstrates the high respect in which volunteering is held.

Crossfire Trust Director Ian Bothwell said, “We have many supporters who sacrifice of their time in support of this work. It is a great honour that we have been recognised in this way and is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers.”

Pictured (l-r) Patricia McCrory, Ian Bothwell, Frances Bothwell and Matthew Rawding