Trees Mark Honours for SERC Staff

A new grove of saplings at SERC Ballynahinch Campus celebrates the latest batch of College staff who have been recognised through the honours system of the UK.

On average, one person at SERC each year receives an honour such as an MBE, and this is marked by the ceremonial planting of a tree. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these events were not possible but at last, on Friday 19 May, four members of the college honoured since 2020 gathered at SERC Ballynahinch Campus along with their families and members of the college’s management team and governing body. The honourees planted trees in the grounds of the campus, with plaques commemorating their achievements.

SERC CEO and Principal, Ken Webb told the staff and guests, “The honours reflect not only the work we do as a college but also recognise the work of these individuals, who go above and beyond to inspire others to transform and enrich their lives.  Today is an occasion to celebrate all that you do, but also to acknowledge the support of your families, which is important in enabling you to achieve.  We have a great record of honours at SERC – in fact, we started off planting commemorative trees at SERC Holywood Campus, but we have now run out of room there, and so we are taking the opportunity to enhance the Ballynahinch Campus with this group of saplings.”

The staff members celebrated at the ceremony were: Catherine Shipman MBE, Head of Engagement; Claire Henderson MBE, Chief Officer Quality Excellence and Development; Gary Chambers BEM, Head of Estates and Facilities Management; and Gareth Hetherington MBE, former Chair of SERC Governing Body.      

Pictured above: (left to right) Claire Henderson MBE, Gary Chambers BEM, Gareth Hetherington MBE and Catherine Shipman MBE at SERC Ballynahinch Campus, where they planted trees to commemorate their UK Honours awards.