Finaghy PS marks Trevor's award

Principal Mr Alastair Mackay and Vice-Principal Mrs Ros Corbett presented Trevor Dale with a commemorative rose bowl to mark his achievement.

Trevor was presented with his MBE award, for Services to Education, by HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, making him the second Finaghy Primary School governor to receive the award in recent years.

The Chairperson of the school governors, Mr Peter Breene MBE, is the other member of the Board of Governors to have received an MBE, having been honoured in 2013.

Trevor’s connection with Finaghy Primary School began in 1970 when his children attended and he became Chair of the PTA.

In 1995 he became Vice-Chairperson of the school’s Board of Governors, a position which he has retained to the present day.

Alastair Mackay, Principal of Finaghy Primary School, said: “Trevor recently celebrated his 80th birthday, yet he retains an energy and enthusiasm for life which is both rare and inspirational.

“I meet with Trevor at least once a week when he calls in for a chat.

“In addition to his monthly commitment to Governors’ meetings he chairs our Daycare Committee, is part of our Salaries and Finance Sub-Committee, assists with staff appointments and rarely misses any school event.

“He has a great relationship with all school staff, and always makes time to stop and talk.

“Trevor will often sense when someone is in need of a chat and he has earned the trust of all.

“He also retains a wicked sense of humour and can bring light relief to most situations.

“I will personally be happy to have half of his energy when I reach his age!”

Trevor attended Buckingham Palace in February along with his wife and two sons.

“It was a marvellous day”, he said. “Prince Charles spoke to me for quite a while.

“He asked me if we had a good Principal at Finaghy PS, as he knew governors’ work is a lot easier when this is the case.

“I told him that our Principal wasn’t a bad lad at all.”