Mayor marks retirement of VSL Chief

Friends, family and colleagues of Pamela Neill, MBE joined her at a mayoral reception hosted by Councillor Margaret Tolerton to mark Pamela's retirement from Voluntary Service Lisburn.

Pamela has headed up this local voluntary organisation for ten years and has really developed it in terms of social enterprise.

“I was delighted to welcome Pamela and members of VSL to the Mayor’s Parlour to mark Pamela’s forthcoming retirement at the end of the financial year,” said Mrs Tolerton.

“During her time as the CEO for this local charitable organisation she has worked hard to not only increase awareness of the organisation but also to develop it as a social enterprise.

“Voluntary Service Lisburn provides invaluable help and support to those who need it within Lisburn. It works to improve employability for the long term unemployed and those on community service orders through the provision of training and qualifications in the cleaning, restoration and refurbishment of second hand furniture in addition to supporting families on low incomes.

“Over the past ten years Pamela has helped this charity grow from its initial furniture refurbishment enterprise to an organisation that runs a gardening service and competitively lets office and car spaces within the City Centre area,” she concluded.

Second hand furniture is donated by the public and restored, before being sold on at affordable prices. The proceeds of sales all go back into helping those in need within the community.

Councillor Tolerton added: “Pamela’s service to the voluntary sector was acknowledged when she received an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List last year. She will be sadly missed by those who work with her in VSL but I am sure they would agree when I say that she is wished a very happy and long retirement.”