The name of Bill Wilson or W.R.A. Wilson from Trillick, is synonymous with auctioneering, compering, growing show vegetables, ploughing and supporting charities.
Bill receives the BEM for services to the community in Fermanagh and Tyrone which could be covered by the fact that just one of his roles is President of Fermanagh and Tyrone Ploughing Society.
“I was very pleased and different people said it was long overdue,” he said.
Bill was aged 14 when he first ploughed with horses, winning a coveted cup which he proudly possesses and a further three cups won for tractor ploughing. He continued to plough with tractors for more than 40 years combining this with farming. He has since held the post of President of the society in both counties, since both Fermanagh and Tyrone societies amalgamated and now helps to organise the annual ploughing competition on the Saturday nearest St. Patrick’s Day. He has also helped to judge at some ploughing competitions including being asked to judge at a world ploughing event in New York state. Bill praised the many officials of the Society for their work as well.
He was a regular winner of prizes at local shows including Omagh, Clogher Valley and Fermanagh County show for his vegetables and achieved a third place in the All-Ireland competition in Tullamore. He has repeatedly won many awards for his show produce from his garden.
Bill has conducted annual auctions for five local churches of different denominations each year, often travelling as far as Newtownards and has also provided commentary for the cattle judging at the County Show.
An active member of Kilskeery Parish Church, he sang in the choir for 67 years from the age of eight.
Bill and his wife, Winifred have five children; sons, David, William, Maurice and Andrew and a daughter, Caroline who are living in Fermanagh, London and New York.