A local charity which provides access to the arts and drama for adults with learning disabilities has been recognised with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Fermanagh BrightStarz were thrilled to receive the news that they had been awarded the highest award a voluntary group can receive from King Charles III, the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups.

BrightStarz Chairwoman Patricia Goan explained that the charity has been running for almost ten years.

She said: “The group provides a much-needed outlet and community activity that existed outside of the formal hours of day centres and that members live for their Tuesday nights not just to develop their artistic endeavours in drama, dance and singing but to just meet up with their friends and have a good time.”

The members work together to perform a show and have wowed audiences over the years with their wonderful performances.

Patricia added: “Over the years the members have gone to hone and develop their skills as accomplished actors, dancers and singers. The knock-on effect is the confidence that this has given them and most importantly being on stage and being seen not for their disability but for ‘ThisAbility’.  The award recognises the impact of volunteers on the group, Patricia noted that none of the activities of the group would happen without volunteers. Those who volunteer with Fermanagh Brightstarz include: teachers, carers, building society managers, mums with families, administrators, student nurses, accountants, designers, chief executives, retired managers and come from right across the County.

“We rely on a host of volunteers from people working in hair and make-up here in the town, to carpenters for our sets, the whole back crew team comes from the Lakeland Players Ensemble.  I have to say although the song might say that the people of Donegal have hearts as big as mountains, I think the people of Fermanagh and in particular the volunteers of Fermanagh would give them a run for their money,” said Patricia.

She continued: “We have no employed staff; we manage the charity and coordinate everything as a small core volunteer group. We are blessed with the kindness we have received over the years from volunteers both past and present.  “Absolutely none of this would work without them and we are so lucky that when we have pressure points of the two-night show at the Ardhowen and production time an army of other volunteers, step up, step in and join us which is truly amazing as without them the show simply would not go on.  The occasion was poignant as the group remembered fondly their oldest volunteer who helped make BrightStarz a magical place for all involved.  The group gathered at Enniskillen Castle to remember Rosario Breen, a bench was placed in her memory on the banks of the Erne and it was where some of the volunteers gathered to have their photo taken to remember Rosario.

Patricia explained: “Our oldest volunteer was a lovely lady called Rosario Breen who volunteered with us into her 70s and was instrumental in our success, she sadly passed away, but this is as much her award as it is the rest of the volunteer team here at BrightStarz.  “Our newest volunteer came to us through the Big Lunch event at Enniskillen Castle for the King’s Coronation, Mary had moved here from England and was settling into her new surroundings. Having never volunteered before nor having any experience of working with adults with learning disabilities she was outside of her comfort zone but gave it a go.”

Mary told her fellow volunteers that she had “found her tribe” within Fermanagh Brightstarz.  Patricia added: “She was so pleased with her decision to join us as a volunteer she wrote to the King to tell him how glad she was she went to Enniskillen Castle that day when we were recruiting. So, no matter who you are, or what you do, if this award highlights anything for you it should be that volunteering is great fun, you get the chance to make a real and significant difference in someone else’s life.”  Patricia was looking forward to telling the BrightStarz about the award and said: “This week’s rehearsal with our members on Tuesday night is just going to be electric and we can’t wait!”