VALERIE BUCHANAN

 Valerie Buchanan was a very special lady who touched the lives and hearts of so many people in her local community and much, much farther afield.  She earned that love and respect through her ceaseless work in and for the community and in her determination to see the Dromboughil Community Resource Centre built for the good of the whole community.

 She was an interesting lady to work for.  Siobhan and I learned a lot working in the office with her as she would come in and ask us to do something assuming we knew how to do it, so, we found out and did it!

 No doubt one of Valerie's proudest, happiest days was when we had our Official Opening. One of her dreams had been fulfilled, now to get on to the next one.

Her vision had produced this comfortable, multifunctional building......

 .......from this!

Valerie won a number of awards for her work with Dromboughil but never shouted about them.  They were just brought back to the Centre and quietly set on a shelf somewhere.

Valerie was a real people person, she loved the atmosphere of the annual Duck Race.

She had an eye to the future when she was involved in getting the Recycling bins started.

Valerie's contacts in her previous employment helped to raise the profile of the Community Association, Joe Mahon was always glad to come along and support us.

She had a wonderful sense of humour, no matter how insane you were!

How to display a hat at a craft fair.  Download a mask of Cheryl Cole, print it, sellotape it on to a football and put the hat on the football.

Bonny was never far away!

She discovered new activities for the different groups.  FADA were introduced to 'Chair Zumba'

Such was the success of her work with Dromboughil that a group from Craigavon, aspiring to be involved in Community work were brought along to see what could be done if they persevered!

She cared about the whole person, she even brought a podiatrist to come and look after their feet!

You never knew what you were going to be asked to do.  Valerie walked into the office the day before and asked, "You'll do Santa for me tomorrow, won't you?"  How could I refuse?

Another wonderful, successful friendly meal.

Looking serious - a previous AGM

Having a laugh at a Community Training session

Our main hall with the tables set out in style for the Christmas Lunch given for the supporters of the Community Association.

She is sorely missed by many people far and wide and only now are we realising just how much work she did for the Community and in the Community Centre.

R.I.P Valerie