THERE was a fond farewell recently for two of Donaghadee’s dedicated youth workers who have retired after a quarter of century’s friendship and laughter.
Anita Tipping, leader in charge, and Tina Adamson, a youth worker, have worked with hundreds of local children at Donaghadee Youth Centre over the past three decades. Former Mayor Mark Brooks led the tributes to the devoted duo for their ‘long service’ to the popular seaside town’s young people and their families. From arts and crafts to table tennis, trips to Alton Towers, Blackpool, Ardnabannon and the theatre, Anita and Tina also made sure that having fun was top of the children’s activities list. Some of the children even enjoyed speaking at the European Parliament whilst closer to home the youngsters enjoyed cross community activities with children from Kircubbin and Downpatrick.A former Girls’ Brigade leader, Anita enjoyed organising a wealth of activities for the children.“They got a lot out of it,” she said. “Many of them said they had tried things they never would have done without the youth club.”She spoke of the popularity of the youth centre over the years saying: “It was very popular, we had children coming from as far as Ballyhalbert. We also had cross community events and the children still keep in contact, they really did get a lot out of it.”It was an ‘emotional’ goodbye for Anita. “Our last session was last Monday evening and the week previous was very emotional, it was the end of an era.”“It is the children who make it,” said Tina. “They are warm and genuine and there is a bond between you.”“We have had a lot of children coming through the door and their children’s children,” she continued.“If you ever went to the youth club and you hadn’t had a great day, you were always in better form by the time you had finished. “The children give you so much back. They are so genuine and stop and speak to you in the street, they wouldn’t pass you. I will really miss them.”Alderman Brooks praised the two youth leaders.“I want to thank, on behalf of the wider Donaghadee community, Anita and Tina for their long service to Donaghadee’s young people.“Both Anita and Tina are well known locally and this encourages the young people to attend. I would ask the Education Authority to consider when choosing replacement youth leaders that they are preferably from the local community .“Anita and Tina you will be missed, thank you for your service.”
