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When Gerry, one of our oldest volunteers, first introduced his friend Ruairi, several decades his junior, to Tidy Randalstown the team members met a shy young man who preferred to work just with Gerry. Mentored by Gerry, Ruairi gradually learned the ways of Tidy Randalstown, helping out with weed clearing, watering and taking waste from our yard to the council amenity site.

Fast forward a few years and Ruairi is a confident volunteer appreciated by everyone and happily taking on significant responsibilities. He keeps the yard and sheds immaculately tidy 鈥� not easy with a large team of volunteers, ensures that petrol-powered tools have their tanks filled and are ready for action, highlights areas around town that need attention, and, at least once a week, enjoys being part of the regular work teams. He has even starred in a video demonstrating the use of our bowser and acted as a tour guide for local schoolchildren taking walking tours around town.

But what does Ruairi have to say about some of his Tidy Randalstown friends?

Helen 鈥� 鈥淲hen I joined Tidy Randalstown I never thought I would meet a person like Helen. She always has time for me. We get on really well as a pair and have great stories to tell one another. I don鈥檛 let her down in the tasks that I鈥檓 assigned.鈥�

Suzanne 鈥� 鈥淪uzanne keeps me updated in the comings and goings of TR work. We have great craic and enjoy each other鈥檚 time. I like it when she publishes the monthly Snippets bulletin as it gives me and fellow volunteers the chance to see what jobs were done. She is a very kind and thoughtful person who always has time to chat.鈥�

Linda 鈥� 鈥淟inda is a person who keeps me warm at break time because she always brings an extra cup for me to enjoy some coffee, which is nice on colder mornings. She helps me bring equipment back to our yard. Also, she answers any questions I鈥檝e got regarding the names of plants 鈥� she comes out with long Latin words that I find interesting to hear.鈥�

Gerry 鈥� 鈥淲ell, what can I say about this man? Gerry is a fantastic human being who helps me out around the town and the yard. The friendship we have is very unique as we both help each other out. When I ask him what鈥檚 happening tomorrow, he says wait till tomorrow because you don鈥檛 know what will hit the fan. Gerry has always got information and has great knowledge which he passes on to me. We have a laugh together, which is good. Gerry is always there day or night. He would do anything for you. Thank you, Gerry, for what you鈥檝e done and continue to do for me.鈥�

And Team Tidy Randalstown says:

鈥淩uairi, you鈥檙e one in a million. We鈥檙e proud that you are our friend and fellow volunteer.鈥�