As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Fermanagh Trust is honouring 30 remarkable individuals whose commitment to their communities has made a lasting difference. Each awardee receives a £1,000 bursary to benefit the organisation they’re involved with. A gift that celebrates their service while investing in the future.
Our latest Civic Honour recipient is Caroline Campbell, a dedicated volunteer whose quiet determination and passion for her hometown of Ballinamallard has shaped community life for over three decades. From Sunday school to summer festivals, and more recently her key role in launching the Ember Community Hub and Coffee Shop, Caroline’s leadership continues to create spaces that bring people together.
“I’ve always been a community person,” she says. “I just love seeing things progress and being part of that change.”
Fermanagh Civic Honour Award recipient Caroline Campbell
Caroline’s volunteering journey began when her children were small. “It all started when my kids were young. I joined the playschool parents committee and that was the beginning of it all,” she recalls. From there, her involvement grew rapidly. She became a leader in Ballinamallard Girls’ Brigade, where she found herself quickly entrusted with more responsibility. “I went along to Girls’ Brigade just to help out, next thing you know, you’re handed a role! I’ve always loved working with kids.”
That same willingness to roll up her sleeves saw her become a Sunday school teacher too. “Sunday school was the same. I wasn’t going to sit doing nothing, so I got involved. It was never a hardship.”
Over the years, Caroline has served as a committee member or chair in nearly every corner of Ballinamallard civic life. The Development Association, the Festival Committee, the Methodist Church Mission Committee, the Enterprise Company, and now, the Community Hub. Whether working on floral displays, organising Christmas lights, or launching new initiatives, Caroline’s energy and commitment have left a lasting mark.
Her recent work on the Ballinamallard Community Hub stands out as a true community milestone. ‘Ember’ on the Main Street features a café, meeting rooms and office space. “I don’t want Ballinamallard to become just a commuter village,” she explains. “Ember gives us a real community hub, somewhere neutral where everyone is welcome.”
As part of the fundraising effort, Caroline organised a women’s tractor pull. A bold and imaginative idea that took off in a way she never expected. “The idea for the tractor pull came to me one night. I thought maybe 10 women would do it. We ended up with 60 and raised £19,000 for Ember,” she says. “It really worked because so many people got involved, and that sense of ownership and fun helped raise so much.”
The café, she notes, is already making a difference. “The café is helping tackle loneliness, especially for older people. We live in a very introverted society now and that’s not a good thing. This space gives people a reason to come out, have a chat and feel part of something.”
This September, Caroline and her daughter Jessica are planning a Jungle Book-themed event for Culture Night at Ember. “It’ll be creative, fun, and a great way to involve young people,” she says. “My daughter Jessica is heavily involved now, it’s great to see that passed down.”
Family has always been central to Caroline’s community work. “I hope I’ve inspired my kids. They were always involved, from collecting ducks at the Duck Derby to helping plan events,” she says. “My dad, Mervyn Dane, was a journalist, so we were always out and about at events with him. It’s in the blood.”
Caroline’s success, she says, comes not from doing everything herself but from encouraging others. “I always say don’t try to do everything yourself. Networking is key. Bring people in, encourage them and delegate,” she advises. “You don’t have to be a leader, but sometimes you end up becoming the one people look to. You just try to play to everyone’s strengths.”
Despite her many achievements, Caroline is modest about her impact. “I was delighted with the award, it’s lovely to be recognised. But more than anything, I just love seeing things move forward,” she reflects. “I’m a little bit of a perfectionist. If I’m involved in something, I want it to be done right. But it’s that drive that keeps things progressing.”
And for anyone hesitant about getting involved, her advice is clear: “You don’t need special skills to volunteer. I’ve learned as I’ve gone along. Just try it. It’s no big deal and you’ll be appreciated. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. You’d be surprised what you can do and how rewarding it is.”
Looking back on all she’s achieved, she adds: “If I were starting again, I wouldn’t let the red tape put me off. I just wanted places for my kids to go and for the village to thrive.”
Know someone like Caroline?
Do you know someone whose long-term volunteerism deserves recognition?
Categories for the Civic Honour Awards include:
• Inspirational Young Person – for those under 30 making a standout impact
• Community Impact & Legacy – for those with 30+ years of service
In light of significant interest in the awards, our nominations will be closing soon.
CLICK HERE or email sonya@fermanaghtrust.org to find out more.