NCVO honours former chairman by renaming children’s centre

Friday, April 2, 2004

The National Council of Voluntary Organisation’s (NCVO) Children Centre, was officially renamed the Richard Arch Children’s Centre at the Hyatt last Saturday.

The renaming ceremony, which was hosted by HE the Governor, Bruce Dinwiddy and his wife, Emma Dinwiddy, recognised the hard work and dedication of NCVO’s former chairman, Richard Arch MBE.

In his 20 years as chairman of the NCVO from 1975-1995, Mr Arch was involved with multiple projects including the opening of the Lighthouse School, the introduction of the Life-line counselling service and several fundraising projects.

During the evening, which included a champagne reception, dinner and entertainment, Mr Arch had the chance to catch up with friends and co-workers from days gone by.

“It was a wonderful evening,” he said. “It was all quite a surprise. I would have been satisfied with a pat on the shoulder.”

While citing his proudest achievements as the Children’s Centre and Pines Retirement Home, Mr Arch feels that everything he worked on was significant. “All of the projects were essential,” he said.

In his speech, NCVO Chairman, Garry Wilkin’s said: “Dick’s enthusiasm and drive helped keep the NCVO alive despite much criticism, the absence of a Community Chest and the varying expectations of each successive Government as it came into office every four years.”

Children’s Service Manager from the NCVO, Olive Miller presented Mr Arch with a symbolic, inscribed key as a memento of the occasion. Mrs Miller had been given the key as a 21st birthday present in 1942.

The newly-refurbished Richard Arch Children’s Centre, on Anthony Drive, was open for the public to tour last Sunday.

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