Hanwood Trust honours long-serving former Chair Brian Rea CBE JP
The Hanwood Trust has paid tribute to its late former Chair, Brian Rea CBE JP, by officially naming a room within the Hanwood Community Resource Centre in his honour.
Members of Mr Rea’s family, including his wife and children, attended a private ceremony earlier today to celebrate his life, leadership and exceptional contribution to both the Trust and the wider community.
Brian Rea served as Chair of the Hanwood Trust for 13 years, guiding the organisation with a clear commitment to improving life opportunities for the people of Tullycarnet and the surrounding area.
His leadership played a transformative role in strengthening the Trust’s services, expanding community access, and building the organisation’s reputation as a vital resource for local families, young people, and older residents.
Beyond his significant contribution to Hanwood, Mr Rea was highly respected across public life in Northern Ireland. As a former Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, he played a central role in strengthening transparency and accountability in policing.
His long-standing dedication to civic service earned him both MBE and CBE honours, in addition to his work as a Justice of the Peace.
Paul Millar, Chief Executive Officer of Hanwood Trust, said: “It meant a lot to us to be able to welcome Brian’s family to the Hanwood Centre. They know better than anyone how much time and heart he put into this place.
Caroline Birch, Community Worker and Board Member of the Hanwood Centre, said “I worked with Brian for many years and had huge respect for him. He cared deeply about this community and always wanted to see Tullycarnet move forward. He also made a huge contribution far beyond Hanwood through his public service and the many roles he held over the years.
Sammy Douglas MBE, Board Member of the Hanwood Centre, said “We were incredibly lucky to have someone of Brian’s experience and calibre leading our Board. Whether it was supporting staff, guiding the Trust or backing new programmes, Brian was always fully invested in the people who use this Centre every day.
George Dorrian, Chair of the Hanwood Centre, said “Naming a room after Brian feels like the right thing to do. It is a simple, permanent way for us to mark everything he did and to make sure his name and his contribution will always be part of the Hanwood Centre. It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much and who left a lasting mark on the community he served and on all of us who had the privilege of working with him.”
The Hanwood Community Resource Centre in Kinross Avenue, Tullycarnet, offers a wide range of facilities and programmes that support wellbeing, learning and community development.
It includes a full-size 3G football pitch, fitness suite, exercise classes, health and wellbeing programmes, meeting rooms, studio hire and The Pamper Zone therapy service.
Operated by the Hanwood Trust, established in 2002, the Centre plays a vital role in improving education, employment and health opportunities for local residents and is an inclusive hub for individuals, families, community groups and organisations.