On his recent retirement from the board, AMH Director, Courtenay Thompson had chalked up some 50 years’ service as a long-term and highly involved board member. Since first co-opted on 31 October 1973 with ITO Industrial Training Organisation latterly becoming known as AMH Action Mental Health, Courtenay’s wealth of knowledge and commitment have helped AMH become the oldest mental health charity in Northern Ireland. He has always had an intense focus on the welfare of clients and AMH is eternally indebted to him for his support and commitment.
With an extensive business background, Courtenay’s experience has been of great value to the charity. As Deputy Chair until 2009 he was also Chair of the North & West Belfast Local Board from 1991. As Chair of the Pension Committee, Courtenay made an invaluable contribution to the Board on investments issues.
Now as a retired businessman, his experience spans his many high profile positions such as Managing Director of Charles Hurst, Director of Pentlands and Thompson Reid. He also had a keen interest in agriculture and served as a past President of Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), past Treasurer of Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, served on Government Consumer Affairs Bodies; Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Belfast Rotary and Past Chair of NI Advisory Committee on Telecommunications (OFTEL). He also served as the Deputy Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast.
As a very modest recognition of his commitment to AMH a recent presentation of a client made multi coloured fused bowl was made to Courtenay at AMH New Horizons Foyle.
Commenting on the presentation Courtenay said, “Do pass on my delight to the very talented maker of this magnificent bowl made in multi coloured glass pieces, just stunning, I cannot think of anything I will cherish so much for the rest of my life”.
Pictured presenting the bowl to Courtenay (left) is AMH Board, Deputy Chair, Billy McKeown.
