BUSHVALE’S ‘PADRE KEN’ HONOUR FOR SERVICE BEYONF THE CALL OF DUTY

A POPULAR Ballymoney Minister, known to hundreds of young people across Northern Ireland as ‘Padre Ken ’,has been honoured at a formal ceremony at Hillsborough Castle. Rev Kenneth Crowe, the Minister of Bushvale Presbyterian Church at Stranocum, received the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for Outstanding Meritorious Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.

This is one of the highest accolades that can be conferred on members of the Reserve Forces and Cadet movement Commenting on receiving the award, Rev. Crowe said: “I was very surprised and humbled to receive the award. I didn’t think I was doing that much; just doing what I wanted to and doing what I enjoyed. The ACF is a great organisation doing great work and it’s something I’ve always had an interest in.”

The honour recognizes his role as Senior Chaplain to the 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, leading a small team of Chaplains tasked with looking after the spiritual welfare and providing pastoral support to around 800 cadets and 170 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Since stepping into the Chaplaincy back in 2006 he was in familiar territory for ‘Padre Ken’ as he was soon known had previously served as a Cadet in the Royal School Armagh’s busy Combined Cadet Force, where he attained the rank of Cadet Colour Sergeant Major; he then went on to serve with Edinburgh University Officer Training Corps whilst at University.

Padre Crowe made an immediate impact when he was appointed to the Chaplaincy with 1st Battalion ACF, developing excellent rapport with cadets and adults alike and immersing himself in the life of the Battalion as well as attending
numerous personal development courses with The Royal Army Chaplains’ Department.

The Citation which accompanies his award pays tribute to twelve years ’ of service from a man who has proved ‘approachable, caring, trustworthy, dependable and loyal. ‘He is naturally calm at all times, and goes about his business in a
quiet, intelligent and thoughtful way. Frequently he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, providing spiritual support and comfort to cadet personnel and their families outside of the ACF
organisation and, indeed, in some cases after they have left the ACF.

‘Padre Kenneth Crowe is a totally dedicated Chaplain and ACF Officer who has given and continues to give exceptionally
valuable service, often over and above what is required. His service is totally commendable and is fully
deserving of recognition.’ As well as being a very busy minister with all that entails, Padre Crowe regularly helps out in the
leadership of annual Cadet Camps and still finds time to act as Honorary Chaplain to Portadown Football Club.