Derry peace worker returns to 'Tesco family' with MBE

By Ursula Duddy Reporter

A Derry man has returned from London after being awarded an MBE for his dedication to cross-community work over the last 25 years.

Malcolm Hewitt, 64, returned to the city with his MBE medal that was bestowed upon him for a quarter of a century of service to the community.

Malcolm, from Sevenoaks, was greeted by his colleagues at Tesco in Strand Road where he works alongside his wife, Irene.

Malcom has worked with the Ulster Project for two and a half decades. The Ulster Project is a cross community group that offers training to young leaders and encourages teens to oppose discrimination.

Every year a group of teenagers from the city are selected to join the Ulster Project. The young people receive six months of tuition, then travel to the USA to live with host families for four weeks to reflect on tackling prejudice and inequality.

Malcom began working with the Project when his eldest son, Philip, was selected to take part 25 years ago and has since gone on to lead its operations in Derry.

Speaking about receiving the MBE for his work in the community, Malcolm said: “The investiture was quite an experience – and one which I don’t imagine I’ll every have again.

“It meant the world to have Irene and two of our children by my side as I received my medal.”

Malcom said that he has been congratulated by many on the award and described it as not only a ‘personal honour’ but a chance to promote the Ulster Project.

“I’ve been overwhelmed the messages of congratulations which continue to flood in from friends, colleagues and people across the city,” he said.

“As well as it being a personal honour, it has also been an opportunity to shine a light on the wonderful work of the Ulster Project.”

Nora O’Donnell, of Tesco in Strand Road said: “Malcolm and Irene have been part of the Tesco family here in the city for many years and we are delighted for them and their family.

“It was a well-deserved honour for Malcolm and it was a very proud moment for us all when he arrived home with this medal.”

Above: Malcolm is pictured (centre) with Dale Robinson, Claire Campbell, his wife, Irene and Graham Bradley.