Derry Good Samaritan comes to the aid of Dove House

A conversation between Dove House Community Trust manager Jayne Quigg and volunteer Bernard Crumlish saw local building firm JP Corry come up with over £1,100 worth of materials to allow Bernard to create much-needed new office space at the Bogside premises.

Bernard, now retired, spent over 41 years working in the supplies industry, the majority of them working for JP Corry and it was this connection that saw him contact the managing director at the building suppliers, and getting the green light to have the supplies donated to the local charity.

Taking up the story, Bernard said: “It was a simple conversation one day while having a coffee with Jayne and my daughter, Kitty who also works at Dove House.

“They said they were struggling for space and funding wasn’t forthcoming to modernise the big room upstairs at the back.

“I said wait a minute. I made a phone call to the managing director at JP and within minutes had got the go-ahead for the supplies to be given free. All’s left now is for me to get a plasterer and the rest of the work I’ll do myself.”

The completion of the work, which is expected to take a week, will see two new offices created – something that is much needed with the increased workload at Dove House.

A delighted DHCT manager, Jayne said she was speechless when Bernard came off the phone.

“Not only did he get the supplies but also said he would carry out the work to completion – and all for free. We are overwhelmed by the extreme generosity from JP Corry and indeed, Bernard.

“When I visited their Strand Road depot this week, the management and staff were both welcoming and informative of the supplies we were receiving.

Jayne Quigg, manager, Dove House pictured with Liam Quigley, assistant manager, JP Corry, Strand Road and Bernard Crumlish, former manager at JP Corry and project manager for the work, with some of the equipment and tools donated by Corry's to assist in the refurbishment of the two new offices at Dove House in the Bogside, Derry. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

“The donation will allow for much-needed office space with the demand on our services at present, and after identifying a space within the current DHCT offices, this will allow a larger space to be split to allow more office space and meet the demands of our community.

“And to their word, a JP Corry lorry with all the supplies arrived at DHCT on Tuesday afternoon, unloaded by Bernard with the intention of starting the renovations before the end of the week.”