THE BAHÁ'ÍS OF DERRY

SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BAHÁ'ÍS

On February 19, 2001 a delegation from the Spiritual Assembly, the elected representative body of the Bahá'ís of Londonderry, paid an official visit to the Guildhall. They were there as guests of the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Cahal Crumley, and his wife the Mayoress, to receive a special award, a "Quaypin".

Quaypins are sculptures made from the timbers and structures of the city's old quayside, from which so many emigrant ships left Ireland for the New World, and which recently came to light when the area was redeveloped. In the words of the citation as presented, they are... an award presented in the new millennium by the Mayor to those who have made a significant contribution to our city and symbolize a new departure from the old, divided ways into a new, inclusive city.

The Bahá'ís were one of a small number of groups being presented with the award for their work for the wider community. The presentation was covered in the local media.

THE PRESENTATION Dr Nooshin Proudman, chair of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Londonderry, receives the Quaypin award from the Mayor. This photograph appeared in the "Derry Journal".