TEA and cakes were in order when Frank Slattery was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the St Vincent De Paul Society on Tuesday.

Mr Slattery, 83, was recognised for years of dedicated service to the society through welfare work and home visits to the needy.

His friends threw him the surprise morning tea as a celebration, but even some of his closest friends could not coax the modest Mr Slattery into revealing how long he had been of service to the society.

He only revealed he had been involved in such work since before he came to live in Inverell, more than 25 years ago.

Mr Slattery did years of charity work in places such as Delungra, Tamworth and Tenterfield before arriving in Inverell.

He said it was a very pleasing, unexpected surprise, but recognition was not the main motivation behind his dedication.

"It's for self satisfaction,” Mr Slattery said.

"To see the pleasure on other people's faces.”

"It's not all work, it's quite enjoyable”.

Treasurer of the Sacred Heart Conference, Brian Baldwin, presented the award to Mr Slattery saying St Vincent De Paul was an organisation which did not often reward its volunteers, except those who had contributed in a large way over time.

"Members of St Vincent De Paul don't look for any reward except knowledge that they are assisting the needy for the honour of God,” Mr Baldwin said.

"Certificates are not given out willy nilly”.

Mr Slattery's award was signed by the President of the Armidale Diocese of St Vincent De Paul, Paula Boland, which Mr Baldwin said was a great honour.

© 2004 Inverell Times

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