Ceremony celebrates community dedication

Jan 8 2009 by Margaret Shaw, Hamilton Advertiser

MORE than 40 people have been honoured for dedication to their community.

Their work was recognised at South Lanarkshire Council’s 2008 community service awards ceremony.

Nominated by their councillors, they attended the ceremony held in the banqueting hall at the Council’s Hamilton headquarters.

The awards were in recognition of the voluntary work they have carried out over the years, many of them dedicating much of their lives to helping others through tenants’ and residents’ organisations, school and youth projects, charity fundraising, local community transport services and local sporting initiatives.

Provost Russell Clearie told the award winners: “We as a council can only do so much and so we rely on volunteers for the time and effort they put in to improve the quality of life for so many people who would otherwise have to do without.

“Each one of our volunteers has, in their own unique and caring way, provided a valuable service to both individuals and the community at large.”

Aong those honoured were:

Ella McNeil, a former member of Blantyre Community Council, who is well known in the Coatshill area for her tireless work on the management committee of the TACT Hall. She is a prolific fundraiser and also co-ordinates Christmas parties and arranges transport to events.

Cathy McInally was instrumental in setting up Blantyre’s Jack Horner children’s play group and is a successful fundraiser and a member of the Woman’s Guild there. She has raised funds for charities such as the Haven.

Helen Bell has been a volunteer with St Andrew’s Ambulance Association in Hamilton for 60 years, holding positions of commandant and secretary and also passing on her expertise as an instructor.

John Crawford, who lives in Whitehill, set up and ran a tool-lending scheme. He also volunteers at the Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre and received the first Whitehill Achievers Award in September.

Robert Murray has chaired Strutherhill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, where he has been a member for many years.

George Thomson worked tirelessly to establish and set up ML9 Credit Union.

Frances Gilmour has given a lifetime of commitment to helping the First Larkhall Girls’ Brigade. For more than 55 years she has helped many girls gain awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which Frances herself earned with her twin sister. They were at the time the first twins to gain the award. Frances has also been involved with the management board of the Machan Trust and has given outstanding assistance to voluntary work with Trinity Church.

Wilma Gilmour, like her sister Frances, has given more than 50 years of service to the First Larkhall Girls’ Brigade and was appointed captain, holding the post for around 20 years. She has also served on the Scottish Committee of the Girls’ Brigade and is a member of the Children’s Panel. Like Frances, Wilma also volunteers for Trinity Parish Church.

Sheridan Nicol is one of the country’s most respected director/choreographers, working in theatre, television and entertainment. She’s been a dance teacher in Larkhall and has given many young people a start in the entertainment industry, working tirelessly to raise the profile of dance for all people in the community.

Jean Dunsmuir has given her time as a Cub Scout leader with the Second Uddingston Scouts for over 30 years, setting generations of boys on the right path in life.

George Cunningham is one of the mainstays of village life in Ferniegair. As well as being on hand to help people generally, he is well known for organising the annual gala day.

Jackson Cook is a retired grandfather who spends time helping young footballers at Glenlee Primary School, Burnbank. This started when his own children attended the school. Even though his youngest grandson left 12 years ago, Jackson is still heavily involved in running and organising the teams.

Agnes Ledingham has been involved with the St Andrew’s Ambulance Service for more than 30 years and was commandant for many years until 2003, when she stood down and became the honorary officer. Agnes is still a training coordinator and trains standard and junior classes throughout Lanarkshire.

Danny Rouse has since 2000 been a volunteer helper at St Blanes, Blantyre. He takes the children to and from any religious gatherings and helps organise school trips. He also looks after the school library and his involvement has improved the activities for the children to take part in.

Gordon Young has volunteered with Hamilton Volunteer Group for 15 years and is currently the president. The group provide day care, social, educational and recreational activities for vulnerable people. Gordon also helps coordinate community transport services to support members of the community.

Ron Hardie has been the chair of Larkhall and District Volunteer Group for 10 years. He has been instrumental in developing the group and ensuring it continues to function and fulfil its role of working to better the life of the community it serves.