Audrey collects learning award from Prime Minister

May 8 2008

A CARLUKE woman was able to teach Prime Minister Gordon Brown a thing or two when he met her during the recent STUC Annual Congress in Inverness.

Gordon Brown was on hand to present Audrey McJimpsey with a special lifelong learning award.

Mrs McJimpsey, who is a Community Union Learning Representative at RSBi Blindcraft in Springburn, Glasgow, was proud to have received the third annual STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning from the PM during the Congress.

And, as part of her prize, she will have a special audience with Mr Brown in Downing Street later in the year.

Audrey’s whole family seem to be the epitome of lifelong learning.

Her 13-year-old son Andrew is planning to showcase his mum’s achievement in his modern studies class at Carluke High School.

Audrey said: “I could not have achieved this award without the support of my union, Community, and I am very grateful for the support my family and friends have given to me over the years.

“My son Andrew is particularly proud and can’t wait to share with his schoolmates how his mum met the Prime Minister.”

Audrey’s husband Billy, a Unison member, has also taken up a course in French through the Learning Centre at Blindcraft.

Billy said: “I am very proud of Audrey and of what she has achieved. It is tremendous to see her positively affect so many peoples’ lives. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she even has me hooked on learning.“

Audrey has been very active within the trade union movement since 1986 and currently supports local initiatives to promote union activity, especially union learning.

She represents 100 members in her role as a Learning Rep within RSBi. A large percentage of the workforce is disabled at RSBi Blindcraft and Audrey has encouraged more than 75% of the workers to take up learning opportunities.

Audrey said: “When someone achieves something they never thought they would try and learns something new, it gives me a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. It is an enjoyable experience to help others achieve their potential.“

Speaking after receiving the award from the Prime Minister, Audrey said: “It has been a fantastic experience to be given the 2008 STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning.

“I am absolutely delighted the Prime Minister was invited to present this award to me, in honour of such an inspirational trade unionist who made a huge contribution to lifelong learning in Scotland.”

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith added: “This award recognises the leading role which trade union activists have played in the promotion of lifelong learning in workplaces in all sectors throughout Scotland.”