'We'll use King's Honours to keep battling for our Glasgow community'
Hall manager Bill Lawns and the rest of the team threw a party for the couple in recognition of their awards, and Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren paid a surprise visit to congratulate them.
The McKenzies with Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren (Image: GordonTerris/Newsquest)
'It's very humbling because we don't see ourselves as any different from anyone else here at the hall,' said Anne.
'It's been lovely – we're just very taken aback. We do this because it's just what we do.'
She added: 'What's great is that it allows us to raise awareness of the Nan McKay Hall and all the work that goes on here.'
Anne preparing for lunch club with Eleanor Wilson (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
More than 300 people attend around 27 activities at the hall each week.
'It's always a battle for funding," says Stuart. "At times we've had to fight our socks off for this place, so if these awards can throw a bit of light on us, and maybe help us get a new hall and better facilities so we can keep helping people, then that will be a good thing."
Anne and Stuart were awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) in the New Year's Honours list for 'four decades of selfless service and commitment to improve the lives and life chances of generations of Glaswegians.'
The couple are part of the Nan McKay Hall management committee, and have run an assortment of activities and events over the years including a youth club, keep fit classes and lunch club.
Stuart is the hall's handyman, and the husband and wife have also developed a range of health services in recognition of the lack of local provision.
Anne and Stuart McKenzie (Image: Newsquest)
The couple, who now live in Cardonald, juggled full-time working and raising their family – sons Greig and Mark – with their roles at Nan McKay Hall.
'This is definitely our second home,' says Anne, smiling. 'I can still remember the first day we came in here, to help give out free bags of messages to local people who were struggling.
'It was the early 80s. The services provided have changed and grown with the community, and what they need.'
She pauses. 'I remember a councillor once described us as 'just a bingo hall' ,' adds Ann, frowning. 'She couldn't have been more wrong.
'That's why the awards are good because it means we can tell people what we do here and why it's important.'
Stuart explains that he and Anne see the British Empire Medals as 'everyone's awards'.
'They are for the hall, for the rest of the committee and manager Bill Lawns, who is amazing,' he says. 'We're not like some other community committees – we don't fight amongst ourselves, we've all got our roles to do and we do them.
'We've helped many people over the years – some who say without the Nan McKay Hall, they wouldn't be here.'
He adds: 'Some people say this is a magical place, and we'd definitely agree with that.'
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