South Lanarkshire residents honoured for stellar community work
More than 30 individuals and groups were recognised at this year's Provost's awards
A host of South Lanarkshire stars were honoured for their dazzling work in their communities at this year's provost awards, recognising volunteers of all ages for contributions ranging from running community groups and events to fundraising and litter picking.
More than 30 individuals and groups were nominated by local councillors in praise of their volunteer efforts and support for fellow local residents.
They were then invited to a special ceremony at the council's headquarters in Hamilton where they received commemorative certificates and paperweights from provost Margaret Cooper to mark their 'outstanding contribution to their communities' through charity work, community groups, sports teams and helping the environment.
The youngest recipient was eight-year-old Darson Watson, described as 'an absolute inspiration to our town of Larkhall' for his work in carrying out weekly litter picks in local parks and along the River Avon with mum Sandra and their dogs.
His video messages highlighting the issue of litter are then shared on social media and have resulted in 'a tremendous response from other locals eager to join the clean-up efforts' in the community.
Darson was honoured alongside recipients including Earnock residents' association secretary Sally Dallas, who led the successful campaign to reinstate the area's bus service; mum-of-four Corrie Reis who runs a weekly family activity night for children and carers as well as a summer programme and last year ran a 50-person camp at Wiston Lodge; and Ray Ryan, described as having 'a profound impact on young people and the local community' for her three decades as parent helper, chair and treasurer with Hamilton district youth theatre.
Further nominees from the Hamilton area were Supporting Our Community volunteer Brooke Carracher, who organises a family activity class as well as volunteering at church and St John Ogilvie High; the team at Fairhill community cafe for their weekly cafe and special fundraisers and celebrations; Hillhouse community cafe and recreational gardens volunteer Megan Dougal; and Rev Malcolm Anderson, chair of Hamilton churches drop-in centre which provides shelter and meals for homeless people.
Several Blantyre residents were recognised for their community work – including Ryan and Carla Buchanan for their fundraising, support of good causes and 'significant impact on the community'; Jonathan Oliver of Lodge Blantyre Kilwinning which raises charity funds and donates a Christmas selection box to all local youngsters; 'tireless' community stalwart Jean Orr of Blantyre community council, Bonnie Blantyre and Friends of Calder; and former Blantyre Miners chair Andy Simm, whose achievements include helping to develop the area's community garden.
Provost's awards also went to Uddingston community council chair Michael Hart, who worked to reinstate the organisation three years ago; Bothwell community council secretary and scarecrow festival volunteer Ewan Speedie; Pauline Davies, who spearheaded the refurbishment of Green Street playpark; and Bothwell & Uddingston men's shed founder Joe Kennedy.
A group award was made to Strathaven memory club, for people with dementia, which meets twice monthly and supports 20 families and carers, with a growing volunteer roll and numerous community links.
Provost Cooper also honoured Fibro Friends Lanarkshire founder Tracey Orr, of Chapelton; Strathaven Group volunteer Laura Booth; East Kilbride youth disability sports club chair Heather Irvine; Kilbryde Hospice trustee Fiona McKee; Jim Ballantyne, who chairs both East Kilbride twinning association and sports council; and Helen Cuthbertson, whose community work includes volunteering with Claremont parish church, Kilbryde Hospice and East Kilbride community foodbank.
Stevie Burns and Simon Trobe, who both volunteer with 113th Glasgow (Burnside) Scouts, were nominated by Rutherglen councillor Robert Brown for their 'exemplary actions' in spending hours clearing a large fallen tree from Burnside Road – and provost's awards also went to Camglen Buddies and group founder Jackie Mount, plus Iain Welford and Spittal parent council.
Barn Buddies founder Leeanne Inglis was also recognised, alongside fellow Carluke residents James Braynion, leader of the Boys' Brigade group at St John's Church, and Margaret Lindsay, manager of Carluke community charity shop Choices.
Law mum and daughter Marion Moffat and Amy Shaw who run the area's baby and toddler group and are involved in a host of community associations were also among those receiving certificates at the ceremony, as were Forth resident May Gibson, founder of the weekly Braehead lunch club; and Isobel Aikman and Jean McCaldon, who have organised the Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill gala day for the past five decades.
Provost Cooper said the awards highlight residents' 'significant contribution to community life' and 'recognise the fantastic work that is done right across South Lanarkshire'.
She said: 'Much of this so often goes unnoticed, although of course that is the last thing in the minds of those who carry it out. The awards are a recognition of this work and to allow us to show how much we appreciate the people who give up their own time to help others.
'It was wonderful to see so many people from all walks of life and hear about the tremendous contribution they make to their local communities; I personally find it a real honour, and a humbling one, to celebrate their achievements.'
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