South Lanarkshire honours its hardworking volunteerss

Dec 7 2011 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

ELEVEN of East Kilbride and district’s hard working volunteers have been honoured at a ceremony held at South Lanarkshire Council headquarters in Hamilton.

The 11 local people were among 40 volunteers from across South Lanarkshire who were nominated by their local councillors and presented with awards by Provost Russell Clearie.

The local heroes honoured were Harry McInally, Jeff Wright, David McAllister, Neil McCallum, James Simpson, Stanley Bush, Gordon McCallan, Alison McKinley, David McKenna, Lynne Eland and Angela Dockrell.

Speaking at the ceremony Provost Clearie said: “This is one of the best days in my Provost's diary as it highlights the fantastic achievements of the army of dedicated volunteers in our area.

“It is the day that my fellow councillors and I have the chance to recognise the people we think have served their communities in the most wonderful and selfless ways.

“The range of work you do is simply staggering – many of you having dedicated much of your lives to your community and the people who live there.

“Through your determination, drive and selfless hard work, you make our communities better places for everyone to live, work and play.

“It would be impossible to try and summarise all of your achievements. But the one thing you all have in common is that you never seek any praise or acknowledgement for what you do.

“However, today I am delighted to break with that tradition.

“Without volunteers our society would not be what it is today – and that is why we are here – to thank you for all that you do to make South Lanarkshire what it is today.”

Harry McInally, a volunteer driver for East Kilbride Community Transport as well as a member of Murray Community Council, was nominated by East Kilbride Central South councillor John Anderson.

A willing worker, Harry is always available to help raise funds for good causes, including cancer care, with whom he is actively involved.

Harry also helps senior citizens by doing any small jobs they may require to be done in their homes.

Jeff Wright, a member of Strathaven and District Round Table for eight years and their president in the session 2008/09, was nominated by Avondale and Stonehouse councillor Graeme Campbell.

As a Tabler, Jeff helped raise over £10,000 each year for worthy local causes ranging from local children involved in sport, the Kilbryde Hospice, local schools, the scouts and the Round Table’s winter lunch for old age pensioners supported by the council.

To encourage new blood each year in the Round Table, the members are asked to retire at the age of 45 but to date Jeff has given up this right and continued with the Table beyond his term, giving back what he could to the Strathaven community.

Even when his time did finally come to leave the Round Table, Jeff didn't give up his dedication to the Strathaven community. In partnership with some other ex-Tabler's his age, Jeff set-up the "41-Club" a sister association of the Round Table where he continues to offer valuable time and his experience to the Strathaven community, working to raise even more money for the great local causes across Strathaven and Avondale.

Jeff's links to the Strathaven community do not stop with the Round Table because his community involvement also includes continued support of the Strathaven Pipe-Band and Strathaven Scouts, another example of his outstanding community spirit.

David McAllister, who has been involved in SSAFA – the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families’ Association for over 20 years, was also nominated by Councillor Campbell.

The organisation was set up after World War II by David’s father and today they raise over £260,000 a year to support those who serve in our Armed Forces and those who used to serve, including their families.

Last year alone, David and his team of professional staff and trained volunteers provided a reliable, caring and trusted service to more than 50,000 people both here in Lanarkshire and across the UK, where they helped to make a real difference to many, many lives.

Even after retirement, David has dedicated his own time to SSAFA on a near full-time basis and has now chaired the organisation for more than 10 years.

What time David has left after his day with SSAFA, he spends supporting the community in Strathaven at the Strathaven Golf Club, where he chaired the recent centenary events in 2008, which took more than three years of planning.

David is a fine example of those who give up their own personal time in the support of others both being part of the community and those less fortunate than ourselves.

Neil McCallum, who promotes health and fitness and has been a massive contributor to the community for more than 40 years, was nominated by East Kilbride South Councillor Jim Docherty.

Giving up a lot of time for the community, sometimes up to six days a week, he not only helps the community stay fit and healthy and build friendships through his classes, he now gives support to the community through Jackton Boxing Club, which has members of various ages.

Neil’s main contribution to the community, however, is, through his fitness lessons, teaching discipline. His biggest achievement is teaching to young people who are getting into trouble through hanging around with bad crowds to discipline themselves and show respect, kindness and a desire to succeed not just in the gym but in life as well.

Many of the young people Neil deals with could, without his guidance, lose their way and may turn to crime or anti-social behaviour. Neil provides a club that diverts their energies instead to health and fitness and to self-respect and self-discipline.

James White Simpson, who has been delivering Meals on Wheels for the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service for more than 16 years, was nominated by Avondale and Stonehouse councillor Lynn Filshie.

After retiring at age 65, James started volunteering with the WRVS driving the Meals and Wheels deliveries three days a week.

Recently he has cut down his deliveries from WRVS Parkhall in East Kilbride to one day a week, obviously slowing down now he is in his 80s.

Jim also delivers books to the housebound via the WRVS based in Hamilton Town Hall Library.

As well as this Jim gave hundreds of hours’ hard labour to the laying out of Chapelton Bowling Green, where he helped former Provost Award recipient John Southern.

Stanley Bush, who plays a huge part in the lives of people in the community of Sandford and Upper Avondale, was also nominated by councillor Filshie.

For the past 20 years and more, he has been very highly thought of by many.

In his role as local postman, he also fulfils the role of neighbourhood watch and on occasion alerts the appropriate people to insecure properties much to the delight of grateful owners.

He watches out for the elderly in the community, delivers the mail with a welcoming chat and friendly face every day which can be vital in rural communities and everyone feels more secure in the knowledge that, if something happened, Stan would most likely be the one to find you and get help.

Stan also alerts the farmers on his route if animals are in need, and keeps the communities up to date with any road closures.

His relationship with the community is so strong that Stan attends the funerals of the individuals on his route out of old-fashioned respect and is always a comfort to families.

Gordon McCallan, a Strathaven stalwart for many years, was another nomination of councillor Filshie.

An upstanding member of the Strathaven community for many years and a participant in many local community organisations. Gordon was one of the founding members of the Strathaven Balloon Festival and remains a key organiser involved in every aspect of the festival from fundraising to putting up tents and no doubt making the tea.

Gordon is also a member of Strathaven Community Council and active in representing Strathaven in every way. He also chaired the Town Mill Committee for over 10 years, and was highly involved in its former development and still supports the present committee when required.

And he assists in all other local events even if not directly involved on the committee, such as Reindeer Day, Gala Day, the Classic Car Show, Strathaven in Bloom, and turns up with a helping hand or for stewarding duties, or in wellies to clean out Strathaven’s Powmillan Burns.

This year to keep himself even busier he volunteered for the International Children's Games again, helping out wherever required.

Recently he has become involved in setting up a new trust with a view to revitalising John Hastie Museum and other projects as they progress with the trust.

Alison McKinley, who set up the Bethany Group attached to Avendale Church in Strathaven, was nominated by Avondale and Stonehouse councillor Bill Holman.

Following the death of her husband, Alison saw the need for a support organisation for widows and set up the Bethany Group which meets weekly in the church and is mainly, although not exclusively, for elderly widows.

Alison organises transport where members require it and arranges speakers and entertainment at meetings. She also organises trips and holidays for members. Alison has been doing this work for well over 10 years.

She also helps raise funds for other charities and supports other groups in Strathaven.

The group have quickly grown into an important community resource where support can be given at a difficult time to a wide range of people.

David McKenna, a volunteer at East Kilbride Community Trust and Soccer Starts, was nominated by East Kilbride West councillor Alan Scott.

Giving a lot of his time to the trust, David helps with everything from training sessions to cleaning the changing rooms.

He is well known in the community and has done a great job in helping to build a club that gives opportunities and guidance for hundreds of young people.

David was instrumental in setting up Stewartfield Football Club. This club was formed with one team which was very successful and within a few years had multiple teams. They achieved the quality mark which was a testament to all of Dave's hard work.

The club then took the next step up merging with another Boys’ Club to become East Kilbride Football Club which is now a massive part of the local community with 25 teams, with ages ranging from five to adult. EKFC have a great attitude towards helping kids off the pitch, teaching them respect for others and discipline in their own lives, providing a diversion from anti-social behaviour.

Lynne Eland, who organises and coordinates the Spotlight Youth Theatre group, was also nominated by councillor Scott.

Recently the theatre group celebrated their 15th anniversary with a performance of Broadway and Beyond at East Kilbride Village Theatre.

These shows are enjoyed by many people from both within and outwith the local community. The fact that this has been going for 15 years is great testament to Lynne's hard work and dedication.

Lynne is also an elder at Mossneuk Parish Church where she does much to further the good work of the church.

Angela Dockrell, who has shown a long and distinguished commitment to youth organisations and to her local primary school, was nominated by East Kilbride East councillor Graham Scott.

Providing a great service in leadership roles, Angela is a positive influence on the organisations in which she has served.

Among the groups with which she has been particularly involved are the 2nd East Kilbride and 4th East Kilbride companies of the Boys’ Brigade, as a parent helper at Long Calderwood Primary and as a member of the Parent Teacher Association and office-bearer on the school board.

Angela has done much to serve young people and to ensure they develop into responsible adults.