Jim hands over reins after 13 year stint
Community Council boss departs Prestwick North
He’s seen and done it all in Prestwick.
But town stalwart, Jim Ronney, admits now is the time to hand over the reins.
As chair of Prestwick North Community Council for the past 13 years, Jim has spearheaded many a campaign.
From leading litter patrols to playing a key role in the popular Prom day, there’s little in Prestwick which hasn’t had the Ronney touch.
But after two strokes and heart problems, he admits it’s finally time to put himself first.
Jim, 79, said: “I’ll never truly be able to stop – it’s not in my nature.
“I’ve always been one of those proactive people, but the time comes when you listen to your body.”
Jim, a grandfather of six, joined the community council 17 years ago to “keep busy” while wife, Trish, went to work.
And the retired electrical engineer, who worked for Rolls Royce and Motorola, quickly set about mobilising the town.
He said: “We’ve a great bunch of people in Prestwick who all work very hard for the town.
“Undoubtedly our biggest achievement on the community council was getting the beach cleaned.
“The work done over a number of years by George Gemmell and Laura Twaddell, both of whom are sadly no longer with us, was tremendous.
“I was also proud of our Adopt A Street campaign where we got people out and about to clean the town.
“These are all simple things but they proved very effective.”
Jim, who succeeded Pat Robinson as chair, reluctantly steps down following a period of illness.
But he pledged: “I hope to be back in some shape or form – even if it’s just as a member of the public to stay informed!
“I’ve loved every minute of my time on the community council and it’s always important to remember that you’re there to represent the people – not the views of yourself.
“None of it would have been possible without the resourceful, positive and dedicated community councillors.
“I wish them and my successor the very best wishes for the future and many thanks for their support over my time with them.”