Volunteer Val picks up British Citizen Award
Since coming to Troon with David in 1971, Val has been an energetic and committed volunteer with a range of local and national charities and organisations.
She was an active worker with Christian Aid in Troon for much of that time and chaired the local group for over 20 years.
She was responsible for organising the annual Christian Aid Week collection, which raised £ 10,000 -£ 12,000 annually in the Troon area.
In 1975 she set up and ran a preSchool Playgroup, supported by the SPPA, which formed a valuable resource and social hub for local families for more than 20 years.
The Gwynnes also provided voluntary respite care for special needs children through South Ayrshire Council’s Shared Care Scheme, which included accommodating them in the family home.
Val’s main focus for many years now has been Troon Fairtrade Initiative founded in 2003.
I feel very honoured to receive it
Decades of spirited volunteering in Troon by hard- working Val Gwynne have been rewarded.
The 79- year- old has just returned from Westminster clutching a British Citizen Award.
The awards were launched in 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.
Val was one of just 30 people who was presented with the medal in London.
She said: “I didn’t know anything of this award, so it was a big surprise and I feel very honoured to receive it.
“I was nominated by friend Annie Howie and others and through all my activities my husband David has been a great support.”
The mum- of- two and gran- oftwo lives in Loans and was a teacher by profession, latterly a playgroup leader.