Community stalwart Jimmy is honoured
Kirk elder presented with British Empire Medal
A Stonehouse volunteer has been presented with a British Empire Medal after dedicating more than 60 years of his life to the community.
Jimmy Anderson (88) was recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, and received his medal at St Ninian’s Church at the weekend.
A special presentation was held for the senior kirk elder on Sunday (November 5), led by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, John Brown.
Jimmy received the honour in recognition of a lifetime of service to the Boys’ Brigade and the community of Stonehouse.
Born and brought up in the east end of Glasgow, Jimmy moved to the village in 1954 after marrying local girl May Thomson.
Jimmy, of Mclean Gardens, volunteered as an officer in the then recently-formed Boys’ Brigade company, and went on to hold the post of captain for 60 years.
In 1999 he was one of the first recipients of the South Lanarkshire Council Community Service Award, made in recognition of his outstanding service to the community of Stonehouse and district.
And in 2008, to mark his long and distinguished service to the Boys’ Brigade, he was appointed an Honorary Vice-president of the Hamilton Battalion.
He is also a loyal and dedicated member of St Ninian’s Church, being ordained as an elder in his early twenties.
In his later years, Jimmy became involved in the Stonehouse Senior Citizens Group where he was elected president and chairperson. He held the position for over 20 years and has only recently retired from the role. He has since been elected Honorary President.
In his 50s, Jimmy decided to take up running, and in the 25 years which followed he participated in many marathons, half-marathons and similar races in which he raised funds for local and national charities.
His enthusiasm was infectious and in her later years his wife, May, decided to join him in his long-distance charity running.
Sadly May passed away several years ago and has not lived to see Jimmy honoured for his work in the community.
Jimmy was employed locally for nearly all his working life, initially with a local building firm and then as a mobile ice cream vendor.
Speaking of Jimmy during the presentation, Vice Lord Lieutenant John Brown, said: “This is the first time that I have had the privilege of making a presentation in front of a church congregation.
“It is a very special venue and most apt considering Jimmy’s long and outstanding contribution to the life of the church.”