Tributes pour in for MBE pair
Nora and Isabel in the spotlight
Tributes have been paid to two community stalwarts who were awarded MBEs last week in the New Year’s Honours List.
The Reformer reported that Nora Dillon and Isabel Banks had both been honoured for their voluntary work.
Nora, a founder member of Rutherglen and Cambuslang Housing Association, was cited for services to affordable housing, credit management and the community in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Having been involved in the creation of Lightburn Elderly Association Project (LEAP), Isabel is still there and receives her MBE for services to older people in South Lanarkshire. Her work was last week praised by LEAP chair Gilly Feron.
Dave Anderson, director at the housing association, said he was “delighted” that Nora has “received the recognition she deserves”.
He added: “There is no doubt that the commitment and hard work of Nora and the other voluntary committee members has made a major contribution to improve housing conditions in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.”
Robert McLeary, chair of the association, said: “Nora has been a colleague over many years and it is good to know that her contribution to the work of the association has been recognised in this way.
“It also provides an acknowledgement of the work of her fellow committee members in making the Housing Association the successful organisation it is today.”
Politicians also moved to praise the pair.
Clare Haughey MSP said: “The successes of local organisations like LEAP and Rutherglen and Cambuslang Housing Association are down to people like Isabel and Nora - so we owe them both a tremendous debt of gratitude for their efforts over the years.
“Isabel and Nora are true stalwarts of our community, and I am in no doubt that their tireless work has benefitted their areas significantly.”
James Kelly MSP said: “I’m immensely proud to see these local names on the 2018 honours list. It’s quite right that Nora and Isabel, true community champions of Rutherglen and Cambuslang, are getting the recognition they deserve.”