Medallists recognised for community work
Gongs handed out
British Empire Medal winners from North and South Lanarkshire have been presented with their well-deserved gongs.
Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Susan Haughey, was given the honour of presenting the five BEM recipients with their medals at a lavish ceremony in Motherwell Civic Centre.
Among those honoured was Motherwell woman Veronica McDonald.
She was recognised for her or services to adults with special needs in North Lanarkshire which she has served for the past 37 years.
Veronica said: “It was very humbling and emotional.
“The council is very good in recognising those who deserve these honours.”
Also honoured on the day was Carluke woman Elizabeth Blades, a dedicated member of 5th Motherwell Girls’ Brigade.
She received the award for services to young people and the community in Motherwell.
Elizabeth Stoddart volunteers for the Lanarkshire Cancer Care Trust in Wishaw and uses her own car to help those with serious illnesses get the transport they need to their cancer treatment.
Her gong was for services to the people of Lanarkshire.
The British Empire Medal recognises those who have provided a service to the community without seeking any recognition or reward, but rather have provided these services because it is the right thing to do.
The presentation featured an introduction by Clerk to the Lieutenancy and North Lanarkshire Council chief executive Paul Jukes and a welcome from North Lanarkshire Provost Jean Jones.
There was then a summary of citation and presentation of medals by Lady Haughey CBE, and closing remarks from South Lanarkshire Provost Ian McAllan.