Community champions shine at Summerfest
Those who go extra mile honoured with awards
Tributes to the world’s biggest musicians dazzled at Summerfest, but local volunteers stole the limelight when the community awards ceremony got underway.
An annual fixture at Summerfest, the ceremony recognises people and organisations who go above and beyond to help others and their community.
Roots to Work South was the first to be honoured, with the festival recognising the employment champion for moving 1,000 locals into sustainable work every year.
Staff at the Iona Unit in South View Care Home were also commended for their work in supporting men with complex issues to rebuild their lives and gain confidence to live independently.
And Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust saw two of its volunteers receive awards, Marion Curley and John Timoney.
Both volunteers since 2014, the pair are key to the organisation’s Transforming Lives programme and are hugely popular at Clydeford View’s ReConnect service.
Here volunteers support older people by getting to know them so they can build up their confidence to try different community activities that interest them.
John said: “I was very shocked to be nominated, but to receive this award, I was very proud. I have done a lot with Healthy n Happy. The work they do is amazing.
“I volunteer with ReConnect. It’s nice to see pensioners come along to the group, they do activities and have tea and sandwiches and a chat. It removes isolation for them.”
St Bride’s Primary was also rewarded for encouraging children in the arts and pupils Millie O‘Donnal and Lucia Lamont won the Cambuslang Rotary Club art competition. It challenged youngsters to design a 2017 Summerfest poster.
Sports stalwart Peter Mullan received a huge round of applause when he was named a community champion for his years of service on the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Sports Council.
Councillor Walter Brogan compered the annual awards ceremony and said he was humbled by the experience: “The awards are well deserved and it’s amazing the diversity within the community.
“It really showed the wealth of talent we have in the area. It makes me proud to be able to part of it.”