Digging deep to say thank you

Inverurie Rotary Club and Men’s Shed have marked the first National Thank You Day with a tree-planting ceremony.

More than 20 members and locals were at the planting yesterday at the new Inverurie & District Men’s Shed allotment.

Rotarian Jim Somerville said: “As it’s the first National Thank You Day we wanted to do something to thank the volunteers who have helped the community through the pandemic.

“We decided to plant three apple trees, as they symbolise good health and happiness, and they’re going to be the start of a fruit orchard at the allotment, with more being planted in the future.

“The allotment has been a place that people can go to escape from the isolation of lockdown, where they are able to find some solace and quiet.”

Mr Somerville said the event went “very well” and featured a minute of silence to remember members Jack Henry, Bill Murdoch and Pat Mitchell, who died in the last year.

Mr Somerville added: “Today was just one way of us marking our thanks for everyone but it was also a commemoration event to remember the members we have lost recently.”

A plaque will be added at the Men’s Shed allotment with a message of thanks to the community.

Across Scotland communities were celebrating Thank You Day to show appreciation to those who had helped others get through the Covid pandemic.

Cove Woodland Trust combined a big thank you with its fourth birthday fun, which featured a wildflower hunt, fantasy trail, drawing competition and visit from the book fairy.

Staff at M&S in Aberdeen and Inverness have been handing out thank-you cards to customers, featuring artwork by author Charlie Mackesy.

Customers in the north were treated to a Colin the Caterpillar cake as part of the store’s celebrations.

Thank You Day was developed from a grassroots campaign to hold the UK’s largest thank you party, building on community spirit in lockdowns.

The day had been backed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Prince of Wales, who recorded a special radio show to thank hospital radio volunteers for keeping spirits high during the pandemic.

A number of virtual events were available through the official Thank You Day website, including an hour of litter picking and a Britain-wide sing-a-long.

People across the country were also asked to raise a glass or mug to toast all volunteers at 5pm.

●Did you hold an event to mark Thank You Day? Send your pictures to livenews@ajl.co.uk

SPADEWORK: Inverurie Rotary Club planted three fruit trees at the Men’s Shed allotments in the town. From left, Bill Duncan, Kay Diack and Judy Whyte. Picture by Kath Flannery