Three High Blantyre men were today awarded South Lanarkshire’s Community Service award for 2016.
On the recommendation of local Councillors, Blantyre’s Gordon Cook, Jim Brown and Paul Veverka and their families were invited to a ceremony in the County Buildings this afternoon, Friday 18th March 2016. Amongst the good company of other nominees from throughout South Lanarkshire, they were called up by the Provost to receive a certificate, a beautiful glass inscribed award and celebratory lunch.
Gordon Cook is secretary and vice -chairman of Blantyre Heritage Group and has previously written many booklets on the history of Blantyre, including taking an informative position in the much celebrated Pits, Ponies, People & Stories project, sepcialising in mining. We can’t think of anybody with more knowledge about Blantyre’s history than this man. Gordon commented afterwards saying, “I was surprised and honoured to be nominated.”
Jim Brown is a local machinist who for more than a decade, has walked around Blantyre almost every weekend, capturing contemporary life by photos for future generations to look back upon. He has amassed nearly 40,000 photos in his collection. Jim is an active member in Friends of the Calder and a tireless champion of Blantyre’s environment. Jim told us today, “Brilliant to be sitting here amongst all these people. The awards look amazing”
Finally, Paul Veverka. I cant add much here, for this person is me!!!…. aka Blantyre Telegraph. I was only there due to Blantyre history efforts in my Blantyre Project and recording our present news here on Blantyre Telegraph.(Proudly accepted anyway, despite there being many, far more deserving people out there in Blantyre!) If you want a quote, I’ll add, “I was honoured and privileged to be amongst the winners, not just at my table but in the hall. I hope to also see community organisations and businesses included in next years nominations.”
Well done to Gordon and Jim!
P.s Please take some time out to view Jims amazing Blantyre photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8899981@N05/
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