On the 12th of June, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Susan Haughey, presented the British Empire Medal to those within Lanarkshire who have served their community.
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 Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council Paul Jukes, a welcome from Provost Jean Jones, a summary of citation and presentation of medals from Paul Jukes and Lady Haughey CBE, and closing remarks from Provost Ian McAllan.
Five recipients were honoured with one receiving their medal at a later date. Mrs Veronica McDonald, who was being honoured for services to adults with special needs in North Lanarkshire, said that the ceremony was, “Very humbling and emotional. The council is very good in recognising those who deserve these honours.” Recipients included Mrs Elizabeth Masson Blades for services to young people and the community in Motherwell, who for 40 years has served as dedicated member of the Fifth Motherwell Girls Brigade, Mr David Stark for voluntary services to piping in South Lanarkshire, who has performed at concert parties, care homes and funerals for countless years, Mrs Veronica McDonald for services to adults with special needs in North Lanarkshire, who has been part of a community that helps those with special needs for 37 years, Mrs Elizabeth MacPhail Stoddart for services to the community in Lanarkshire, who volunteers to use her own car to help those with serious illnesses get the transport they need to their cancer treatment, and Mrs Helen Arrol Morton for services to children and young people, who has been a childline counselling volunteer since 2005.
Photographers: Islay Ross & Camila Palomares Osorio
Picture from left to right:
Back: Provost Jean Jones, Mrs Veronica McDonald, Lady Haughey CBE, Mr David Stark, Provost Ian McAllan
Front: Mrs Elizabeth Masson Blades, Mrs Elizabeth MacPhail Stoddart
-William Govan & Chloe West ~ Uddingston Grammar School.