ARMED FORCES UPDATE

D-Day 80. Commemoration of the  80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on 6th June 1944  is now underway with a series of major commemorations and events across the UK and in France.   Information on D-Day 80 can be found here: D-Day 80 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Armed Forces Day.  Armed Forces Day this year falls on Saturday 29 June.  It is a chance for the Nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community (including Service families, veterans, and cadets).  Details can be found at : Armed Forces Day – 29 June 2024.  Shortly after   Armed Forces Day  a parade by the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) will take place  in Strathclyde Country Park  on Saturday 13th July 2024  to mark the freedom of North Lanarkshire being granted to the Regiment. More details regarding times etc will be advised in due course  .

The Armed Forces in Lanarkshire.  Lanarkshire has a rich history of support to the Armed Forces both through the two World Wars and since.

There are currently 5 units of the Army Reserve on 4 sites in Lanarkshire:

 

·       124 Field Squadron (Air Support) of 71 Engineer Regiment, Cumbernauld. Elements of 71 Engineer Regiment are currently deployed with UN Forces in Cyprus.

·       C Company of 6th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, Motherwell

·       221 (Glasgow) Transport Squadron of 154 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, Carmyle (Cambuslang)

·       153 Recovery Company of 102 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, East Kilbride

·       852 (Lowland) Signal Troop of 32 Signal Regiment, East Kilbride

 

There are no units of the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marine Reserves or RAF Reserves.

 

There are 24 units of the Cadets (Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force (ACF), and the RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC)) in Lanarkshire:

 

·       Sea Cadets: Airdrie and East Kilbride

·       Army Cadet Force: HQ of the Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force in Cambuslang; with detachments in East Kilbride x 2; Strathaven; Motherwell; Newmains; Bellshill; Hamilton; Coalburn; Lanark; Larkhall; Cambuslang; Airdrie & Coatbridge; Kilsyth; Cumbernauld

·       RAF Air Cadets: Wing Activity Centre in Cambuslang; with detachments in Cambuslang; East Kilbride; Hamilton; Lanark; Monklands; Motherwell.

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News
THE KING’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE SEMINAR

THE KING’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE SEMINAR

One of the key roles of the Lord Lieutenant and an important function of the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy is to raise awareness of the King’s Awards for Enterprise within the Lanarkshire business community. Continue reading →

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News
EIGHTH PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

EIGHTH PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

The eighth  public speaking competition for schools in Lanarkshire, organised by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy,   was held on 16th May 2024  at the Sir John Wilson Town Hall  , Airdrie   with the following schools taking part:

Coltness High School

Lesmahagow  High School

St Margaret’s High School

Stonelaw High School

 

Continue reading →

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News
NEW INITIATIVE RAISES THOUSANDS FOR KILBRYDE HOSPICE

NEW INITIATIVE RAISES THOUSANDS FOR KILBRYDE HOSPICE

More than £42,000 was raised at the first event of the Touch a Life, Make a Difference 2024 charity initiative.

Led by Provost Margaret Cooper, it will encourage fundraising for local good causes in South Lanarkshire.

It was agreed at a previous meeting of the Council that the first beneficiary of the new initiative will be Kilbryde Hospice.

And at a Burns Supper event, £42,000 was raised thanks to a series of charity auctions, raffles, and donations.

The initiative sees an innovative partnership between the Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire’s office and the Provost’s Office.

Provost Cooper said: “I was overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses and individuals, including community organisations. People responded with donations, auction prizes, raffle prizes and then further purchased these by bidding in the auction or buying tickets.

“Special thanks go to Lord Lieutenant Lady Susan Haughey, and Deputy  Lieutenant David Russell DL , who were instrumental in helping me organise the whole event.

“The Banqueting Hall at council HQ was packed, and as well as raising a fantastic amount for a terrific cause, the feedback from everyone who contacted me after the event was that they had a wonderful evening. All performers donated their time and input free.

“We will be publicising the efforts of people all over South Lanarkshire who have raised money in the coming weeks and months, as well as giving more details with regards future events. David and I have set an ambitious target of £100,000 for 2024. If you think you can help, even in a small way, contact the Provost’s Office with your ideas or details or donation by email or by calling 01698 454 910.

“My wholehearted thanks once again to everyone who contributed, and this is just the start – let’s all work together over the coming year to raise a huge amount for Kilbryde Hospice.”

As well as supporting and raising funds for local charities, the Touch a Life, Make a Difference initiative will also establish a South Lanarkshire Council Roll of Honour for Local Fundraising, which will recognise the input of local schools, nurseries, sports organisations, communities and everyone who fundraises for the chosen charity that year.

A civic reception will be held to honour local fundraisers included in the Roll of Honour.

Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE and South Lanarkshire Council Provost Margaret Cooper are pictured along with piper David Stark.

 

 

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News

104TH BIRTHDAY

Margaret dances her way to 104

Published: Wednesday 3 April 2024

This photo shows Provost Margaret Cooper and DL David Russell celebrating Margaret McDade's 104th birthday

A love of dancing has helped a remarkable 104-year-old remain twinkle toed throughout her life.

Margaret McDade celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by family and friends at David Walker Gardens in Rutherglen.

She said: “I’ve loved dancing all my life, and I believe it’s that and a positive attitude that has helped me reach 104 years of age.

“Although my ability to join in with dances is limited these days, I still love tapping my toes and moving to the music.

“My faith has also always been very important to me and helped me appreciate the good times and brought comfort during any difficult periods of my life.”

Born in Westburn in 1920, Margaret attended St Charles’ Primary School and her first job was in Richmond Park Laundry. She met her husband James in 1938, and they married two years later at St Bride’s Church in Cambuslang. James sadly passed away in 1990.

The couple welcomed son James in 1950 followed by twin girls Anne and Marie in 1954, and daughter Margaret in 1965. Sadly, Anne passed away in 1995.

As well as looking after her family, Margaret worked in a number of jobs in and around the Cambuslang area and enjoyed an active social life at local Women’s Guilds and church halls.

She described the birth of her grandson Matthew in 1994 as “one of the happiest days of my life”.

Margaret was joined by the Provost of South Lanarkshire Margaret Cooper and Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Russell for the special occasion.

Provost Cooper said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to spend some time with Margaret, she was on magnificent form and looked so glamorous celebrating her birthday with friends and family.”

DL Russell said: “Congratulations to Margaret, you could tell how much joy she brings to everyone’s lives by the amount of people there to celebrate with her.”

Margaret was presented with a card, plaque and flowers from Provost Cooper and a card from King Charles by DL Russell.

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News
DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Having a large family around you is the secret to 60 years of marriage according to John and Agnes McNab.

And most of their three children, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren would agree as they gathered at the couple’s home in East Kilbride to help them celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

And just when they thought they couldn’t get any more people in the house, John (known as Jackie) and Agnes were also joined by South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper, who presented the couple with flowers, a special bottle of whisky and a certificate on behalf of the council.

And Lanarkshire  Deputy Lieutenant  Dr  Morrison Young was also on hand to present them with a certificate from The King and The Queen Consort to mark their achievement.

Jackie met Agnes when she was working in the Grand Cafe on Old Coach Road, East Kilbride.

They were married in EK Parish Church on 21 March 1964 and their first home was in the East Mains area.

Jackie, who was born in Dunfermline, like his father, worked on farms for a long time. So, the family also lived in farmhouses over the years as John worked for different dairies in the Nerston and Hamilton areas.

Agnes, who was born in Dullater near Cumbernauld, moved around with her family a lot until finally settling in East Kilbride where the couple met. She had various factory and retail jobs over the years.

The couple loved sightseeing and drove all over Scotland.

When Jackie retired, they moved back to East Kilbride and are now delighted that all their grandchildren play such a big part in their lives.

If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.

 

 

 

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES

Every month the Lieutenancy attends Citizenship Ceremonies in North and South Lanarkshire Council .

Earlier in March the Ceremony to welcome new citizens to North Lanarkshire , hosted by Depute Provost , Councillor Bob Burgess was attended by Deputy Lieutenant Terry Currie DL .

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News
DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Many congratulations to Lanark couple Bob and Lynn Twaddle who recently celebrated 60 years of marriage .

Deputy Lieutenant , Bill Tennant DL visited the happy couple , passing on congratulations from Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE whilst South Lanarkshire Council presented flowers and a certificate .

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News