The people who give their time, look out for others and help bring their communities together have been celebrated at this year’s North Lanarkshire Provost Awards.
The annual awards shine a light on the individuals and groups who make a difference across North Lanarkshire. From volunteers and community groups to those who have spent decades supporting others, this year’s winners all have a story to tell.
The awards ceremony at Dalziel Park on Friday 11 September brought together winners, nominees, families, councillors and community representatives for an afternoon of celebration, plenty of applause and a chance to recognise some truly remarkable people.
For Provost Kenneth Duffy, this year’s ceremony was particularly special as he prepares to come to the end of his time as Provost. He said: “The Provost Awards are always one of the highlights of the year, but this one feels particularly special as it is my final year as Provost.
“It has been a real privilege to meet so many wonderful people and see first-hand the difference they make in their communities. Every year, the nominations remind us just how much kindness, generosity and community spirit there is right across North Lanarkshire.
“Many of our winners simply get on with helping others. They give their time, share their talents, bring people together and make their communities better places to live.
“It is a pleasure to recognise them and, on behalf of North Lanarkshire, to say a very heartfelt thank you for everything they do. I’d also like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate someone this year, along with our councillors and Community Board members who helped identify so many worthy nominees.
“And a huge thank you to everyone who helped organise today’s event, as well as our sponsors – Aqualiance, McTaggart Construction Ltd, HLA Hamiltons Law Accountants, DM Integrated Ltd, Albert Bartlett, CF Furniture & Flooring, Net Zero Facades, CD Architects and Thompsons of Prudhoe for their generous support.”
Awards were presented across North Lanarkshire’s nine Community Board areas, with four categories recognising community groups, volunteers, excellence and special achievement.
Winners
Airdrie Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Caitlin Louise Currie / Her Haven Women’s Group
Caitlin created Her Haven, a welcoming women’s safe space at the Hive Centre in Airdrie, offering friendship and support to women facing different challenges.
Community Volunteer Award – Carol Wallace
Carol has spent nine years raising funds for Beatson Cancer Charity through handmade items and by sharing her own experiences to encourage others.
Excellence Award – Hospice First Aid Volunteers
Christine, Gillian and the wider team have provided first aid support at Hospice events for more than 23 years, giving their time to help keep people safe.
Special Achievement Award – Carrie Jones
Carrie is the driving force behind Lost in Music, bringing people together through dance, exercise, fundraising and support for local charities.
Bellshill Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Summer Brass Christian Fellowship
The voluntary brass band brings music, friendship and community spirit to events across the area.
Community Volunteer Award – John Bradley
John travels widely to restore and care for veterans’ memorials, helping ensure their service and sacrifice are remembered for generations.
Excellence Award – Hugh McMillan
Hugh has dedicated several years to caring for Bellshill Cenotaph and the surrounding carrying out his work quietly and without fuss.
Special Achievement Award – George Campbell
George has helped run the youth centre in Viewpark, supporting generations of young people and creating new opportunities for them, including participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
Coatbridge Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Bannan Fitness
Bannan Fitness provides accessible fitness and wellbeing activities while bringing people of all ages together and supporting local charities.
Community Volunteer Award – Amanda Moore and Karen Shields, SoapGlow
Amanda and Karen have spent the past 18 months tackling hygiene poverty by creating discreet packs of toiletries and household essentials for people who need them.
Excellence Award – Wendy Gibbons and Moira Montgomery, Shining Stars
The sisters have volunteered with Shining Stars for around ten years, supporting children, young people and adults with complex needs through theatre and creative activities.
Special Achievement Award – Gerald “Gerry” Sommers
Gerry, who is being recognised posthumously, dedicated more than 40 years to Coatbridge and helped create countless community events and activities.
Cumbernauld Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Carbrain Community Events
The group creates affordable, accessible and inclusive activities for children, young people and families, helping people connect and get involved locally.
Community Volunteer Award – Tommy Black
Tommy has spent more than a decade helping create opportunities for people with disabilities through Enable Cumbernauld.
Excellence Award – Tricia Naidoo, Cumbernauld Swimming Club
Tricia has coached at Cumbernauld Swimming Club for more than 15 years, supporting generations of swimmers to build confidence and reach their potential.
Special Achievement Award – Paul Conway
Paul has used his local business to support people in need, including supplying fresh meat to a community food kitchen.
Kilsyth Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Kilsyth Golden Gloves
For around 20 years, the club has given local people the chance to learn boxing, keep fit, build confidence and make friendships.
Community Volunteer Award – Mary Caldwell
Mary is a dedicated local community champion who works to improve her area, support neighbours and help local groups and organisations.
Excellence Award – Rab and Jos Wallace, Central Scotland Adventures
Rab and Jos use their passion for paddleboarding to create inclusive outdoor opportunities, including for young people, veterans, disabled people and those experiencing isolation.
Special Achievement Award – Sam Peoples, Kilsyth Thistle Pipe Band
Sam has given more than 50 years to the pipe band and continues to play an important role in local events and traditions.
Motherwell Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Veterans Community Lanarkshire
The organisation provides practical and emotional support to veterans and their families, helping people facing challenges including isolation, poverty and homelessness.
Community Volunteer Award – Robert Patterson
Robert is a familiar face in Newarthill, helping with community events, building benches, keeping the area looking its best and supporting local residents.
Excellence Award – Mark McGinnis, Holytown Community Hub
Mark has helped build Holytown Community Hub into a welcoming place where local people can meet, socialise and feel part of their community.
Special Achievement Award – Forgewood Men’s Group
Davie Chisholm, Alex Tweedie and John Gallagher have turned a short health course into a welcoming group that tackles isolation and gives local people opportunities to get out and enjoy new experiences.
Northern Corridor Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Northern Corridor Community Volunteers
The volunteers help make local communities cleaner, greener and more connected through litter picking, biodiversity work, health walks and other activities.
Community Volunteer Award – Stuart Dallas
Stuart gives his time to improve local areas, tackle graffiti, support community projects and brighten streets with hanging baskets and plant troughs.
Excellence Award – Glenboig Development Trust
The Trust supports people of all ages through community activities, facilities, events and services that help residents stay connected and involved.
Special Achievement Award – Alice Morton
Alice has helped improve local spaces and ensure residents have a voice through projects including the Stepps Outdoor Classroom, Bluebell Park Solar Lights and the local Place Plan.
Shotts Community Board Area
Community Group Award – GBT Active
Part of Getting Better Together, GBT Active provides welcoming activities that help people of all ages and abilities stay active, improve their wellbeing and meet others.
Community Volunteer Award – David Paris, Shotts Bon Accord 2018s
David and his coaching team have helped around 20 young players discover grassroots football while building confidence, friendships and teamwork.
Excellence Award – Angela McLaren
Angela works tirelessly to improve her community, from supporting local activities and flower projects to helping make sure community funding benefits local people.
Special Achievement Award – St Patrick’s Picnic Group
The group gives its time to support St Patrick’s Parish and the wider Shotts community, helping organise events and bringing people together.
Wishaw Community Board Area
Community Group Award – Clyde Valley Beavers Disabled Sports Club
The club gives children and adults with physical, learning and sensory disabilities opportunities to swim, take part in sport and enjoy social activities.
Community Volunteer Award – Mary Hiddleston
Mary has spent eight years helping PlayPeace grow while supporting families, taking part in play sessions and undertaking Makaton training to better communicate with non-verbal children.
Excellence Award – Amanda McLeod
Amanda has worked hard to establish a new community café in Coltness, helping recreate a welcoming meeting place and strengthen connections locally.
Special Achievement Award – Craigneuk Lifelong Learning
The organisation provides valuable activities, information and practical support close to home, helping local people connect, learn and access opportunities.
Provost’s Award for Long Service
5th Motherwell Girls’ Brigade
Elizabeth Blades BEM, Ann Mould, Nancy Frew, Joan Somers and Elizabeth Campbell are recognised for almost 200 years of combined service supporting generations of girls.
Provost’s Award in partnership with New College Lanarkshire
Jaz Sandhu, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Adviser - Jaz Sandhu makes a real difference through kindness, inclusion, a listening ear and a commitment to supporting and championing others.