Unsung heroes of community life win deserved recognition

Published on Friday 4 July 2008 10:37

A SHOPKEEPER who saved a customer's life and a foster mother who has cared for countless children are among those to be recognised for their work in the community.

Six unsung local heroes were presented with Evening News Community Awards, after they were nominated by grateful friends and neighbours.

They include volunteers who have worked for decades to get young people involved in sport and drama. One woman was given an award for her stunning garden, while another man was surprised to be named "best neighbour".

The awards, sponsored by the Post Office, were set up two years ago to recognise people who work to make their neighbourhoods a better palace. John McLellan, editor of the Evening News and Julie Morrison, head of external affairs at the Post Office, presented the winners with their awards at a special reception yesterday.

George Macdonald, of Blackhall Licensed Grocer on Strachan Road, was nominated for "best shop" by long-standing customers. They said his delivery services were a lifeline for many elderly people in the area.

On one occasion, when a customer didn't answer her door, he called the emergency services. They found she had been in a coma for 12 hours.

Tam Smith, 49, of Dunbar was named "best community worker" after coaching youngsters at Edinburgh's Hutchison Vale Football Club for more than 20 years.

He said: "I love meeting them when they're grown-up and hearing their good memories of the teams. It's not just about being successful footballers, it's about learning skills such as being part of a team."

The prize for best garden was given to Alison McKinstrie, 51, whose front garden has brightened up her neighbourhood since she moved to Denham Green Place 12 years ago.

She said: "My garden is on the corner of the street, so I always end up chatting to people as they pass by. There are a lot of elderly people living nearby, who enjoy stopping as many of them don't have a garden of their own."

Robert Clark, 65, from Musselburgh, collected his award just after celebrating his retirement as a chemistry teacher at Newbattle High.

He founded the St Ninian's Junior Concert Party and has been running it for 48 years, inspiring generations of children.

He said: "Now I'm retired I'll have much more time to devote to the concert party."

Anne McBurnie, 55, of Walter Scott Avenue has been a foster carer for more than 20 years. Now a grandmother, she has lost count of the number of children she has given a home to. She still stays in touch with many of them.

She said: "I was speechless when my son-in-law told me I'd won. I almost fell off my seat."

Kenny Watson, 55, from Ormiston Crescent, Tranent, was also surprised to be named "best neighbour". Neighbour Shona Johnston said he kept an eye on everyone in his street. "It would be impossible to list everything he does," she wrote.