ASSETS to the community, volunteers who stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic and “an absolute legend” have been recognised at a community awards evening.
Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council welcomed residents to its awards night earlier this month.
Mike Falconer, chairman of the group, told the Courier how good it was to see the event take place once again after it was sidelined due to the pandemic last year.
He said: “It was absolutely superb. One of the folk there said it was lovely to spend an evening in a group of positive people.
“Everybody that was there was someone that stepped up and went the extra mile.
“They are all good folk.
“The evening was a huge success, it went very well at the bowling club and it was a very welcoming atmosphere.”
More than 10 awards were presented during the evening at East Lothian Co-operative Bowling Club on Blawearie Road.
Among those receiving prizes were East Coast Carpets and Thomson’s, in the business category.
A citation for East Coast Carpets noted that Brian Young volunteered his services and van to deliver food to residents in need during the pandemic, while Thomson’s was recognised for supporting horticultural group Blooming Belters and other local groups with donations.
Among the individuals being recognised was Bert Cunningham, who was described as “a well-kent face at his beloved Tranent Juniors” and “an asset to the community”.
Marion Hoggan was also recognised for her willingness to “go out of her way to help” local organisations and was described as “an amazing woman and an absolute legend”.
Staff Sergeant Nicola Pollard, who has been a member of the Lothian and Borders Cadet Force for 25 years, was also recognised for continuing to provide tasks and activities online to the cadets during the pandemic.
Raymond Liddell was described as “a friendly face at the end of Sanderson’s Wynd” and was “a lifeline to many” during the pandemic.
Donna Glass, Derryn McKillop and Dean Jones were praised for raising money for charity and for entertaining the community for well over a decade.
Fa’side Community Kitchen, which was set up at the start of the pandemic to make sure residents who required help had a hot meal, and Team Elphi, which was praised for its efforts in continuing to support Elphinstone residents when required, were also recognised.
Team Elphi delivered food and medication during the pandemic and ensured no one was feeling isolated or disadvantaged.
The litter-picking efforts of the Tranent Wombles was also recognised with a presentation, and the Rev Erica Wishart, who was previously minister at Tranent Parish Church, received a special award for services to the community.
Also praised were Susan Coyle for her work in the community resilience efforts and with the foodbank, and Mpact, which sponsors Tranent Juniors and helps put up the town’s Christmas lights.
Mr Falconer thanked everyone who made the awards evening possible. He said: “There are a lot of people in our community who give up their time willingly in various different capacities.
“The community council are firm believers in valuing the volunteers and our unsung heroes who make our community a better place and we hope that this evening goes some way to reflect that.”
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