Renfrewshire Provost rewards inspirational community members

Renfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 26 March 2024 13:14

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron was joined by comperè Jed McCabe to help celebrate the achievements of devoted community members who go above and beyond to make Renfrewshire a better place to live and work.

The award winners were invited to a special ceremony at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew after being chosen from outstanding nominations submitted by their peers in the local community.

On the night guests were entertained by young people from Starlight Youth Music Theatre before the award ceremony got underway.

The recipients of this year’s awards were:

Sports Award (sponsored by Acre Industrial Services) – Nicole Perry
Nicole took up cycling during lockdown to help her mental health and allow her to make the most of the time allowed outdoors. She never imagined that a year and a half later she would be in France cycling the full Tour de France route as part of Cure Leukaemia’s Tour 21 Challenge. Through support from friends, family local residents and businesses Nicole was able to raise £34,000 for Cure Leukaemia, a charity very close to her heart.

Community Group (sponsored by City Gate Construction) – Youth Interventions
Youth Interventions is a young people and family focused wellbeing centre based in Linwood. As part of their support services, Youth Interventions offer two community youth groups each week, providing a safe space for young people to hang out, make friends, and be themselves without the risk of judgement. The activities each week can vary, from karaoke, playing board games, or just hanging out and watching a movie. The staff also organise trips to local attractions and fun days during the school holidays. Young people who come to the groups say Youth Interventions has helped them improve their confidence and their mental health.

Employee of the Year (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire) – Louise Dempsey
Louise founded Youth Interventions in 2013 from her dining room table after realising there was a gap in mental and emotional support services available for families at a local community level. As a single mum, Louise juggled her home life, studying and everything that comes with launching a new charity to ensure it would be built with the best knowledge and care. On top of running Youth Interventions, Louise is a trained psychotherapist and continues to see her own clients with a variety of needs. Louise was nominated for a Community Award by her staff who say she sees the potential in people when they don’t see it in themselves.

Community Volunteer (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd) – Ronnie Brown
Ronnie Brown is a household name in the village of Lochwinnoch. Ronnie became involved with the 1st Lochwinnoch Boys’ Brigade as a young boy, before continuing to serve as an officer in the company for over 60 years – more than half of the company’s existence. His services to the community weren’t limited to the BB, as Ronnie was regularly seen collecting sponsorship money from local residents and businesses as he ran marathons and half marathons for various charities over the years. Ronnie has sadly had to retire from his volunteering duties but continues to pay visits to the village and to the Boys Brigade whenever his health allows. When asked about his time at BB, Ronnie says you had to harden the boys a bit, but always sent them home happy.

Arts and Culture (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council) – Caroline Gormley
Caroline believes that art is for everyone. If it’s in you, it’ll come out of you. Caroline opened Made in Paisley in 2018, building on the momentum gained from Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture. Realising that not everyone had easy access to the arts, Caroline and her partner Sandy wanted to open a space that was welcoming and would help people see that art shouldn’t be intimidating. Caroline runs a variety of art classes from the space, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds and giving them a safe space to learn, make friends, and express themselves through art. Participants in the classes also have the opportunity to see their work displayed as part of exhibitions, bolstering the confidence of students and encouraging the next generation of artists.

Provost’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – Team Up to Clean Up
Since launching in 2017, Renfrewshire’s Team Up to Clean Up campaign has gone from strength to strength, growing an online community of over 5000 members and over 1700 volunteers of all ages who regularly take part in litter picks in their local area. The one thing all volunteers have in common is a sense of civic pride and the will to make a difference in their communities. Team Up to Clean Up also work with local secondary schools to encourage behavioural change in pupils when it comes to lunchtime litter, and speak to primary school pupils about the environment, recognising that young people are key to long term sustainable change.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “There’s so much fantastic work going on throughout Renfrewshire and the Community Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate those who continue to go above and beyond without looking for reward or recognition.

“The winners were nominated by their own communities and it’s an honour to reward them for their dedication and commitment.

“This year it was my honour to introduce a new award – the Provost’s Award for Outstanding Achievement. I love reading the nominations that come in every year and wanted to select one winner across all award categories that really stood out. I hope this will become a tradition that future Provost’s will also follow.

“Congratulations to all our winners, your hard work does not go unnoticed.”

The Provost’s Community Awards were first established in 1997 by former Provost Nancy Allison and have been continued by each subsequent Provost, recognising more than 100 deserving community members for their commitment and devotion.

For more information on the Provost’s Community Awards, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provostawards

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Celebrate the arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine with limited edition merch and sweet treats at Vue

THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.

Linwood lights up blue to mark World Drowning Prevention Day

The newly installed lights at Linwood's Tweedie Hall have been switched on for the first time to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.

Search is on for the biggest craft beer fan in Scotland

Edinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.

Celebrate the Gruffalo with The Royal Society for Blind Children

Join a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!

National Trust For Scotland launches annual footpath fund appeal as countryside visitors climb

Charity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.

Music fans have a lot to look forward to at Vue in Scotland this summer

Music lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.

Aldi Scotland launches search for the Ultimate BBQ Ambassador

In response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.

Caledonian Sleeper launches photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots

The landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!

Trust teams up with round the world cyclist to showcase accessible routes in National Park

Trust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.

Impact Arts celebrates 30 years of changing lives in Scotland and puts the call out for stories

On 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.

Free gardening workshops at Dobbies for National Allotment Week

Dobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.

Series of Creative Workshops Support Neurodivergent Young People Across Edinburgh This Summer

Neurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school.

Glasgow Clan looking to find ice hockey stars of the future

The Glasgow Clan are aiming to produce their own ice hockey stars of the future.

Local views wanted for the future of Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Local people in Kilbarchan and the surrounding area are being encouraged to take part in a survey which sets out potential future uses for the Steeple Buildings.

The top pipers and drummers in Scotland set to return to Renfrew

Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 20th July.

Top 10 regions where most books are set across Scotland

VisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.

TRNSMT 2025 confirmed as dates and tickets sales announced

Scotland's biggest live music event has been confirmed to go ahead next year, and fans can get their hands on early bird tickets this week.

Asda Foundation announces funding to transform community spaces

Community groups in Scotland to be awarded grants ranging from £10,000 to £25,000.

Nominations Are Now Open for BIH Spotlight Awards 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the third BIH Spotlight Awards.

Young Golfers Get Surprise Visit From Genesis Scottish Open Championship Trophy

On the first day of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, young golfers from across Scotland received a surprise visit from the tournament’s official championship trophy.

Borders stately home Floors Castle supports Cash For Kids with launch of Inflatable Insanity

Borders stately home Floors Castle is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Inflatable Insanity giant obstacle course this summer!

Big Art Show 2024 launches!

One of Scotland's largest open entry exhibitions, Paisley's annual Big Art Show, returns for a third edition from Friday 30th August - Saturday 16th November 2024.

Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company return with To Save The Sea

Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company are delighted to bring their latest musical extravaganza, To Save The Sea, to Scottish stages this autumn.

Renfrewshire runners prepare for Paisley 10k

Runners from across Renfrewshire and beyond have been limbering up for the Paisley 10k and 3k Fun Run which takes place on Sunday, 18th August.

SAY Award opens for 2024 with fans and artists encouraged to submit albums

Scotland's national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year Award, has launched, inviting artists, music fans and labels to submit eligible albums and be in the running for the prestigious prize.

Thousands enjoy Sma Shot Day fun in Paisley

Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of spectacular parades, performances and live entertainment at Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations!

Braehead Shopping Centre launch Summer of Fun for families

Braehead Shopping Centre officially launched its free 'Summer of Fun' event on Saturday 6th July, celebrating the start of summer in style.

Dobbies hosts free Show and Tell gardening workshop

Dobbies is inviting children aged 4-10 to a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4th August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.

Paisley does Hollywood Boulevard!

First ten paving stones are unveiled for Paisley's Buddie Walk of Fame.

Sma Shot Day celebrations to take place this weekend

Paisley's popular Sma' Shot Day event takes place on Saturday 6th July with a day-long programme of entertainment to mark one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley

Renfrewshire Provost rewards inspirational community members

Renfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings