Cumnock’s Citizen of the Year 2022 has spoken of her pride at being bestowed with such an accolade.
Margery Paterson, of Barrhill Road, Cumnock, was the overwhelming choice for the annual title following discussions on all the nominations received by the Keir Turk Memorial Committee.
And she received her prize during an awards ceremony on Friday night, in the Great Steward's Dining Room, Dumfries House, Cumnock, courtesy of the Trustees of Dumfries House.
She said: “Nobody was as surprised as me when the winner was announced.
“I couldn’t believe it, but it’s so nice to be recognised.”
Colin Chisholm, chairman of the Keir McTurk Memorial Committee, said Marge had “inspired and encouraged” many of all ages in many areas of different interests.
He continued: “She has given a lifetime of voluntary service locally, nationally and internationally and over the past 30 years has done so within the community of Cumnock.”
Working as a supply teacher to enable her to have the flexibility to do voluntary work, Marge taught Gaelic and hand bell ringing to school pupils, who played for a Royal audience at Dumfries House.
And on an extra-curricular basis, she is a founder member of the Cumnock and District Hand Bell Ringers which she directs and leads in concerts for various groups within the town and beyond.
She has served as secretary to the Scottish Handbell Ringers and represented Scotland in the Hand Bell Ringers of Great Britain’s executive committee.
She has also been, for some years, relief organist at Lugar and Cumnock Old Churches, where when not playing she sings in the choir.
Colin said: “Marge has managed and served in the Church’s Words of Wisdom coffee and bookshop for 27 years.
“In this capacity there have been many opportunities to welcome newcomers to Cumnock and to offer advice that enables them to settle into the community more easily.
“Over the years secondary school pupils have gained work experience on paid weekend and holiday jobs in the shop.
“And every Sunday she records the worship service in church and in the afternoon takes out recorded copies of the service to those who have been unable to attend, continuing a link between those now unable to come to church, ensuring the church attends them. Her visits are always most welcome and appreciated.”
Colin added: “A member of the Church of Scotland Guild, Marge has served as Convenor in the Old Church branch; Lugar branch and has held the appointment of secretary and Convenor of the Ayr Presbyterial Council.
“She has also held the appointment of National Convenor of the Guild, taking her all across Scotland on official visits and as far away as Malawi.
“In the town of Cumnock she ensures the church and church hall is available and heated for all the community groups that use the facilities and is ever involved behind the scenes ensuring everything runs smoothly.
"In addition she has been a great support to her husband who is the Parish Minister in Cumnock.
“Over the years Marge has been an ambassador for Cumnock in voluntary work; the Guild; music and promoting the town by attending functions and sharing her pride of living in Cumnock.”
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