British Empire Medals invested by Lord-Lieutenant

Four people who were awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours list, have received their decorations from Dunbartonshire’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jill Young MBE.

Jim McLaren was awarded the BEM for services to people with disabilities and older people in Clydebank and Glasgow. His investiture was conducted at the premises of his charity, the Golden Friendships Club, in Dalmuir.

Jim McLaren founded the Golden Friendships Club in 2017 with the simple aim of providing a weekly karaoke event for people with special needs. The club has grown into a vibrant community hub and Jim has made it his mission over several years to learn about the practical and emotional needs of disabled, special needs and elderly people and finding ways to help them.

From the outset Jim wanted the club to be open more than one afternoon a week so he worked tirelessly to raise funds to purchase the building and allow multiple events to be held daily. Not content with providing a meeting space, Jim moved on to adapt the building for up to 50 wheelchair users and their carers. The ‘Red Ramp’ wheelchair accessible entertainment events now held are an example of the club’s attention to the needs of wheelchair users.

The investiture was attended by the Provost of West Dunbartonshire, Karen Murray Connaghan and Maureen Cummings DL read the citation.

Stein Connelly, who has received the BEM for service to transport resilience, has until lately been an official with Transport Scotland. He led an organisation delivering reassurance and advice through Traffic Scotland at times of challenging conditions.

His talent for distributing accurate and effective travel advice was recognised by the Scottish media and he has hundreds of TV and radio broadcasts to his name. Stein would provide an authoritative voice ahead of weather alerts which allowed businesses and individual travellers to prepare and make informed decisions regarding their journeys.

As a result of his work, transport resilience is enhanced and fewer individuals put themselves in danger.

The investiture at Clydebank Town Hall was attended by Provost Karen Murray Connaghan and Sandie Scott DL read the citation.

Anne MacDougall has a distinguished record of volunteering in Clydebank and received her BEM for services to the community.

With 35 years of NHS service in hospitals, district nursing and senior management, she has a depth of knowledge and experience which she has put to good use since her retirement. She is a volunteer for several local and national bodies which promote patient welfare and improved care in the community. Anne began volunteering over 40 years ago following a car break-in while on her district rounds. This event prompted her to join the Clydebank Crime Prevention Panel. She held the position of Chair for over 20 years and helped lead many campaigns with the Police to reduce crime.

The investiture at Clydebank Town Hall was attended by Provost Karen Murray Connaghan and Mark Billington DL read the citation.

Robert Smith was awarded the BEM for services to charity and the community in East Dunbartonshire. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the charity, Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise known as “GRACE,’ which he founded.

The objective of GRACE is to help some of the most disadvantaged individuals in society like people with poor mental or physical health, disability, addiction, the elderly, the isolated and those with many other issues. GRACE started out running sessions in Hillhead in East Dunbartonshire where Robert wanted to help people experiencing problems with mental health and addiction. He wanted to encourage people to learn new skills and hobbies and make friends.

To fulfil these aims, GRACE runs diverse sessions such as yoga, digital learning, writing, gardening and other activities. These classes help foster self-confidence and make people feel valued. An example of the effort Robert makes is the response of GRACE during the COVID pandemic.

WhatsApp groups were quickly set up, parcels delivered and an web of community support established to help many vulnerable locals. GRACE established a group called ‘Sharing Time’ which brings many diverse charities together to ensure best practice and promote co-perative and efficient working.

Food and Clothing are also provided via the ‘Help Yourself “ hub to assist those struggling because of the cost of living. NHS Glasgow have commissioned GRACE to help deliver a national campaign to help break down stigma and social inequality.

The investiture at Clydebank Town Hall was attended by Provost Karen Murray Connaghan and Professor Elaine Boyd DL read the citation.

Mrs Young said, 'each recipient thoroughly deserves the honour they have received. It is a fitting tribute to them for the excellent work they have done and continue to do in our community, to help people and make a difference to their lives.'