Community Awards

As the Rotary year draws to a close, the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, in its virtual meeting on Thursday 25th June, presented awards to people in Queensferry whose dedication, inspiration and hard work had benefited the community over the year. Hosting the Zoom meeting, President Jim McCulloch said he was glad to have the opportunity to recognise some of the many folk in Queensferry who strive, often unrecognised, to improve the quality of life in the town.

The Ronald Ainsworth Trophy, donated by his family in memory of a founder member of the club, went to Roddy Macneil. In nominating Roddy for this award, Lt (SCC) Colin Butcher RNR said that Roddy, who attends Queensferry High School and has been a Sea Cadet for 3 1/2 years, is one of the keenest cadets in the unit. Volunteering to help at every opportunity -especially in the community - Roddy has assisted with flower boxes in Queensferry High Street and planting the Poppy Cross in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. He helps Christmas in Queensferry not just as a hornpipe dancer on the night but in putting up and taking down the lights. On top of his community effort, Roddy has been part of the Sea Cadet Rowing Team and the 5-a-side football team. Ron Ainsworth's widow, Sheana, joined the virtual meeting for the presentation.

A Community Award went to South Queensferry 3D Printing Collective for making and supplying PPE masks to health professionals in Queensferry during the Covid-19 pandemic. in accepting the award on behalf of the collective, Eli Jacks said he was inspired by a group of Spanish 3D printer owners who made PPE when the virus struck Spain. Go-Funding was set up, enabling Eli, Julian Gourlay, Travis Myers and Matthew Beaton to buy a further four printers. Over 5,000 face shields have now been produced and once the crisis is over, the printers will be donated to Queensferry High School. Funding of nearly £7,000 was raised - much more than is now needed - so Eli and his colleagues are in the process of donating surplus funds to local good causes. South Queensferry £D Printer Collective was nominated by Neil McKinlay.

Gordon Wood nominated Mike Spring and Gary Smith , authors and creators of the Queensferry Mosaic Mural for a Community Award. The mural, produced by people of South Queensferry in workshops run by Mike and Gary of Common Ground Arts, is made up of thousands of small waste and broken tiles, pebbles and glass from the shore. It reflects life in the burgh of Queensferry and can be seen in Hawthornbank Gardens where it has already become a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.