Local heroes honoured by Renfrewshire’s Provost

The inspiring community members were rewarded with a Provost’s Distinction Certificate at a special ceremony in the Glynhill Hotel.

The Distinction Certificates provide the Provost the opportunity to recognise community members who have made a positive difference to their communities in Renfrewshire.

Provost Cameron said: “One of the most satisfying parts of my role as Provost is being able to recognise those who make a real difference to the lives of those around them and every one of these winners is deserving of the award.”

“I’m delighted to be able to recognise those who make Renfrewshire a better place for us all to live.”

The Distinction Certificate award winners are:

Renfrew Burgh Band – Formed in 1991, the band offer invaluable support to the local community in Renfrew, performing at local gala days, churches and ceremonies such as the Remembrance Day service. Over the years, the band have organised and supported several local concerts, carol services and fundraising events within the community.

Piero Pieraccini – Alongside a successful career running many of Paisley’s favourite pubs, Piero has been continuously striving to improve Paisley. He was a founder member of the Paisley Development Trust which worked alongside the Council on a number of projects including the plan to save the Russell Institute building.

Robert Pope – Robert Pope, now 97, served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. He is a stalwart of the British Legion and has been a standard bearer for many years – carrying out his duties at funerals, Remembrance Sunday and other public events. In 2017, he raised the Armed Forces Day flag outside Renfrewshire House. As one of the only living survivors of the Glen Cinema disaster in 1929, Robert was invaluable in the development of the annual commemoration event, organised by Paisley Development Trust. His willingness to provide descriptions of what happened that day and how it affected the local community supported the formation of the event which has been running annually for ten years.

Harrison Lovett, Alison MacKenzie and Andrew Macintyre – Harrison, Alison and Andrew represented Great Britain at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, arriving home with an impressive 14 medals between them.

Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) – The PSYV promotes a practical way for young people to understand policing by supporting the police in their local area through volunteering. The Renfrewshire group volunteer at a variety of local events and are encouraged to be positive citizens in their communities.

Janette Lynch – After undergoing a liver transplant in 2014, Janette recognised the need for a liver transplant support group in Renfrewshire and was successful in establishing this. Following encouragement, Janette signed up to compete in the British Transplant Games in 2017 where she won a gold medal in the archery division. At the age of 74, Janette is currently competing in the 2019 British Transplant Games and will compete at the World Transplant Games next month.

Alongside the Distinction Certificates, community members can be rewarded through the Provost’s Community Awards in a variety of categories.

Nominations can be made for anyone who lives or works in Renfrewshire and the nomination period will open later in the year.

For more information on the award winners, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provost.