About a hundred people assembled this afternoon in the Cochrane Hall to witness the presentation of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service to the Alva Development Trust. Lord-Lieutenant Johnny Stewart praised the hard working team of volunteers for the unique services which they had provided to the people of the town and wider County since taking over the Hall from the local authority and he made it clear that it was the uniqueness of what they had done and continue to do which separated them out as one of only 20 Scottish winners of this prestigious award in the 2023 round.
He praised all of the volunteers for the hours of unpaid work which they did and reminded the assembled crowd that this was the equivalent of the MBE for voluntary associations. Those who had helped in the nomination process were also thanked. He took time to speak to the various groups who were users or supporters of ADT and was delighted that the County had been recognised, once again, for its work in the voluntary sector.
A rather splendid afternoon tea was provided by the volunteers for those who had come along. The photographs show Mary Laing, Chair of ADT, receiving the Award from Johnny Stewart as well as the entire group of current volunteers assembled with the Award Crystal.