A ceremony was held in Dumfries this week to present New Year’s honours to four people from the region.
Myra Smith, Patricia Ann Holt, Ann Hill and Graham Watson were all awarded the British Empire Medal at the council’s Municipal Chambers on Wednesday by the Lord Lieutenant for Dumfries Fiona Armstrong.
Myra Smith, Morrisons community champion, was honoured for services to the economy in Dumfries during the Covid-19 response.
As well as helping foodbank groups during the pandemic, she has assisted schools, individuals, organisations and charities with fundraising and provisions – including the Standard’s Toy Appeal
and the Poppy Scotland Appeal.
She said: “I enjoy helping people wherever I can at work and at home, and I do a lot of things in my own time. It is the best thing to bring a smile to someone’s face.”
Annan’s Patricia Ann Holt received her award for services to poetry having spent three decades raising awareness of Borders poet Will H Ogilvie.
Quilter Ann Hill, who lives in Mouswald, received her honour for voluntary and charitable services to the Dumfriesshire community.
She encouraged fellow quilters to make 600 quilts during the pandemic for the vulnerable and elderly as well as helping The People’s Project to make and distribute more than 2,000 free face masks.
Graham Watson, of Thornhill, received his BEM for services to the community in Moniaive and Glencairn.
The former submariner took on Moniaive’s village shop, Watson’s Licenced Grocers, nearly two decades ago and is current titleholder of Scottish Community Retailer of the Year.
“So this BEM is not just for me it is for everyone. It is for the village.”
