Big-hearted pupils at Locharbriggs Primary School have given special recognition to a hard working member of their local community.
While investigating their local area and the people who work hard for the neighbourhood, the Primary 6 pupils came to appreciate “community heroes.”
And, before the Christmas break, they took time to come up with a personal and heartfelt thank you for a special lady – 81-year-old Mrs Ruth Emmerson who cleans the Locharbriggs play park daily.
Every morning for the past 12 years she has picked up the litter and wiped down the equipment at the playpark – which the children appreciate.
They presented her with a book filled with their personal letters of thanks and appreciation and some shortbread.
Thanking the children for the unexpected honour, she said: “It is nice to be appreciated. It was such a lovely surprise. They have a made a scrap book full of wonderful letters I’ll treasure.”
Mrs Emmerson – who lives across the road from the play park – said: “I retired as a nursing assistant at the Crichton Royal and noticed that the council no longer cleaned every day because of the cut backs. I was worried about broken glass and litter. So, with time on my hands, I decided to clean it myself. It was either lift it or look at it.
“It is a well used park and I’m glad that the children can use it.”
Mrs Emmerson won the Guid Nychburris Award in 2009 for her services to the local community.
Mrs Lyndsey Klose, P6 class teacher said, “It is clear to see how much Mrs Emmerson is appreciated by everyone in Locharbriggs, I am so proud of the children for recognising all her hard work.”
And she praised student teacher, Mrs Copeland, who planned the community topic with the class.
Mrs Copeland said: “It is clear to see the dedication that our children have to our local and global communities. They are aware of the impact they have on their world and it’s future. They want to inspire others to make the changes that we desperately need.”
"I think especially in times such at these, acts of kindness like those shown by Mrs Emmerson, can make a world of difference.”
