Three Army Reservists, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) and two Defence civil servants have been presented with a prestigious certificate signed by the Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire in recognition of their tireless dedication to the Armed Forces and Cadet organisations.
The ceremony, held at Paisley Abbey on Thursday 9 April, saw recipients receive their Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates of Meritorious Service.
Colonel Peter McCarthy, who serves as The King’s personal representative for the Lieutenancy of Renfrewshire, signed each certificate to thank the recipients for their outstanding efforts and contributions to both their civilian and military communities. The certificates were then presented on the night by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, Mr David MacLellan.
In an official statement for the event, Colonel McCarthy said: ‘It is once again my great pleasure to award Certificates of Meritorious Service to this year’s recipients for Renfrewshire.
‘Whether at home or overseas, our Reservists show consistent drive and dedication to their service, developing valuable and transferable skills between their military and civilian careers that massively benefit their communities.
‘Similarly, our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers must be recognised for the time and energy they commit to supporting the young people in their care. Their contribution to the future generations of our society is immeasurable.’
Three Reservists and a civil servant from 102 Field Squadron Royal Engineers, Paisley’s local Army Reserve unit and part of 71 Engineer Regiment, received the coveted awards from Mr MacLellan during the event.
Awards were also given to a CFAV and a civil servant from Paisley Sea Cadets and Universities of Glasgow & Strathclyde Air Squadron (UGSAS) respectively, acknowledging their commitment to providing a memorable experience and valuable development opportunities for young people within their units.
Paisley Sea Cadets’ Lieutenant Commander Peter McDonald said of receiving his award: ‘I’ve been involved with the Sea Cadets since I was twelve years old. Now, receiving this certificate fifty years later, having run the Paisley unit, served as a Boating Instructor at Port Edgar and worked as a Deputy District Officer and then District Officer for Clyde South, it’s a terrific recognition of my Sea Cadets journey.
‘There is no feeling like seeing shy, nervous kids come through the door of the unit and leave as confident young people with a drive to succeed, which is why I would heartily encourage anyone to become a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.’
Andy Lawless of UGSAS was equally touched to have been nominated for a Certificate of Meritorious Service, saying: ‘I’m extremely honoured to receive this award. It’s great to have your service and contributions recognised, though of course that isn’t why I do what I do. For me, it’s all about giving back to the RAF Air Cadets for the experience I had with them when I was younger.
‘A definite highlight for me is organising flying lessons for the Cadets. It’s a privilege to share that kind of knowledge with them and see how much they enjoy the experience.’
Colonel Ted Shields, Chief Executive of Lowland RFCA, said of this years’ winners: ‘I congratulate and thank all our Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, Cadets and Civilians whose dedication and service have been officially recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Renfrewshire.
‘It is often said that our Reservists and volunteers are “twice the citizen” – committed to serving our Nation and their communities on top of their everyday jobs and personal lives. It is a tall order, and those who have received Certificates of Meritorious Service have gone above and beyond in this respect. Their respective units and organisations have all benefited from their skills, determination and selflessness. They are a credit to the Defence community and the Nation. Thank you and well done.’
