Woman's 50 years of volunteering rewarded
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Banff woman who has dedicated more than 50 years to volunteering has been presented with a prestigious award.
Eleanor Wilson (74) won this year's Banff Quaich, which is awarded by the Banff and Macduff Community Council.
Her voluntary work has included helping schools, churches and other groups.
Community council vice-chairman Rob McArthur said: "Eleanor is a well-known and loved volunteer, serving our communities for more than 50 years.
"Each year the Banff and Macduff Community Council look for someone deserving of recognition for their valuable service to our community.
"Some years we have had to really deliberate over who should get this award, but this year was an easy decision. We really didn’t have to look far once her name was nominated.
"She has carried out impeccable work within the community.
"She has supported local live shows, choirs, concerts, practicing music with children in her home who enjoyed singing, playing instruments and then going out to perform in hospitals like Chalmers, Turriff and Ladysbridge.
"She also gave her time so generously in playing every week at either Dounemount, Airlie Gardens, Durnhythe and Aberchirder care homes to name but a few.
"This has also extended to many local schools, dancing lessons, weddings and funerals. The school children have always enjoyed her teaching and enjoyed her presence in the schools.
"She has always made sure that all musical sheets had the correct notes, even hand writing them if needed."
Mrs Wilson, of Boyndie Street, has also supported the local parish guild work and committee for fundraising in the church for years.
She managed to fit this in while juggling her family life with her husband Raymond and their children.
Mr McArthur added: "When people in the community talk about Eleanor it is nothing but great comments.
"She is an inspiration, and I am not sure if we will ever quite know the impact she has had on so many lives.
"We really couldn’t have presented the quaich to anyone more deserving than her."
Mr McArthur presented the Banff Quaich to Mrs Wilson at her home along with chairwoman Kathleen Mustard who handed over a bouquet of flowers.
The presentation was attended by her family and friends.
