REAR ADMIRAL MICHAEL GREGORY OBE

Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire by Her Majesty The Queen in October 2008.   He had had a wide ranging career in the Royal Navy spanning 36 years.   Most of this time was spent in the Submarine Service with three Submarine Commands followed by command of the Frigate HMS Cumberland.   He was awarded the OBE for the longest continuously submerged patrol in Royal Navy history.

He was then Assistant Director Naval Staff Duties in the MOD Whitehall and Naval Defence Attaché (Policy) in Washington DC.  He finished his career as Flag Officer, Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland.  On retirement from the Royal Navy he became CEO of two Industry Support Organisations.  He is also a Brigadier in the Royal Company of Archers; The Queen's Body Guard in Scotland

Rear Admiral Gregory is widowed and has four children.

HMS Cumberland - Type 22 Frigate 

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Her Majesty The Queen - Royal Garden Party - 04 July 2018 - Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh

Captain Mike Gregory, Royal Company of Archers	Members of the Royal Company of Archers

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Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie with new British Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony 27 June 2018

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Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie with new British Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony 16 May 2018

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Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young with Members of The Lennox & Argyll Batallion The Boys' Brigade at the Annual Certificates & Awards Presentation

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Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, with Violet & George Close from Clydebank - Diamond Wedding 16 June 2018

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HMT Lancastria Memorial Service

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, with Alexander & Ann Little - Diamond Wedding 25 June 2018

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                          Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 15 June 2018                                   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Deputy Registrar Lynne Bolton, and Provost William Hendrie with new citizen Rodin Fabricio Gonzaga Espinoza (center), his family and friends.

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Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Provost Willie Hendrie, with new British Citizens, their family & friends at Citizenship Ceremony - Dumbarton - 25 May 2018

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Registrar Andrea Gourlay, Provost Alan Brown and Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 21 February 2018

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Registrar Christine Wilkie, Provost Alan Brown and Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 04 April 2018

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Patsy Morrision BEM with Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, Councillors Vaughan Moody and Alan Polson, Joint Leaders East Dunbartonshire Council and her 2 sisters.

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP with Phyllis & Frank Ross - Diamond Wedding 29 March 2018

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Registrar Lynn Houston and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan with Taher Mahmud Mohamed Saleh, his wife Asma Ramadan A Al Treish and their daughters Raged, Hedaya & Heba

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP DL and Provost Willie Hendrie West Dunbartonshire Council with Betty & Bill McLellan and their four children.

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Commonwealth Flag Raising Ceremony - March 2018

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Clydebank Blitz - Common Grave - Old Dalnottar Graveyard - March 2018

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 Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Provost Jean Jones, North Lanarkshire Council and Miss Gill Aitkenhead MBE DL, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

Mrs Karen Morrison MBE , Mr Balwant Singh Chada MBE, and  Veronica McDonald BEM

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Deputy Lieutenant, Commodore Eric Thompson MBE RN (rtd), presenting The Queen’s Badge to Colour  Sergeant Lewis McKechnie and Sergeant Ryan Mochar at the annual inspection of the Dunbartonshire Battalion The Boys' Brigade

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire Council - 15th February 2018

Provost Willie Hendrie, Marek Jan Kozak, Tania Jayne Guy & Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP

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Holocaust Memorial Day 2018

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Provost Allan Brown,  Registrar Christine Wilkie  and Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 10 January 2018

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Harry & Kathryn Fotheringham with Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE

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Diamond Wedding - Maryann & Brian (Bernard) McKeown with Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson

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Baljit Kaur, Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson, and Izabela Zuk - Citizenship Ceremony 19 December 2017

Baljit Kaur and Izabela Zuk with family, friends, Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson and Councillor Richard Trail

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Citizenship Ceremony - Clydebank - 08 December 2017 - Registration Staff Lynn & Julie making preparations.

Citizenship Ceremony - Clydebank - 08 December 2017

Baillie Denis Agnew, New Citizens, Senior Registrar Lynn Houston & Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP

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Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE welcomes HRH The Princess Royal to Cumbernauld

Provost of North Lanarkshire Jean Jones, Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE and Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE - Cumbernauld - November 2017

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Deputy Provost Garry Pews,  Registrar Christine Wilkie  and Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 29th November 2017

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The Caledonian Awards 2017 - Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP with Recipients

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The Platinum Wedding of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

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Scottish Submarine Centre Opening - Helensburgh

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, Rear Admiral John Weale, Brian Keating and Clair Lang.

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Citizenship Ceremony - Clydebank - 09 November 2017

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Girlguiding Dunbartonshire Annual Review 2017

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100th Birthday - Elizabeth 'Betty' Mearns with Deputy Lieutenant Anne Walker

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Diamond Wedding - Betty & Alistair Thomson with Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson

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Bill Anderson with Margaret & Catherine, Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson

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HRH The Princess Royal at Deafblind Scotland’s Learning and Development Centre ‘Field of Dreams’ in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire

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HRH The Prince Harry, Chief Executive of The Golden Jubilee Foundation, Jill Young DL and the Right Honourable Michael Fallon MP, Minister of Defence

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Mrs. Chrissie Mitchell - 100th Birthday - With Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Provost William Hendrie, and Family

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 13 October 2017

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QAVS 2017 Presentation - St. Peter The Apostle School Soup Kitchen Volunteer Group - September 2017

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Ross Docherty being presented with the Chief Scout's Award for Meritorious Conduct by Scottish Scout Chief Commissioner Graham Haddock - September 2017

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Victoria Cross Paving Stone - Unveiling Ceremony - 23 September 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - Dumbarton - 19 September 2017

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BEM Presentations - Clydebank - 15 September 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 06 September 2017

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Provost William Hendrie, Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Captain George Troup BEM & Guests

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100th Birthday Celebration - Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Provost Willie Hendrie, Jeanie Allan and her son Robert

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Diamond Wedding Celebration - Provost Willie Hendrie, John & Jean Kelso, Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers 

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The Queen's Award for Enterprise - CMS Window Systems - August 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 26 July 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 22 June 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 07 June 2017

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Victoria Cross Paving Stone Ceremony Cardross - 22 April 2017

 Photograph Printed Courtesy of the Helensburgh Advertiser

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BEM Presentation - Clydebank - 27 April 2017

Mr  Alistair Norval BEM, Provost of West Dunbartonshire Council Douglas McAllister, Mrs Christine Johnston BEM, Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE, Mr George Cochrane BEM, Mrs Ann Glenesk BEM & Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson.

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 27 April 2017

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Assistant Registrar Karen McLaughlin, 

Mr & Mrs Karki

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 12 April 2017

Mr Lemonidis, Mr Wilson, Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE, Deputy Provost Mrs Anne Jarvis, Mrs Kerr, Mr Singh & Ms Sharma

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Diamond Wedding - 15 March 2017

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE and Provost Douglas MacAllister with Elizabeth & James Dick of Clydebank

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Clydebank Biltz Commemoration Service 2017

Lord Lieutenant Mike Gregory, with Provost Douglas MacAllister, Martin Docherty MP, Gill Paterson MSP and Deputy Provost John Miller at the Polish Memorial

(Photos courtesy of Lawrence O'Neill)

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Holocaust Memorial Day 2017

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Diamond Wedding Anniversary - Bill & Isobel Snodden with Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Provost, Cllr. Jean Jones and Cllr. Heather McVey

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Diamond Wedding Anniversary Francis & Nessie Brady with Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Provost, Cllr. Jean Jones and Cllr. Heather McVey

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Diamond Wedding Anniversary - Professor Alex & Mrs Shelia Gardner with Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson - Best Man Jack is on the TV screen

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Girlguiding Dunbartonshire Annual Review 2016

County President Morag Hart with Deputy Lieutenant Frank Dunn and Deputy Provost Ann Jarvis

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100th Birthday - Mrs Jeannie Houston with Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Deputy Provost John Miller - 09 November 2016

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Diamond Wedding - Thomas & Catherine Stewart - Deputy Provost John Miller & Deputy Lieutenant Tom Finnigan - 11 September 2016

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Mrs Nan Middleton - British Empire Medal Presentation - 11 October 2016

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Annual Lieutenancy Dinner - Golden Jubilee Hotel, Clydebank. - 07 October 2016

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 22 September 2016

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The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2016 - Presentation Ceremony - 16 September 2016

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Red Ensign Flag Raisiing Ceremony - 03 September 2016

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Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony - 20 June 2016

 OLDER NEWS & EVENTS

      CURRENT NEWS & EVENTS

ROYAL GARDEN PARTY

Over three hundred people from the Dunbartonshire Lieutenancy area were nominated by the Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Mike Gregory OBE to attend this year's Royal Graden Party hosted by Her Majesty The Queen in the grounds of Holyrood Palace.  It was a lovely dry summer's day for the event this year with a bit of cloud cover that was a welcome relief at times from the heat of the sun.   The gathered guests from all over Scotland were able to watch Her Majesty, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex as they walked through the grounds of the palace, stopping to speak with guests selected at random from out of those present.   This year the Lord Lieutenant was on duty in his role as a Captain in the Royal Company of Archers who perform the role of Her Majesty's Bodyguard in Scotland at ceremonial events.   In other years he has been on duty to assist in the selection of the guests to be presened to members of the royal family.   Guests are nominated with their partners recognising the good works that they have performed in the community.

(See Photos Opposite)

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CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony on 27 June 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 7 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Mr Ionut Tudoreanu

Mrs Flavia Tudoreanu

Mr Mahdi Khosrobiek

Ms Monireh Takavar

Yalda Khosrobiek

Mr Chaoxin Zhou, and

Ms Hua Guo.

At a previous ceremony on 16 May 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 9 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Areej Saleh A Aldawish

Josephine Ajiehiegbe Macleod

Shalini Mehta

Chitti Krishnam Raju Thotakura          

Peter Joseph Wightman

Ying Li

Magdalena Eliza Prazmowska

Erkan Oterkus

Ewa Katarzyna Dabczak-Piatkowska

(See Photos Opposite)

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Lennox and Argyll Battalion The Boys’ Brigade

Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young was delighted to represent the Lord Lieutenant at the Annual Certificates and Awards Presentation on 6^th June 2018. She inspected the Battalion and presented a range of certificates covering Gold Award, President's Award, Duke of Edinburgh Award and The Queen's Badge, some of the highest attainable by a member of the Boys’ Brigade.

All of the Company section and Junior section boys had worked extremely hard within their local community in a responsible and confident manner to achieve personal goals. They were encouraged to continue all this good work, dedication and importantly the values of the Boys’ Brigade ‘Sure and Steadfast’.

(See Photo Opposite)

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Diamond Wedding

Congratulations are extended to Violet & George Close from Clydebank who celebrated their Diamond Wedding on the 16^th June at the Golden Jubilee Hotel.  Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young was delighted to join Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, to congratulate Mr and Mrs Close on this special Wedding Anniversary.

Violet and George married on 7^th June 1958 in Ross Memorial Church in Dalmuir.  They have had a very busy life and love to travel and they are so proud of their two sons Brian and Alan and their families who were at the celebration.  Jill Young DL presented the couple with a special Diamond Wedding Anniversary card from Her Majesty The Queen and read out the personal message to Violet & George. Provost Hendrie gave an excellent speech and presented the couple with gifts from the Council.

(See Photo Opposite)

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HMT Lancastria Memorial Service

The Annual Memorial took place on 17^th June 2018 at The Golden Jubilee Foundation which hosted the event. The salute was taken by Deputy Lieutenant Commander James Leatherby RN (Rtrd) and the Lord Lieutenant was represented by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE

Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young, also Chief Executive of The Golden Jubilee Foundation, said ‘it is an absolute privilege to host the Lancastria Association of Scotland’s Annual Remembrance event in the grounds of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.  We are also honoured to look after the official HMT Lancastria Memorial on the site; knowing people can continue to pay their respects to the individuals, families, friends and loved ones.

What is more, we are proud that our pioneering hospital was built on the grounds of an innovating Clydebank organisation – the former Beardmore and Son’s Shipbuilding Yard where HMT Lancastria was built – and this also ties us, not only to the magnificent vessel, but to the industrious history of this great community in the County of Dunbartonshire.

Before that fateful day of 17 June, 1940 off the coast of St Nazaire, France, the ship and its crew helped evacuate troops from Norway and we should take time to remember its sterling service in World War Two, as well as the thousands of brave souls who perished during Operation Ariel.

We are again humbled to welcome the Lancastria Association of Scotland to the Golden Jubilee Foundation and continue to offer our unwavering support to them in the many years ahead.’

(See Photo Opposite)

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25 June 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Ann & Alexander Little of Linnvale in Clydebank who celebrated 60 years of marriage today. The happy couple received a  visit from Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost Willie Hendry of West Dunbartonshire Council.   Deputy Sayers read a  congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and, on behalf of the Council, Provost Hendrie presented Ann with a bouquest of flowers and Alexander with a bottle of West Dunbartonshire whisky.

(See Photo Opposite)

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BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2018

HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2018 recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people from across the UK and congratulations are  extended to the following who live or work in Dunbartonshire:

Knights Bachelor

Knighthoods

 Professor James Hough, OBE FRS FRSE

Associate Director, Institute for Gravitational Research, University of Glasgow for services to the Detection of Gravitational Waves.

Order of the British Empire

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

OBE

Professor Carol Elizabeth Tannahill

Director, Glasgow Centre for Population Health and Chief Social Policy Adviser, Scottish Government. For Services to Public Health

Member of the Order of the British Empire

MBE

Dr Alasdair Buchanan Gillies

Trustee, Scottish Showbusiness Benevolent Fund and Gaelic Language Promotion Trust.  For services to Music, the Gaelic Language and charity

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire

BEM

Allan Hamilton Stewart

Founder, Team Chivas.  For charitable service

Mrs Diana Clark MacIntosh

Chair, Save the Children, Helensburgh.  For services to charity

Mrs Frances Kilgour McFarlane Jones

Founder and Lately Organiser, Coeliac Group Glasgow.  For services to People with Coeliac Disease 

Mrs Sheenah Nelson

For services to Macmillan Cancer Relief and Heart charities in West Dunbartonshire and Lomond

Kenneth McChlery

Admin Assistant, Border Force, Glasgow. For public service and to the community in Glasgow

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15 June 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Deputy Registrar Lynne Bolton and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, a local resident was sworn in as a British Citizen.   Congratulations are extended to:

Rodin Fabricio Gonzaga Espinoza from Pasaje, Ecuador

In a first for our Lieutenancy the whole Ceremony was streamed by live video to Ecuador so that Mr Espinoza's father could be 'present'.

(See photo opposite)

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06 June 2018

JOYCE WHITE OBE

Our Lieutenancy Clerk, Joyce White OBE, went to Buckingham Palace today for her formal Investiture into the Most Honourable Order of the British Empire.   Joyce was presented with the OBE Medal by His Royal Highness The Prince Charles.

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25 May 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson,  Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 3 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mrs Bozena Czarnik-Wojtyczka from Poland, and her son & daughter, Bartosz and Gabriela

(See Photo Opposite)

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19 May 2018

The Earl & Countess of Dumbarton

The Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire sends warmest congratulations to His Royal Highness The Prince Harry on his wedding to Ms Meghan Markle.  Buckingham Palace announced that the couple will be known as the Duke & Duchess of Sussex, Earl & Countess of Dumbarton and Baron & Baroness Kilkeel.

Prince Harry has been made the third Earl of Dumbarton - a title that has strong military connections.  The title was first created in the Peerage of Scotland on 9 March 1675.  The first to hold the title was George Douglas, a younger son of the first Marquess of Douglas, who was created Earl of Dumbarton in 1675.  A Scottish nobleman and soldier, George was given the title by Charles II in recognition of his military service.

When James VII of Scots (James II of England) came to the throne in 1685, the earl was made military commander in Scotland, and it is thought that when the King was deposed, George accompanied him to his court in exile in France. On George's death at St German-en-Laye in France, the title passed to his son, also called George, who became the second Earl of Dumbarton.

The title became extinct when the second earl died in 1749, meaning it has not been used in more than 260 years.  The title has been recreated in the Peerage of the United Kingdom by Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II as a substantive title for her grandson Prince Harry on the occasion of his wedding.   It means that Prince Harry becomes the third to hold the Scottish title.

The Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE expressed his delight at the new title and looks forward to welcoming the royal couple to the County at some future date.

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Two ladies from Helensburgh were nominated by the Lord Lieutenant to attend today's wedding of His Royal Highness The Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle in St. George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.   Mrs Christine Johnston was nominated for her voluntary work with SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity in the Helensburgh and Garelochhead Division.   Christine was also for many years involved with Scouting in Dunbartonshire, and is also a member of the local Military Wives Choir.   Christine is taking with her as her guest Mrs Jean Riddington also from Helensburgh.   Miss Veronica 'Ronnie' Bell from Helensburgh who is the Divisional Treasurer for SSAFA in Clydebank and Dumbarton also received an invitation but was unfortunately unable to attend.  Ronnie is also well known for her work with young people in the Sea Cadets training them in seamanship and other sailing skills; she is also a former member of the WRNS.   Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE said that he was pleased to nominate both women for their outstanding contribution to young people and to assisting serving and ex-service personnel and their families.

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23 April 2018

The Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire sends warmest congratulations to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of a baby boy; a brother to George and Charlotte.

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21 April 2018

The Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire sends warmest congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen who is celebrating Her 92nd birthday today.   This evening She will attend a concert in Her Honour at The Royal Albert Hall.

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12 April 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Helen & Joseph McErlane of Kirkintilloch who are celebrating 60 years of marriage today.   The happy couple received a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

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04 April 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 10 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Siyi Chen from China

Mrs Dennitsa Todorova Rizova from Bulgaria

Mrs Verlaine McKay from South Africa

Mr Harwinder Singh Lidder from India

Ms Narjes Khatoon Mehdizadeh from Iran

Mr Saiful Amin from Bangladesh

Mrs Shamima Yasmin from Bangladesh

Sahil Amin from Bangladesh

Mr Selvaraj Rajendran from India

Ms Indhira Mani from India

At a previous ceremony on 21 February 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Andrea Gourlay, 8 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Stefan Donevski from Macedonia

Robert Govaerts from Belgium

Karina Molnar from Hungary

Ana Filomena D'Silva Pinheiro from India

Alicia Blanche Pinheiro from India

Craig Michael Pinheiro from India

Carl Jessel Pinheiro from India

Cajetan Piedade Ephrem Pinheiro from India

(See Photos Opposite)

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03 April 2018

BEM PRESENTATION - KIRKINTILLOCH

At a ceremony in Kirkintilloch today, Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE presented Ms Patsy Morrison BEM with the Medal of the Order.   The Honour was conferred upon her by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year's Honours List for Services to Comedy, People with Long- Term Health Problems, and Charity.   Patsy is the Founder and Managing Director of Universal Comedy established in 2004 as a means of helping others.   Despite declining health Patsy continues to manage and raise all of the funds for the company with the support of a volunteer Board. The charity has supported nearly 3,000 people in Glasgow through their comedy clinics and performances.

(See photo Opposite)

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29th March 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING - HELENSBURGH

Congratulations are extended to Phyllis & Frank Ross of Helensburgh who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP presented the couple with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.  The happy couple and their family are marking the day with a family lunch in the Sugar Boat Restaurant, Helensburgh, ahead of a party for family and friends on Saturday evening in the Commodore Hotel.

(See Photo Opposite)

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23rd March 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Taher Mahmud Mohamed Saleh, and his wife Asma Ramadan A Al Treish from Libya

Also present were their three daughters Raged, Hedaya & Heba

(See photo Opposite)

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16th March 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Betty & Bill McLellan of Hardgate, Clydebank, who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP DL presented the couple with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen, and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, presented Betty with a bouquet of flowers and Bill with a bottle of West Dunbartonshire whisky.   The happy couple and their four children are marking the day with a family dinner.

(See Photo Opposite)

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12th March 2018

COMMONWEALTH FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE today joined with Provost Willie Hendrie,  elected members and officers of West Dunbartonshire Council, in common with Councils throughout the United Kingdom, to raise the Commonwealth Flag in commemoration of Commonwealth Day.   The Lord Lieutenant read a message from the Secretary General and Provost Hendrie spoke of the values of the British Commonwealth.  All present then joined together to read out the Pledge to the Commonwealth.

(See photo opposite)

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10th March 2018

CLYDEBANK BLITZ COMMEMORATION SERVICE

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant, today joined with the local community in Clydebank to commemorate those who lost their life on the nights of 13th & 14th March 1941 in the Clydebank Blitz.   Together with local dignitaries and members of the Clydebank and Polish community he laid wreaths at the memorials in Dalnottar Cemetery and at the Polish memorial in Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank.

(See Photo Opposite)

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23rd FEBRUARY 2018

Provost Jean Jones, North Lanarkshire Council, hosted a lunch yesterday, 22^nd February 2018, to celebrate the recipients of awards in the New Year’s Honours list.  At the lunch were Mrs Veronica McDonald BEM and her husband Gerry, Mrs Karen Morrison MBE with her son Philip, and Mr Balwant Singh Chada MBE.

The lunch was attended by Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire and Miss Gill Aitkenhead MBE DL, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

Also present were Mr Jim Logue, Leader of the Council and Mr Robert Steenson, Assistant Chief Executive (Infrasrtucture).

Mrs McDonald received her BEM for Services to Adults with Special Needs.

Mrs Morrison received her MBE for Services to the Children’s Hearing System.

Mr Balwant Singh Chada received his MBE for Services to Local Government and Community Cohesion.

(See photos opposite)

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21st FEBRUARY 2018

Deputy Lieutenant Eric Thompson MBE RN(rtd) was recently the inspecting officer at the Dunbartonshire Battallion The Boys' Brigade Annual Review.  He is pictured opposite presenting The Queen’s Badge to Colour Sergeant Ryan Mochar and Sergeant Lewis McKechnie.

(See photo opposite)

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15th FEBRUARY 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Tania Jayne Guy, born in Auckland New Zealand

Marek Jan Kozak, born in Jaslo Poland

(See photo opposite)

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10th FEBRUARY 2018

Congratulations are extended to Jean & Andrew Jarvis from Balloch who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.

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30th JANUARY 2018

Congratulations are extended to Magaret & Joe McCabe from Harestanes who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.

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26th JANUARY 2018

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2018

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE, Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP joined West Dunbartonshire Provost Willie Hendrie, Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, Martin Docherty MP, Jackie Baillie MSP, Nicola Livingston, Co-President, the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and West Dunbartonshire Councillors together with pupils of Dumbarton Academy  at the Council Headquarters in Garshake Road, Dumbarton. They all heard a prayer, a poem and a reading from the life of Anne Frank to remember all those whose life was ended or affected by the Holocaust.   All present congratulated the pupils for the clarity and effectiveness of their readings; they were a credit to their school.

(See photo opposite)

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21 January 2018

Garfield Weston Foundation Anniversary Fund

The Lord Lieutenant would like to pass on to voluntary organisations information that has come to his attention about a Community Grant Project Opportunity from the Garfield Weston Foundation which has set up a one off £5million  Pound Fund to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Foundation.   The fund is to support Capital projects to provide new or improved facilities for local communities across the UK.  The Fund will close for applications on 30^th June 2018 but wishes to give charities plenty of notice so they have a chance to develop their plans.  Grants must be spent and projects completed by 31^st December 2020.  The fund could potentially help voluntary groups that have been nominated for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) but is open to all UK registered charities, places of worship and state schools only.   Grants range from £30,000 - £150,000 and there is a simple on-line application process.  Full details of the Weston Anniversary Fund Application Guidelines can be found at https://anniversary.garfieldweston.org

In due course the Lord Lieutenant would be delighted to hear of any successful applications within Dunbartonshire.

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10 January 2018 

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Allan Brown and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 6 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Mr Assen Assenov Rizov from Bulgaria

Mr Antero Corpuz Bernabe from Philippines

Mr Pablo Ramiro Murcia from Argentina

Ms Mariana Varela from Argentina

Mr Mahavir Singh Dhillon from India

Ms Anja Kuschmann from Germany

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              02 January 2018

Many congratulations to Harry & Kathryn Fotheringham who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today.   Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE presented the couple with a congratulatory message from Her Majesty The Queen.

(See photo opposite)

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01 January 2018

New Year's Honours' List

Congratulations are extended to the following citizens of Dunbartonshire who have been Honoured by Her Majesty The Queen:

CBE

James Brown Martin   -   Lately Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.   For services to the Scottish Public Sector -

from Kirkintilloch

Joanne Kate Swinson   -   For political and public service -

from Bearsden

MBE

Balwant Singh Chadha   -   For services to Local Government and Community Cohesion in the West of Scotland -

from Cumbernauld

Karen Vivienne Morrison   -   For services to the Children’s Hearings system and the community in North Lanarkshire -

from Cumbernauld

Leslie Roy   -   For services to Athletics in Scotland -

from Bearsden

Rosamund Blair   -   County Vice-President, Girlguiding Dunbartonshire, and Instructor, Riding for the Disabled  -

from Milngavie

Susan Kennedy   -   National Co-Ordinator, General Practice Nursing in NHS Education Scotland -

from Kirkintilloch

BEM

Patricia Morrison   -   Founder and Managing Director, Universal Comedy.  For services to Comedy, People with Long-Term Health Conditions and charity -

from Milngavie

Congratulations are also extended to our Lieutenancy Clerk, Mrs Joyce White, Chief Executive West Dunbartonshire Council, from Ayrshire, who was awarded the OBE for Services to Local Government, Further Education and the Guide Movement.

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26 December 2017

60 years ago today in 1957 Brian (Bernard) & Maryann McKeown were married in St Kessogs Church Balloch.   Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson joined the happy couple to help celebrate their Diamond Wedding in Stables restaurant.   They have 8 children, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  Brian worked in construction and Maryann in nursing.

(See Photo Opposite)

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19 December 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - ARGYLL & BUTE AT HELENSBURGH

At a ceremony today in Helensburgh attended by Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson and  Councillor Richard Trail, Argyll & Bute Council,  2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Baljit Kaur and Izabela Zuk

(See Photos Opposite)

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08 December 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Baillie Denis Agnew, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Sandra Danda from Zimbabwe

Mr Juan Andre Grove from South Africa

Hadisa Khogyani from Afghanistan

Ms Jennifer Lienig from Switzerland

Ms Pritee Puran from Mauritius

(See Photos Opposite)

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04 December 2017

HRH The Princess Royal had a busy schedule when she visited Cumbernauld on 28th November.

Her first stop was the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Citizens’ Advice Bureau as Patron of Citizen’s Advice Scotland, to help celebrate their 50th Anniversary and to present long service awards to two of the stalwarts of the bureau, Mrs Elspeth Wilson and Mr Ian Eadie. HRH then unveiled a plaque marking the official opening of their new premises on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cumbernauld Branch. HRH then cut the 50th Anniversary cake and wished all present every success for the next 50 years

HRH then visited The Muirfield Centre, Cumbernauld, to officially open the new community hub. She met representatives from Women's Aid, The Unemployed Workers' Centre, Alpha Group, The Hope Garden and local Craft Groups before delighting the youngsters with a visit to Cumbernaud & Kilsyth Workplace Nursery. HRH ended her visit in the main hall where she met representatives from various clubs and organisations in the town before unveiling a commemorative plaque. She wished each group present a most successful year to come.

(See Photo Opposite and more HERE)

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'FIELD OF DREAMS’ CENTRE FOR SCOTLAND’S DEAFBLIND COMMUNITY

Updated - Video Link HERE

HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new headquarters of DEAFBLIND SCOTLAND’s Field of Dreams at Kirkintilloch on Thursday 19^th October 2017.

Deafblind Scotland focuses on working with adults, living in the community, who have a severe loss of both sight and hearing.  They have over 800 members throughout Scotland.

Also performing for the Princess at the Field of Dreams were SINGaLOUD, a group of local people who get together to sing together without having to audition, be able to read music or have any previous singing experience. SINGaLOUD was founded by professional musician and singing leader, Bryan Marshall.

It was a very happy occasion which will be remembered by all for a very long time.

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29 November 2017

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Garry Pews  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 9 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Cheng Min from China

Mr Andrej Malkov from the Russian Federation

Mrs Dale Malkova from Lithuania

Mr Muhammad Aaqib Chaudhry from Pakistan

Mrs Sameen Aaqib from Pakistan

Ms Saveena Singh from India

Mr John Bradley Hiles from Australia

Ms Linda Chinhengo from Zimbabwe

Mr Mian Osama from Pakistan

(See Photo Opposite)

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27 November 2017

Congratulations are extended to HRH The Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle on the announcement from Clarence House today of their engagement to marry in the Spring of 2018

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24 November 2017

The Caledonian Awards Annual Presentation was held today.

Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Morag Hart MBE JP  presented Awards to pupils from Campsie View School Lenzie, and Parkhill Secondary School Glasgow.

The Caledonian Award Scheme, based in Bearsden, provides an opportunity for young people & adults with learning disabilities & support needs to participate in an achievement programme which will help them reach their full potential while increasing their independence & community involvement.

The Caledonian Family of Awards are the only National Achievement Awards available to young people with severe, profound or complex learning disabilities and those with moderate learning difficulties compounded by social, emotional & behavioural difficulties.

Mrs Hart said "I congratulate all the young people who have achieved Caledonian Awards.  I was very moved by the sense of delight and excitement shown by each of them on being presented with their certificates this morning, and I was very aware of the obvious pride shown by their families, carers and teachers who attended this important presentation".

3 staff from Tesco, Milngavie, came to the presentation and very kindly gave an assortment Box to each of the young people who attended.

(See photos opposite)

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20 November 2017

On 20 November 1947 in Westminster Abbey the wedding took place of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and today they celebrate 70 years of marriage together; a Platinum Wedding Anniversary.   It marks the longest royal marriage in history and the longest marriage of any reigning Monarch.

We send our warmest best wishes to Her Majesty and to His Royal Highness.

(See photos opposite)

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14 November 2017

SCOTTISH SUBMARINE CENTRE - HELENSBURGH

On Saturday 11 November 2017 Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE officially opened the new Scottish Submarine Centre at 1 West King Street, Helensburgh.   The centre has been built by a team of dedicated volunteers led by Brian Keating and houses as it's centrepiece the midget submarine HMS Stickleback which coincidentally was launched by the Lord Lieutenant's mother in 1955.   In his remarks when opening the centre he explained the importance of heritage and remembrance, for both young and old, with the emphasis on the history of warship and submarine building on the Clyde and the submarine bases, initially at Rothesay, then followed by Faslane; also, the history of submarine training in the North West Approaches.  All of this has been wrapped up in the significance of this staggeringly ambitious project to bring it to life digitally and to engage all ages with world beating technology.   He concluded that 'it is an amazing endeavour.'

(See Photo Opposite - full story and pictures          click HERE)

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12 November 2017

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE and his Deputies today joined with communities throughout Dunbartonshire to remember and to pay tribute to the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in conflcts from the two World Wars until present times; and also to those who returned home with mental and physical disabilities.

For our tomorrow they gave their today.

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09 November 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Assistant Registrar Lynne Bolton, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mahvish Bano from Pakistan

Hazim Muhammed Abdulrazzaq Al-Haideri from Iraq

Marta Czajkowska from Poland

Urszula Olga Sroczynska from Poland

(See photo opposite)

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07 November 2017

Annual Review of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire 

The Review was held on Tuesday 7 November 2017 and HM Lord-Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE was welcomed to the Annual Review by the President of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire, Mrs Morag Hart MBE JP DL, and invited to present girls with Baden-Powell Challenge Certificates, Young Leader Qualifications, Commonwealth Awards and Chief Guide Challenge Certificates.  The girls were delighted to receive these Awards from the Lord-Lieutenant and, in his speech, he praised the achievements of the girls and said how much he commended all the volunteers who give so much time to Girlguiding so that girls can enjoy activities that helps them to explore new experiences, accept challenges and rise to new responsibilities that gives them opportunities to grow into outstanding citizens of the future.  He said how much he always looked forward to the Annual Review and gave his congratulations and best wishes to all members of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire for the future. 

Also attending the Review was the Provost of East Dunbartonshire Councillor Alan Brown, and the Deputy Scottish Chief Commissioner Mrs Carol Morwood.

(See photos opposite)

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06 November 2017

Congratulations are extended to Elizabeth 'Betty' Mearns residing in Carrickstone Care Home, Cumbernauld, who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Deputy Lieutenant Anne Walker was on hand to deliver and read a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

(See photo opposite)

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04 November 2017

Congratulations are extended to Betty and Alistair Thomson from Alexandria who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.   Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson visited them in Balquhidder House, Alexandria, where Alistair lives and read a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.   Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan of West Dunbartonshire Council also presented the couple with a card and gifts from the Council.   

Alistair is originally from Mull and moved to the area aged 5. He and Betty met in 1955 when she lived in the old Balloch Railway Station 

They have one daughter, Karen, and 3 grandchildren. Both enjoyed the social events at Vale of Leven Bowling club where Alistair is an Honorary Member and where they enjoyed the dancing; and were particularly good at the foxtrot and waltz.

(See photo opposite)

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27 October 2017

Congratulations are extended to William 'Bill' Anderson residing in the Edinbarnet Nursing Home in Clydebank.   

Bill was born in Clydebank, attending Whitecrook Primary School and then Clydebank High School. He became an apprentice engineer with Drysdales on leaving school, continuing there till the late 70’s when he joined Weirs Pumps where he stayed until his retiral.

Bill is widowed with 2 daughters Margaret from Clydebank and Catherine from Stoke.  He has 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.   He has impaired vision and hearing but enjoys a chat about old times.

Bill celebrated with a family party at the home.  A celebratory telegram from HM The Queen was read by Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Provost Willie Hendrie presented a card and gifts from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See photo opposite)

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Updated - Video

20 October 2017

'FIELD OF DREAMS’ CENTRE FOR SCOTLAND’S DEAFBLIND COMMUNITY

HRH The Princess Royal yesterday opened Deafblind Scotland’s Learning and Development Centre ‘Field of Dreams’ in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire.

(See photo opposite - full story, video and more photos click HERE)

16 October 2017

THE  NHS GOLDEN JUBILEE FOUNDATION

At a recent reception in the Imperial War Museum hosted by His Royal Highness The Prince Harry, the Chief Executive of The Golden Jubilee Foundation, Jill Young DL, was presented with the Gold Award of the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme; its highest award.

Since the NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital was created in 2002 it has been committed to proactively supporting the Armed Forces. It was recognised with the Silver Supportive Employer Award in 2013 and its commitment has continued with the signing of the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant in 2016.

For 14 years it has supported both clinical and non-clinical reservist staff, veterans, and cadets through a number of innovations:

• It has a ‘Fast track access to treatment’ policy for any members of the Armed Forces
• It is currently developing a ‘Guaranteed Interview’ policy with offer of personal support and feedback if needed
• Golden Jubilee Reserved Forces Training and Mobilisation Policy applies to all
• It has produced two videos for the Golden Jubilee YouTube channel to support Armed Forces day 25 June 2016
• It communicates extensively the value of supporting reservists through its weekly eNewsletter, intranet and staff magazines. In addition it communicates to the wider NHS and public through press releases, 2500 Twitter and 3500 Facebook followers.
• It has planned and hosted within the Golden Jubilee Foundation, Armed Forces recruitment days actively supported by 7SCOTS, 205 Field Hospital, 71 Engineers, and 225 Medics.
• It offers a healthy discount on all of its facilities within the Golden Jubilee 4* Hotel for both business and leisure.
• It regularly runs open days and work experience programmes and visits
• It is home to HMT Lancastria memorial and it hosts the annual memorial service with strong links to the Lancastria Foundation and a display of memorabilia inside the reception of the hospital.
• It had a royal opening of its Heart and Lung Centre by Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Philip in 2008
• The Innovation Centre was opened by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay
• The Queen’s baton relay ran through the hospital as part of the Commonwealth Games
• Its senior team completed the Reservists ‘Executive Stretch’ programme, and visited a Field Hospital in operation

Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young, Chief Executive of the Golden Jubilee Foundation said ‘We are committed to high quality care, continuous improvement and an excellent workforce and we will do this through expanding our strategic partnership with the Armed Forces.  We take every opportunity to share how we do this with as many of our NHS partners and other stakeholders and businesses as possible, that the value of supporting the Armed Forces brings incredible commitment, extensive skills, team working and leadership qualities that is hard to achieve elsewhere.’

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory congratulated the Foundation on its continued success and warmly welcomed its commitment to the Armed Forces.

(See photo opposite)

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14 October 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Chrissie Mitchell who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Chrissie, who is resident in Crosslet House, Dumbarton, celebrated her special day with all her family and friends some of whom had travelled from down south to be with her.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP read out a congratulatory card from HM The Queen, and Provost William Hendrie presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo Opposite)

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13 October 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  and Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Prince Kevin Junior Edwards from Guyana.

Shafaq Usman Qazi from Pakistan

(See photo opposite)

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26 September 2017

QAVS 2017 PRESENTATION

At a ceremony hosted by West Dunbartonshire Council in Clydebank Town Hall last night Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral  Mike Gregory OBE, presented the St. Peter the Apostle School Soup Kitchen Volunteers Group with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2017.   Provost William Hendrie praised the members of the Group present for their work in two homeless people's hostels in Glasgow.  The Lord Lieutenant congratulated them on receiving such a prestigious Award which is the equivalent of an MBE.  The Saint Peter the Apostle Soup Kitchen Volunteers Group has the aim of serving people who are homeless in the Greater Glasgow Area who use the ‘common lodging houses’ based in the euphemistically called Belgrove Hotel, and a Salvation Army Shelter close to the Barrowlands area of Glasgow.   The occupants of these premises are diverse and are made up of the indigenous population together with European and Somalian migrants all of whom, for a wide variety of reasons, have found themselves homeless; most are vulnerable persons who have alcohol and drug dependencies as well as other health issues.  Some of the residents are regular users who have made use of the premises for many years and some are itinerant users.   This Group has grown out of a project started within the St. Peter the Apostle School in the Clydebank district of West Dunbartonshire.   All students from year 1 to year 6 are involved in the project although only those in years 5 and 6 go out every second Saturday night to help with the dispensing of soup, provided by the Saint Theresa Missionaries, and of chocolate, sweets, biscuits, clothing and toiletries that have been ingathered by all of the pupils of the school. The Group started out with one teacher being the facilitator for the project but as it has grown many of the teachers now assist with the Group. However, whilst the Group is facilitated by the teachers, the drawing up of rotas and the ingathering is all arranged by the pupils themselves.  There is a small committee of pupils who co-ordinate the work of the Group.  It has the full support of the Head Teacher and the local Education Authority and is now regarded as one of the core Groups that is set up at the start of each year as the older pupils move on.   The Group benefits with an influx of new helpers every year.  This Group, based within the Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire, started out with the aim of helping others within the adjacent city, but in so doing both the teachers and the pupils have been surprised with what they themselves have derived from being part of the Group.  It has given them a social awareness of the plight of a section of society with whom they would not otherwise have come into contact.

(See photo opposite & more photos to follow)

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24 September 2017

Dunbartonshire District Scouts

The Annual General Meeting of the Dunbartonshire District Scouts was held last night in the Denny Theatre, Dumbarton.   The Lieutenancy was represented by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE who presented a large number of long service awards to leaders from throughout the District.   He spoke to those present of the value of volunteering and the significant role that it plays in society.     However, the highlight of the evening was when Ross Docherty of the 6th Clydebank Scout Group was presented with the Chief Scout's Award for Meritorious Conduct by the Scottish Chief Commissioner Graham Haddock.  Graham said that this was a rare award as he had only presented a handful of them during his time as Scottish Chief Commissioner and it is awarded for meritorious conduct of an exceptionally high standard. Ross suffers multiple health issues but despite this, since he first started in Beavers, he has always attended his sections  with a smile on his face. Ross became a young leader at Cubs and is now a full adult leader in the Cub Section. Ross is a true inspiration to everyone and we congratulate him on his award.

(See Photo Opposite and more photos to follow)

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23 September 2017

VICTORIA CROSS PAVING STONE - UNVEILING CEREMONY - DUMBARTON

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory together with Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan of West Dunbartonshire Council, grandchildren of John Brown Hamilton VC and invited guests gathered at the War Memorial in Levengrove Park, Dumbarton, to unveil a Paving Stone laid in front of the War Memorial to comemorate the award of the Victoria Cross to Private (Acting Lance Corporal) John Brown Hamilton of the Highland Light Infantry 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty'

( See Photo Opposite - Full Story & more Photos Click HERE

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DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Isobel & James Scullion of Alexandria who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.

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19 September 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  and Registrar Lynn Houston, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Elitsa Stoyanova from Bulgaria

Adetoun Folushade Paul-Okoh from Nigeria

Pavan Pandey from India

Nishtha Singh from India

(See Photo Opposite)

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15 September 2017

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL PRESENTATION

At a ceremony hosted by West Dunbartonshire Council in the Town Hall at Clydebank, Lord Lieutenant Rear Adniral Mike Gregory OBE presented 3 Dunbartonshire residents with the British Empire Medal of the Order of the British Empire which was bestowed upon them by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours' List 2016:

Ms Mary Haggarty – Secretary, Arrochar and Tarbert Community Council.  For services to the community in Arrochar, Tarbert and Ardlui.  She has been involved in local youth groups and organisations since 1961. Elected Community Councillor in 1990 and subsequently Chair and through all of her hard work it has become one of the strongest Community Councils in Argyll if not Scotland.  Very involved with the Clan Macfarlane worldwide. She was a Civil Servant initially with the Forestry Commission and latterly with the MOD ending 41 years of public service.

Mr Hugh Hutchinson – Captain, 1^st Vale of Leven Boy’s Brigade.  For services to the Boy’s Brigade and the community in the Vale of Leven.  He has been involved for over 55 years and is the longest serving Company Captain in the Battalion. At the West Dunbartonshire Provost’s Civic Awards he was voted the Community Voluntary Individual Champion for 2016 

Mrs Effie Walker – School Crossing patrol Warden at Colgrain Primary School.  For services to Education and the Community in Helensburgh.  She was the Lollipop Lady for 43 years and has seen several generations of Colgrain pupils safely across the road. Many now have children and grandchildren there and Effie takes good care of them all. She has recently had a new block of flats named WALKER COURT in her honour.

(See Photo Opposite and more photos click HERE)

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06 September 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kirkintilloch attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Harjinder Singh from India

Jordan Matthew Brown from New Zealand

Xiao Hong Lin from China

Claudia Celine Garcia Alvarez from Mexico

 (See Photo Opposite)

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01 September 2017

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

West Dunbartonshire Council, in common with Local Authorities throughout the United Kingdom, raised the Red Ensign at the Council Offices, Garshake Road, on Friday 01 September 2016 at 10.00 to mark Merchant Navy Day.   Merchant Navy Day is the United Kingdom's opportunity to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage, and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchany Navy.   Provost William Hendrie was joined by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE, Lieutenenacy Clerk Joyce White,  Lieutenancy Officer Stacy Walker, Leader of the Administration Councillor Jonathan McColl, Councillors and Officers, together with Lieutenant Commander George Troup BEM and Officers of the Sea Cadets from Clydebank who formed a Guard of Honour.  Provost Hendrie welcomed all present and paid tribute to all those past and present who have served in the Merchant Navy.  A message from HRH The Duke of Wessex was read out.   The Ensign was then raised by Provost Hendrie.

                  (See Photo Opposite)

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22 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Jeanie Allan of Old Kilpatrick who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Jeanie celebrated her birthday with a party in the Frank Downie Day Care Unit in Dalmuir where she was joined by her son Robert, family and friends. Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP delivered a message of congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Willie Hendrie presented her with a bouquet of flowers from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo Opposite)

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19 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Moira & Harvey Calderwood of Bishopbriggs who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.

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06 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Agnes (Nancy) Bennett residing in Edinbarnet Nursing Home who is celebrating her 100th Birthday today.   Deputy Lieutenant Patricia Steel delivered a message of congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen.   Nancy celebrated her special day with a family party.

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04 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Jean and John Kelso of Clydebank who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today with a reception in the Singer Bowling Club.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP delivered a message of congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Willie Hendrie presented gifts from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo Opposite)

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03 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to James & Bridie Smith of Kilsyth who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.

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02 AUGUST 2017

QUEEN'S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE  

CMS Window Systems in East Dunbartonshire has been formally recognised for its business success at the highest level by being awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2017.

At a special event which took place at the company’s Castlecary HQ near Glasgow, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE presented the prestigious award to Gerald McSkimming, Operations Director of CMS Window Systems.

This was awarded to CMS Window Systems in recognition of its achievements in terms of sustainable business development, and reflected its success in ensuring that environmental, social and economic sustainable practices underpin every aspect of the business.

Lord-Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE said: “It’s been a great pleasure to come to CMS to present the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation today, to a company that has been a tremendous innovator not just in sustainability, but very effectively in providing youth employment. What they’ve done here is seriously impressive and, therefore, they thoroughly deserve their Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”

Gerald McSkimming, Operations Director at CMS Window Systems, said: “We’re delighted to receive this Queen’s Award for Enterprise today, which I’ve accepted on behalf of the whole team in recognition of their continued hard work.

In addition to environmental considerations, CMS Window Systems has a comprehensive strategy to achieve social and economic sustainability. The Living Wage employer holds the Investors in People Gold standard and Investors in Young People accreditation and has become renowned for creating regular employment opportunities for local young people through Modern Apprenticeships. The organisation plays an active role in improving the communities in which it operates through a range of charitable donations and practical support for local initiatives.

(See Photo Opposite)

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26 JULY 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Muqtadeer Ahmed Syed from India

Xiao Qin Chen from China who attended with her 3 children - Alvin Chi, Kevin Chi and Jing Yi Chi.

(Photo opposite)

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BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2017

HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2017 recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people from across the UK and congratulations are  extended to the following who live or work in Dunbartonshire:

Knights Bachelor

Knighthoods

 Professor Vito Antonio Muscatelli, FRSE

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Glasgow for services to Economics and Higher Education.

Order of the British Empire

Members of the Order of the British Empire

MBE

Professor Leo Martin

Chairman, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Clydebank for services to Healthcare and Education.

(Giffnock, Renfrewshire)

 NOTE - Professor Leo Martin is included because of his work in St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Clydebank.

 Mrs Mary Elizabeth McNulty

Headteacher, St Roch’s Primary and Hearing Impaired Schoolf or services to Education and the Deaf community in Glasgow.

Order of the British Empire

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire

BEM

Ms Mary Ishbel Haggarty

Secretary, Arrochar and Tarbert Community Council for services to the community in Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui, Argyll.

Hugh Arthur Hutchinson

Captain, 1st Vale of Leven Boys’ Brigade for services to the Boys’ Brigade and the community in Vale of Leven. 

Mrs Effie Walker

School Crossing Patrol Warden, Colgrain Primary School for services to Education and the community in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute.

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22 JUNE 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers  MBE JP, Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan  and Registrar Lynn Houston , 3 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Raluca Urse, born in Constanta, Romania

Unchittha Menphuak, born in Samut Prakan, Thailand

Mary Wong, born in Calgary, Canada

(Photo opposite)

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07 JUNE 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 7 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Katherine Shaiman from the USA;

Ms Hing Fung Tham from Malaysia;

Mrs Aamnah Waqar Cheema from Pakistan;

Mrs Patrycja Anna Bhardwaj from Poland;

Mrs Navdeep Rani Sharma from India;

Mrs Parvinder Kaur Roopra from India;

Mr Jiandong Xu from China

(Photo opposite)

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01 May 2017

CARDROSS HONOURS SOLDIER

A soldier has been honoured with the laying of a Victoria Cross Paving Stone in Cardross 100 years after the action for which his gallantry was recognised.

See Photo Opposite.   Full story click HERE

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BEM PRESENTATION CLYDEBANK 

At a ceremony today in Clydebank hosted by West Dunbartonshire Council the  Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, presented Medals of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to :

Mr George Cochrane BEM; Miss Christine Johnston BEM; Mr Derek Norval BEM; and, Mrs Ann Glenesk BEM.

(See photo opposite and click HERE

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Assistant Registrar Karen McLaughlin, a local resident was sworn in as a British Citizen.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mrs Sarita Khatri Karki

(See Photo Opposite)

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22 April 2017

Congratulations are extended to Jack & Betty Cawley of Kirkintilloch who celebrate their Diamond Wedding today.

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12th April 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Deputy Provost Mrs Anne Jarvis  and Assistant Registrar Christine Wilkie, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mr James Murray from the USA;

Ms Nidhi Sharma from India;

Mr Kimon Lemonidis from Greece;

Mrs Marie-Francoise Kerr from France; &

Mr Balbir Singh from India.

(See Photo Opposite)

20th March 2017

Congratulations are extended to Lucy & George Walker of Cumbernauld who celebrate their Diamond Wedding today.

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15th March 2017

Congratulations are extended to Elizabeth & James Dick of Parkhall in Clydebank who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE presented them with  a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Douglas MacAllister presented them with flowers and a bottle of whisky from West Dunbartonshire Council.

See photo opposite.

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12th March 2017

Congratulations are extended to Ms Mary McLean of Alexandria who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.

She worked in the local area all of her life starting work at 14 as a housemaid and then moved on to work at the Torpedo factory and then moved on to Westclox.  She retired 40 years ago from her final job at the distillery.  Her lifelong passion has been gardening.  She has a family history of longevity as her mother lived till she was 104.  Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson presented Mary with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

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11th March 2017

CLYDEBANK BLITZ COMMEMORATION SERVICE

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Mike Gregory OBE today joined with the local community in Clydebank to commemorate those who lost their life on the nights of 13th & 14th March 1941 in the Clydebank Blitz.   Together with local dignitaries and members of the Clydebank and Polish community he laid wreaths at the memorials in Dalnottar Cemetery and at the Polish memorial in Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank.

(See Photos Opposite)

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CENTENARIANS

Many congratulations are extended to Mrs Isabella Mcleod in Hillview Nursing Home, Dalmuir,  who celebrates her 100th birthday on 27th February and to Mrs Marion Wright in Bridge  Court Nursing Home, Alexandria,  who celebrates her 100th birthday on 28 February. 

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27th JANUARY 2017

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2017

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE joined West Dunbartonshire Provost Douglas McAllister, Martin Docherty MP, Jackie Baillie MSP and Councillors Millar, Flynn, Hendrie, Agnew, Casey, Ryall, Mooney and children of St. Peter's Primary and Vale of Leven Academy at the Council Headquarters in Garshake Road, Dumbarton. They all joined in a pledge to remember all those whose life was ended or affected by Holocaust.

See photo opposite

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18th JANUARY 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Mrs Anne Jarvis  and Assistant Registrar Christine Wilkie, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mr Jie Shen from China

Mr Hefny Mohamed from Egypt

Mrs Thapanee Thomson from Thailand                       

Siriyakorn Duangprawat  from Thailand

Mrs Amara Akhtar from Pakistan.

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13th JANUARY 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mr & Mrs Bill  and Isobel  Snodden of Kilsyth  who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 11th January 2017, and to Mr & Mrs Francis and Nessie Brady, also of Kilsyth, who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 29th December 2016.   Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE presented both couples with a congratulatory card from HM The Queen, and gifts were presented on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council by Deputy Provost, Councillor Jean Jones, and Councillor Heather McVey all of whom are shown in the photos opposite.

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11th JANUARY 2017

Congratulations to Professor Alex & Mrs Shelia Gardner who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today at  Balquhidder Care Home in Alexandria; the couple were married in Cambuslang.   Alex spent some time in the RAF in the 50's and later became a professor of psychology.   Shown in the picture (opposite) on the television screen above the happy couple is their Best Man, Jack, who was able to join the couple via a live feed.  Also shown in the picrure is Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson who presented them with a congratulatory card from HM The Queen.

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 NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST 2017

7 Awards have been made to residents of Dunbartonshire - 3 MBE's and  4 BEM's.   Congratulations to:

MBE's

Mrs Melanie Catherine Andrews - Director and Founder, The Scottish Baking Awards. For services to Baking and to the community in Helensburgh.

Mr Gordon Reid - For services to Wheelchair Tennis.

Ms Katie Archibald - For services to Cycling.

BEM's

Mr George Paterson Cochrane - Founder, Community Dog Management Centre.  For services to Dog Management in West Dunbartonshire and Scotland.

Miss Christine Margaret Johnston - Captain, Third Kilsyth Boys' Brigade Company.  For services to Young People and the community in Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire.

Mr Alistair Derek Norval - Organist, St Paul's Church, Milngavie. For services to Music in Dunbartonshire.

Mrs Ann Glenesk - Volunteer, HM Prison Low Moss, Glasgow. For services to Prisoners and Community Relations

Congratulations are also extended to Bearsden born Katherine Grainger CBE who becomes a Dame (DBE) for services to sport and charity

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