ANNE Snoddy, the Secretary of Peebles Community Council, has been recognised by Craig Hoy MSP as a ‘Community Champion’ following a reception held by the South Scotland MSP in the Scottish Parliament to celebrate volunteers in health, well-being and sport from across the South of Scotland.
Mrs Snoddy was recognised as the overall ‘winner’ of the event, and Mr Hoy submitted a motion to Members of the Scottish Parliament recognising the extensive work she has carried out on behalf of the Peebles community for over 8 years in the post. Mr Hoy’s reception included the East Lothian Senior String Ensemble who were the winners of the Scottish Young Ensemble of the Year, as well as light refreshments and a tour of the Scottish Parliament building.
Craig Hoy MSP commented: “I was thrilled to invite Anne to my community champions reception and to thank her for all of her hard work on behalf of the Peebles community. In her 8 years as Secretary of Peebles Community Council, Anne has diligently supported the people of Peebles, organising events to bring people together in the town and make a massive difference to the well-being of many residents.
“I was also delighted to welcome Neil Mason who is helping to establish a Men’s Shed in Peebles and thank him for his work in helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation in the town.”
Mrs Snoddy was nominated for the award by Councillor Julie Pirone, Conservative Councillor for Tweeddale East ward, who commented: “I was absolutely delighted to nominate Anne for this award. She is a star of our community who has the town and local people at the heart of everything she does. She never stops, gives her time willingly and is involved in many of our organisations. She should rightly be celebrated for everything she does.”
Anne Snoddy said: “I was taken aback but delighted to have my voluntary work recognised in this way. I would commend volunteering to anyone who has a couple of hours to spare each week. As well as making a valuable contribution to the well being of the local community or wider society it is a great way to make new friends.”
Neil Mason said: “This nomination came as a complete surprise to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening in the Parliament. I first joined the Shed to help myself deal with a personal loss, and I hope that my voluntary work for the Shed is helping out something back into this wonderful Community of Peebles. Our motto says it all. Men Don’t Talk Face to Face. Men Talk Shoulder to Shoulder. So to anyone reading this who may be in need of a friendly face, a cup of tea or indeed a new challenge, you know where we are! Can I also add my congratulations to Anne who also does so much for Peebles.”
The motion recognising Anne Snoddy as a ‘Community Champion’, which has now been presented to Members of the Scottish Parliament, reads: “That the Parliament congratulates Anne Snoddy on being recognised as a Community Champion; understands that Anne is the secretary of Peebles Community Council; further understands that, in her role, she has supported Peebles in Bloom, the Peebles Christmas Lights Committee and organised Coronation celebrations in the town; recognises what it sees as the significant value of Anne’s work in supporting the people of Peebles, and thanks her for her service to the town and wider community.”
