Frank Conway and Barry Cathie were honoured for their contribution to the organisation and their communityBarry Cathie and Frank Conway received their Neighbourhood Watch recognition awards in a presentation at Rutherglen Exchange shopping centre(Image: Contributed/Rutherglen Reformer)

Two tireless Rutherglen volunteers were honoured for their contribution to the community as they received a prestigious award from Neighbourhood Watch Scotland.

Frank Conway and Barry Cathie were both presented with certificates of recognition from the organisation, who praised their “outstanding contribution” to local residents through their work on safety, partnering with emergency services and running events.

They received their awards at a special celebration held at the town’s shopping centre, where they regularly run safety awareness events, and which was attended by a host of community representatives including charity and local authority representatives as well as officials from Neighbourhood Watch Scotland.

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Frank established the Manor Way neighbourhood watch group back in 1998 on retiring from his role in banking, and has since seen the local organisation grow to encompass more than 500 members.

He had wanted to “give something back to his local community” in gratitude for the support he and his three children had received following the passing of his wife Patricia – and has since led the group from strength to strength over more than 25 years.

Praising his community contribution as they announced his award, Neighbourhood Watch told how his achievements include gaining funding for community projects, and how Frank has “supported untold thousands of local residents over the years”.

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Volunteer colleague Barry is the co-ordinator of nearby Springhall and Cathkin Neighbourhood Watch, which he set up in March 2022 to tackle local issues including youth disorder and speeding traffic and which now regularly has more than 50 members meeting online and in person.

He regularly works alongside Frank on joint projects such as community safety awareness events at Rutherglen Exchange shopping centre on Main Street, as well as working on a 20mph speed limit for streets in Cathkin and a current project with South Lanarkshire’s trading standards team to set up “no cold calling” zones.

Barry regularly works alongside the area’s police, fire service, community representatives and charities, and Neighbourhood Watch said: “In addition to his focus on safety, he has been instrumental in celebrating the positive contributions of community members, inspiring others to engage and take action – he has helped create a more connected community and we are extremely grateful to him for the continued work he is doing.”

They had been surprised with the news of their presentation last month, and were presented with their certificates at the celebration in Rutherglen Exchange – attended by Neighbourhood Watch board members and staff, plus shopping centre manager Jane Cowan and partners from Rutherglen & Cambuslang foodbank, South Lanarkshire trading standards and local charity Happy n Healthy.

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland director Lesley Clark said: “Barry and Frank have worked tirelessly promoting community safety and have organised regular events, bringing together residents, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and local authorities.

“These initiatives have not only provided the community with practical safety information but have also strengthened the relationships between residents, community organisations and emergency services.”

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Neighbourhood Watch Scotland has more than 750 co-ordinators across the country, and Lesley added that the organisation “would not exist if not for our volunteers”, continuing: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to them and to everyone helping their communities in lots of ways, large and small – they are enhancing a sense of wellbeing and community cohesion, and every act of kindness leaves a trace.”

Rutherglen Exchange manager Jane Cowan told how the shopping centre team were proud to host the presentation ceremony, noting that Barry is “one of the centre’s own” and saying: “Barry has been a driving force behind the centre’s community awareness days, forging connections between our local shops and service providers including Rutherglen & Cambuslang Foodbank, Thistle Credit Union, Shelter Scotland, Dickson Chemist and the Greenhouse Cafe.

“His efforts have helped raise awareness around safety, scams and community support, making him a well-respected figure in Rutherglen Exchange shopping centre and the wider community.”

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Barry and Frank, pictured centre left and right in the back row with their certificates, were joined for the presentation by Neighbourhood Watch Scotland director Lesley (front, second left), Rutherglen Exchange manager Jane Cowan (back, fourth left), and Roni Gunn of Rutherglen & Cambuslang foodbank; Elaine Moore and Alison Tweddle of South Lanarkshire consumer and trading standards, Lesley McGinty of Healthy n Happy community development trust, and Neighbourhood Watch representatives Mhairi Chisholm, Christina McCourt, Tony Welsh, Michele Lindsay and Lyndsay Barr.

Barry told the Rutherglen Reformer: “It was a really nice surprise when we were told we’d be receiving the recognition award, and the presentation was a brilliant day.

“There were people ther from Neighbourhood Watch, and the shopping centre, foodbank, council and Happy n Healthy – it was lovely to see everyone coming along to join in.”

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