Parishioners at Dalserf church enjoyed a double celebration as the congregation’s environmental achievements received Holyrood recognition, while two of their Girls’ Brigade members earned a prestigious honour.
Church members were officially presented with their silver award from Eco Congregation Scotland, earned thanks to their green efforts including setting up a reflection garden, recycling centre and wildlife area in the grounds.
They were joined for the celebration was Monica Lennon, the Central Scotland MSP, who has lodged a motion of congratulations at the Scottish Parliament – and who also made the special presentation of gold Duke of Edinburgh’s awards to recipients Karyn Scotland and Ellie Rodger.
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Led by minister Rev Fiona Anderson, the Dalserf congregation began working towards Eco Congregation accreditation over a year ago and took on a range of projects including planting trees and encouraging wildlife, improving and making use of the gardens including for Easter services, and arranging for a countryside ranger to lead a special session with youngsters from the Sunday school.
They had initially applied for the bronze level but were awarded silver following visits to see their work and impact – and assessor Mary Sweetland, who presented the silver plaque, encouraged church members to continue their efforts and go for gold.
Ms Lennon’s motion at Holyrood commended the congregation on their “environmental work and demonstrable achievements” at the the historic 350-year-old church, and noted that members are now working alongside other local churches to encourage them to work towards the same accreditation.
The MSP presented a framed copy of the motion to members as she joined in as a special guest at their Sunday worship, telling parishioners how she was “delighted” to return to the church where she was married 19 years ago.
She also congratulated 1st Dalserf Girls’ Brigade members Karyn and Ellie on their gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award, as their achievements were recognised by the church community ahead of their official presentation by Prince Edward at a Holyrood garden party next month.
Both volunteered with the Machan Trust in Larkhall as part of their award, as well as undertaking a four-day wild camp in the hills around Moffat and a five-day volunteering residential on Bute with children’s cancer charity Calum’s Cabin, plus skills and physical challenges.
Rev Anderson told Karyn and Ellie: “We hope you have a great time meeting the Duke at Holyrood next month.
“I also hope that what we’ve done as a church and what the girls have achieved individually sets a good example to the young girls in the Girls’ Brigade and the church, encouraging them to care for creation, be good citizens and to be role models for others to follow.”
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