Edward Peter Archer, historian, awarded an MBE

Ed Archer, a Lanark & District u3a member, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours list.

Ed has been admitted as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Heritage and the community in Clydesdale.

“I have been involved in Heritage since I came to live in Clydesdale in 1971 where I started off the Lanark and District Archaeological Society which involved digging, field walking, lectures and trips.  Apart from these activities I have written several books including Clydesdale’s Heritage, William Wallace and Flying at Lanark.

“I started with nobody but by the time I finished eight and a half years later I had 510 people working in 37 projects doing everything from knitting trauma teddy bears to assisting children with their reading.

“After my job with CSV ended, I still did things for the community like running an energy project giving simple advice to help people save energy.  I really thought this was very important. I was also still involved in volunteering with Lanark Tenants and Residents Group as well as the Lanark Community Council.

”I would like to make a special mention of my wife Sandra without whose support none of these things would have happened.”

In the field of Heritage, I have been able to transmit this to the world through the Clydesdale’s Heritage site on the internet and on Facebook.  The Facebook site has done really well with 6 000 followers but far more if the subject is of special interest.

“I have written many items of historical and archaeological interest that have been published in the Gazette for several years.  It’s remarkable how well they have been received.  I also work closely with the Lanark Museum and am currently the Chairman of the Lanarkshire Heritage Forum.

“ However the award was not just about Heritage but about work in the community.  After I left teaching in 2001, I got a job as a Development Officer for Community Service Volunteers to get the over fifties into volunteering. 

Christmas Door Swag Workshop

18 members attended a fun afternoon at December’s floral workshop.  The theme this year was, “How to make a Christmas Swag to decorate your Holiday front door”.  Liz Weston had encouraged everyone beforehand  to forage their greenery, and recycle any old Christmas baubles, cone etc.  Well done Ladies! Your swags were amazing.