West Lothian women given New Year Honours

Jan 7 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

West Lothian women given New year Honours

THERE were extra celebrations on Hogmanay for two West Lothian women after their names were added to the New Year’s Honours list.

Barbara Braithwaite, of Linlithgow, has been named an MBE for voluntary services to the town, and Norma Watson of Broxburn, was awarded an OBE for her services to education.

However, both women are modest about their achievements.

Barbara (71) has been involved with Linlithgow Canal Society and the Deacon’s Court, which helps organise Linlithgow’s annual Marches celebrations, for 35 years.

But she had previously also been involved with Girl Guiding and other community groups.

Barbara said: “I got the letter from the Cabinet Office on November 17, telling me that I had got the award and to be honest I was really shocked and had to read it about three times before it sank in.

“I joined the Canal Society because I enjoy that kind of work and getting out and meeting people, and the Marches is an important historic event which has to be kept going, so that’s why I got involved there. My friends and family keep phoning and congratulating me but to be honest I’m a bit embarrassed and shy about it.”

However Linlithgow councillor and West Lothian Provost Tom Kerr said Barbara’s award was well deserved.

He said: “I have known Barbara for several years and she has made a major contribution to voluntary work in Linlithgow, particularly with the Deacon’s Court and Canal Society.

“I am delighted for Barbara not just as a Linlithgow councillor, but as someone who knows her, that she has been given this award.”

Norma Watson, the retired headteacher of Kirkhill Nursery School in Broxburn, chair of pupil placement board and former acting head of Simpson Primary in Bathgate, said she was pleased but surprised by her accolade. “I was really chuffed when I heard I’d been awarded an OBE,” she said.

“My last permanent post was as headteacher of Kirkhill Nursery School, but now I do supply teaching work for West Lothian Council and I love my work.

“I’m just waiting for the letter to tell me what happens next, but I’m really pleased.”

West Lothian’s director of education, Gordon Ford, paid tribute to Norma’s work.

He said: “Norma Watson has been an outstanding servant to the teaching profession both nationally and locally, and West Lothian schools are the better for her efforts.”

And Provost Tom Kerr paid tribute to both women’s efforts.

He added: “On behalf of everyone in West Lothian I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Norma Watson OBE and Barbara Braithwaite MBE, who received recognition in the New Year’s Honours List 2010, for services to education and for voluntary service to the community in Linlithgow respectively.”