Royal nod for Fife volunteer

One of only six Royal Patron’s Awards given out in 2015 Mr James (Jim) Archibald was sadly unable to make the journey to Windsor for the ceremony.

Instead friends, family and members of Abbeyfield Kirkcaldy gathered together at the house on Meldrum Road to present Mr Archibald with his award.

Professor Brian Williams, chairman of Abbeyfield Scotland Society - which provides support for the Abbeyfield movement in Scotland - and Mrs Moira Hamilton MBE, chairman of Abbeyfield in Dunfermline presented the award at the end of last year.

Honoured for 30 years of service, Jim started out as a volunteer and became a board member in the 1980s. In his time at Abbeyfield he held nearly every office title, with most of his time spent as treasurer.

Particularly poignant to his time in position was heralding two great moments in the Kirkcaldy Abbeyfield story.

As a board member he saw the building of the modern extension at Meldrum Road in 1985 which was opened by Prince Charles.

Just over 30 years later, Jim was witnessed the erection of the latest extension to the Abbeyfield Kirkcaldy house, and his time with the movement has been bookended poignantly with the award bestowed on him by the Prince of Wales.

Peter Martin, Abbeyfield Kirkcaldy accountant said: “It is a great symmetry and I know that Jim said he felt both honoured and humbled by the presentation of the award.

“He always considered that by being a volunteer he was just doing his bit.”

Mr Archibald who lives in Dunnikier Estate, was the only Scottish recipient of the award in 2015.

The Royal Patron Award is not necessarily presented annually but given in recognition of outstanding service to those volunteers and staff who have given their distinguished service to the Abbeyfield Movement.

There are Abbeyfield societies across the UK and 16 in countries around the world.