Ian Moore was presented with Drylaw Telford Community Council’s Thomas Tierney Award for Good Citizenship at a reception in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre last night. Ian – who came to the area in 1942 and has lived in Drylaw since 1953 – was joined by his wife Muriel, Mrs Cath Tierney and her son Thomas, local councillors, community councillors and members of North Edinburgh Social History group to celebrate the occasion.
Presenting the award, Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “I’ve known Ian since we moved to Drylaw and he’s helpful, always has a smile on his face and is always willing to work with others. He’s a great character, and I think Ian receives the Award for 2011 for his contribution to the North Edinburgh Social History Group’s ‘Never Give Up’ project in particular. It’s a tremendous piece of work and it shows us that history is not just about kings and queens – it’s about ordinary working people too. Ian and the group have made sure that Drylaw and Greater Pilton’s history has been well recorded”.
Ian told the meeting that he first became interested in history from a very early age. “I was born in Tanner’s Close in West Port, where Burke and Hare lived – but not at the same time we lived there, of course! It still had an air of history about it and maybe that’s where my interest in the subject comes from.”
He went on: “I’ve been interested in history – particularly social history – ever since; unfairness and deprivation has always been a theme running through it. There is progress in society but it’s still not fairly balanced, yet. The rich still get richer and the poor get poorer, but I think change is coming. I believe if we all work together, talk to and with each other, and our politicians – then our community centres and communities like ours could develop into launch pads for broader and wider community action”.
North Edinburgh Social History Group member Brian Robertson said: “Ian’s local knowledge is absolutely incredible and he brought a lot of laughs to the group too, he was great to work with. Ian’s a great bloke and we’re delighted he’s received this award”.
Jackie Brown, Drylaw Telford Community Council treasurer, who has also known Ian for many years, agrees. “Ian is one of the friendliest, kindest and most helpful people you could meet. I think the community council definitely made the right choice”.
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A well deserved award for a real community man. You deserve it Ian.