Fond farewell as action group’s Annie bows out

THE chairwoman of a popular local charity that provides many services for older people recently stood down.

Annie Millar was given an affectionate send-off from Cumbernauld Action Care for the Elderly (CACE), first with a ceremony at Cornerstone House where the charity is based.

This was followed by a party with many of the people she had worked with over more than 20 years.

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Annie joined CACE as a development worker when it was just setting up, with its initial base in the Alpha Project. Annie recruited the first volunteers and expanded the services on offer, from an advice service to providing food, transport and activities for a few hours, offering fun and companionship for older people while giving carers a break.

With experience and tenacity came increased funding and CACE was able to expand again, delivering services for people in sheltered housing. The geographic scope of CACE also grew to include Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Croy and Twechar, while the services diversified to include regular tea dances and other social events.

Said Annie in her farewell speech: “We are all tremendously proud of what we have achieved and I would like to thank all I have worked with and connected with over the years.

“CACE is in a good place, it is now the second largest older people’s organisation in Scotland providing quality services with an excellent reputation .

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“It has a strong board, committed staff and volunteers well supported by the local community.

With further developments planned including an Intergenerational Arts Project, this lively and ambitious organisation will continue its mission serving older people and their carers. It will I’m sure thrive in the coming years.“

Labour election candidate Cathie Craigie was among those to pay tribute to Annie, having worked closely with her in her time as a councillor and later MSP. Cathie said: “I have known Annie Millar for years and the contribution she has made to the elderly population in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth area is immense.

“CACE show a remarkably high standard of care and attention to the elderly and vulnerable in our community, and the volunteers and staff working under the excellent leadership of Annie deserve so much credit.

“I hope she enjoys her retirement. ”

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