THE impressive service to the Benarty community by Willie Clarke has been marked by a special plaque at the area's new community centre.

Last Tuesday family and friends of former Lochs councillor, Willie Clarke, gathered at Benarty Centre for the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the many years Willie served the people of the area as their elected representative.

The event was a huge surprise for Willie as he was totally unaware that Benarty Centre Management Committee, Benarty Community Forum and Benarty Community Council had joined forces to commission a plaque in his honour (see photo) and to say he was surprised is a great understatement.

Willie was under the impression he was about to attend a community meeting at Benarty Centre and while the Centre committee chair, Michael O’Hare and Community Education Worker Michael Payne kept him busy in a back office family and friends assembled in the reception area of the Centre.

Then they led Willie, who was still under the impression that he was about to attend a meeting, through to the reception area where he was greeted by cheers and applause from those gathered there.

Michael Payne then welcomed everyone and admitted to Willie that he and Michael O’Hare, had got him to the Centre under false pretences but believed that the ends had justified the means!

Mike also informed those gathered that it was almost four years since he had taken up the post in Benarty Centre and in that time Willie’s help and guidance had been invaluable and he thanked him for this.

Michael O’Hare spoke about Willie’s contribution to the Benarty community, the many groups he was involved with, the assistance given to whoever needed it and how Willie must have been doing something right as he was always re-elected to serve the area.

Before unveiling the plaque, Willie’s long-time friend, Jackie Allan from Cowdenbeath, gave everyone an insight into their long friendship, their discussions on politics, world matters and football.

In reply Willie said that when he arrived at the Centre he was totally unaware of what was about to happen and that some of those gathered were very good at keeping secrets. He added that he was honoured and very humbled that people felt he deserved such an honour.

Lorna Bett, from Benarty Community Forum, then presented Willie’s wife Betty with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation of all the work she has done over the years in assisting Willie with councillor duties.

Stephen Nardone from Benarty Community Council proposed a vote of thanks mentioning in particular the fantastic work done by Garry McKean in framing and mounting the plaque.

Also the organisations that funded the plaque, family and friends of Willie for joining in with the celebration and invited everyone to stay a little longer and have a refreshment and a chat which they all enjoyed.