Janet Bassett has stepped down as chair of Pencaitland Community Council after a lifetime contribution to village life.
Janet was a founder member of the Community Council, first as a member of the original steering group in 1975, then as a member when it was created in 1976. She was later vice-chairman then in the eighties became chairman, a post she has held for more than 20 years.
Janet held a string of local voluntary positions including Superintendent of the Sunday School at the Parish Church for 20 years where she was a church elder; Guider of the lst Pencaitland Brownies from 1964 until 1986, Secretary of the Village Hall Committee as well as the local branch of the WRVS and a member of the Meals on Wheels team. She was a weekend helper at Herdmanflats Hospital canteen. Janet was given the honour of crowning the Village Gala Queen in 1982.
She met her husband George while both were serving with the Army and have lived in the Pencaitland area all their married life. After a spell as a chauffeur, and a Help the Aged area supervisor, Janet took a college course in floristry and made that her final occupation before retiring from paid work.
Her commitment to flowers and floral design can be seen throughout the village with the introduction of new flower beds, attractive use of waste ground, plant tubs and baskets and increased planting of spring bulbs. Janet also championed financial contributions to village societies and organisations.
Fellow councillor Tom Steele said, “I can’t think of anyone who has cared and given more to make the village something special – a really pleasant and attractive place to be. She leaves a wonderful legacy.”
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