Michael O'Donnell, who has given continuous service to Dunbar in many ways for more than 60 years, is to receive the Community Council Cup which is awarded annually to a local stalwart.
He moved to the town in 1939 and enlisted in the army at the outbreak of war, serving with the Royal Armoured Corps, being transferred to GHQ, Middle East in Cairo, then posted to the new formed British Military Administration which was formed to gov
ern the Italian lands captured by the allies' advancing forces.
His posting was Eritrea in East Africa as revenue and state lands officer.
On leaving the army in 1947, Mr O'Donnell, now aged 90, entered retail management with Allied Suppliers and managed the Dunbar branch until retirement in 1982.
His service includes: an elder at Dunbar Parish Church; past president, treasurer, conference chairman and Paul Harris Fellowship Holder with Dunbar Rotary Club; chairman of the management committee of the Church of Scotland Eventide Home; Group Scout Leader and District Commissioner South with the Scout Association; Dunbar Trades Association acting as secretary and was involved in moves to rescue the former outdoor swimming pool; Joint Publicity Committee of which he was chairman, helping to organise the Dunbar annual Golf Week and Vintage Car Rally production of a film promoting Dunbar with support from sponsors; Winterfield Golf and Sports Club where he was secretary/treasurer and club manager; treasurer of the management committee of Dunbar Day Centre; and secretary/treasurer of Dunbar Probus Club.
