TRIBUTES have been paid to the chairwoman of the Renfrew Community Council who is retiring after more than 30 years of service.

Effie McGachie has served on the organisation for 36 years, but the 87-year-old has decided to call time on her impressive spell as the leading lady of Renfrew and will formally step down at the end of this month.

She told the Gazette:”I’ve been there for over 30 years and given a good deal of my life and I just felt it was time to step down.

“I never did any of it for recognition, I am just so fond of Renfrew and did everything for the benefit of the town.”

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North,submitted a motion to the UK Parliament to recognise her commitment to the town.

Mr Newlands said: “She really is Mrs Renfrew. Effie worked in the town as an auxiliary at Newmains Primary School and there-

after as a career adviser in the town, helping many people secure employment or chart out a career path.

“She has worked tirelessly for the town of Renfrew and if anyone deserves to have a happy retirement, it’s Effie.”

His words were matched by Councillor John Shaw, who thanked her for everything she has done for the town and wished her all the best in her retirement.

Effie, who was born in Wales, moved to Renfrew when she 17 when her

Scottish father returned home to help construct the Braehead power station.

Despite initially wanting to train to be a teacher, she eventually joined the Inland Revenue, before leaving for the birth of her son, Iain, and later daughter, Jill.

Her husband and “soulmate”, Jim, died in 2000, but that didn’t stop Effie from serving Renfrew for another 18 years

Now she can look forward to a happy retirement, where she will spend her time continuing to work as the treasurer of the town’s over-50s swimming club. “It was hard going,” Effie added, “and we always had to fight to make any sort of progress.

“After I announced my decision, the secretary of the community council came and asked me if I would consider staying on, but I have made up my mind.

“But I was so surprised by all of the kind words and nice messages. I didn’t know I had made such a difference.”