In December 2023, we learned of the passing of one of our most cherished volunteers, Janette Smith. Janette volunteered in our Charity Shop at Crown Street in Ayr for many years.

When she started volunteering at our shop, it was obvious from an early time that her comportment, her command of handling customer relations positively and her ability to address any issues and queries in her firm but always fair style, were just a few of her aptitudes and it was no surprise that she soon became one of our Day Supervisors. Janette lead and organised her ‘team’ right up until she stepped down just a couple of years ago.

Janette always seemed proud of the fact she was Supervisor for both the Thursday & Saturday shift. She loved the social aspects of Volunteering, meeting and dealing with a wide variety of people who visited, donated and bought items from the shop.

When Age Concern Ayr were honoured by Age Scotland as one of the longest serving charities in Scotland at an award ceremony at the Scottish Parliament, it was Janette who was the obvious choice to go and collect the award.

In an earlier event, in 2013, Janette was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging her dedication to Age Concern Ayr – see below.

Our sincerest condolences go to Janette’s family and they have indicated it was Janette’s wish that any condolence contribution or donation if offered, should remain local and in particular be directed to Age Concern Ayr.

Should people wish to make a monetary donation, cheques can be made to Age Concern Ayr SCIO
or by BACS, Account no. 20223527, sort code; 82-60-30

Please add to the rear of any cheque, or as a Reference to BACS’s transactions, ‘Janette Smith Tribute’