By Sally Cassidy

Two of our biggest fans have been rewarded for the prodigious commitment and staunch support for Crimestoppers Scotland.

VIPs on this memorable occasion were Ms Wendy McIllreavy of training specialists Asset and Mr Mark Hamilton of Rock Steady, the worldwide events safety group.

Both were presented with honorary Membership Plaques at a reception hosted by Falkirk Council in Callendar House, an impressive location, in elegant surround-ings; a historic pile set in beautiful verdant parkland on the town's outskirts on 17 October 2006.

The backing of their respective companies had made it possible for us to stage the prestigious Holyrood reception on May 17 2006 when the great and the good gathered to honour Lord Ashcroft, the man who brought Crimestoppers to the UK.

Crimestoppers founder Lord Ashcroft receives his award from HMCIC Andrew Brown at Holyrood on May 17 2006

A warm reception awaited him in the heart of the new Scottish Parliament from host Hugh Henry, MSP, as big names from the world of politics, big business and the judiciary gathered in the impressive Garden Lobby.

The lastest Crimestoppers Scotland’s Associates Reception at Falkirk was a golden opportunity for more than 200 people to learn more about the charity’s work north of the Border

Our guests were mostly from the local business sector who heard how Crimestoppers Scotland operates and how their organisation could work with us.

Sandy Wilkie, Convenor of the Central, Fife, Tayside, L&B Committee welcomed the guests and Stewart McCulloch, Chairman, summarised recent events and thanked Asset and Rock Steady for their generosity.

National Coordinator Inspector

Graeme Ross addressing the

Crimestoppers Scotland

Associates Network Reception

at Callendar House, Falkirk

Newly appointed National Coordinator Inspector Graeme Ross explained how the Call Centre at Pacific Quay, Glasgow deals with the continuously increasing number of calls. He, tantalisingly, declared that the recent ‘Local Drug Dealers Don’t Care’ campaign had been ‘a phenomenal success’ but he was not able to release the results just yet.

And finally, as Projects Organiser for the afore-mentioned committee and Associates Network Developer I informed the guests of the variety of ways they could support Crimestoppers. Ranging from the free option of simply ‘spreading the word’ to funding publicity-led events.

“As a result of this reception we were able to progress several elements of a major new project in Falkirk and have the possibility of various future partnerships. Organisations who wish to find out how they can become involved with Crimestoppers Scotland can call me on: 07748473397.”

The current series of Network receptions will continue to take in some impressive locations. Watch this space.

For a fuller report and more pictures about the stellar night at Holyrood on 17 May 2006, please click here.