New Year Honour for Andrew

Area Housing Manager Andrew Gordon is one of six people in the county to be recognised on the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Andrew will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for “Services to Longniddry Villa Football Club and the Community”.

Originally from Port Seton, Andrew has lived in Longniddry for 24 years and has previously been involved in the Community Council and Bowling Club Committee, as well as helping with the After School Club. His involvement with Longniddry Villa started when his son took up football with the club 16 years ago. Although Chris no longer plays with them, Andrew has continued as a coach and has also served as Chairman for the last 10 years serving a spell as secretary too. Alongside twice-weekly training sessions and a weekend game, Andrew is also responsible for the smooth-running of the club and its administration. Longniddry Villa provides football activities from pre-school to under 19s, with six teams at 11-a-side level.

Andrew admits that he was surprised to be considered for the honour and at first he mistook the official envelope as a call for jury service! “It was nice to think that someone thought you were worth considering for an award. There is a real sense of pride especially for my wife, Pauline, and my family as they know what goes into it,” he says.

Andrew joined the council’s Community Housing Service Development team in 2004, coming from Communities Scotland. He is now based in John Muir House managing the Haddington Area Housing team following years in Musselburgh. The role can be challenging but Andrew admits that his interest in helping people drives him in his professional and volunteering life. “I’ve always had a strong interest in helping people and find it’s a very satisfying part of my work,” says Andrew. “It’s also a real joy with the club: trying to encourage kids to keep fit and the benefits you get from sport and being part of a team. When I was young there was someone who ran the youth club, someone else that ran the football club. I just see that it’s my turn to give back.”