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Royal Tribute to Maybole |
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MADE BY THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RECEIVING THE FREEDOM OF EDINBURGH IN THE USHER HALL ON 1st MARCH, 1949 "There are in this world hundreds of things which are right but which cannot be legislated for— things which will never be done unless someone is prepared to do them for no reward except possibly a clear conscience. Once upon a time it was a relatively easy matter to clear one's conscience by contributing money to various charities and organisations which set out to do the right thing. This method as you all know is not so easy now, and yet there is just as much to do. It will be fatal for us if we ever come to think that merely by passing laws we can get out of our responsibilities towards our fellow men. I have come across two examples of what can he done. There is the case of Ladywell playing field at Maybole in Ayrshire, which was laid out, leveled and turfed almost entirely by voluntary labour, and then, not content, they built themselves a grandstand and changing rooms. In the case of Sighthill, here in Edinburgh, the residents got together and made themselves a bowling green. To achieve this, the craftsmen gave their services and others helped with their hands. In both these cases unselfish service was freely given, and I refuse to believe that the glow in the hearts of those who took part is not the brighter for what they have done." |
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