'People person' Elma stands down after 30 years with Ross voluntary group
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A WOMAN who has devoted 30 years to working with a Ross-shire voluntary group is set for a well-earned retirement with the fond good wishes of colleagues and friends.
Elma Blackall, who worked as office manager at Ross-shire Voluntary Action (RVA) for the last three decades, says she plans to “take it easy” in her retirement - although that will include cycle rides with husband Dave.
Elma, who is originally from Cullen, describes herself as a “people person”.
She told the Ross-shire Journal: “I worked with the TSB in Buckie before I moved to the area. I thought I might get a similar job here but when this one came up I applied, and I’ve been here ever since. I’m a people person, I just like mixing with people.”
Elma has seen a few chief executive officers come and go in her time with the organisation. The business has moved a couple of times since she started in 1986 from its base in Castle Street to Mayfield then to its present location at Bridgend Business Park.
The RVA exists to support third sector and voluntary groups in Ross-shire and, says Elma, she has made lots of friends over the years with those who have used the service.
“I’ve seen lots of people come and go over the years,” she said.
“The late Sandy Glass, the former Dingwall Academy rector, was a regular customer of ours and a good friend. He would come in most days. We had lots of contact – we are always very busy.”
Elma and husband Dave, who is already retired, have two sons, Steven and Andy, who both live nearby in Inverness. They both plan to take up their favourite hobby of cycling as soon as the weather improves.
She said: “When the better weather comes we intend to go cycling and walking together, although I haven’t sampled the Black Isle roads yet as we only moved to North Kessock last year.
“But I have nothing else planned as yet. People keep saying ‘are you going on holiday?’ But I just intend to take it easy for the first couple of weeks anyway.”
Val Cameron, CEO at the RVA said: “Elma has worked tirelessly, and indeed has been the backbone of Ross-Shire Voluntary Action, over the past 30 years and always with a smile!
"Everyone who has had the privilege of meeting her, knows that she is a wonderful warm and caring lady with a heart of gold whose welcoming smile brightened every morning.
"We are all going to miss her more than we could ever say but we do wish her a long and happy retirement.”
