Ms Cumming, of the Rocking Horse Nursery at the University of Aberdeen, was presented with an MBE by PrinceCharles at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace. She was nominated for the award by nursery parents in recognition of her services to the nursery and particularly the support she has given parents during her 13 years at Rocking Horse.
Ms Cumming, who plans to retire at Christmas, has been involved in childcare for 40 years. She started work at Rocking Horse when it opened in 1989. In her time more than 400 children from a wide range of countries and cultures have attended the nursery. At one point, there were children from 19 different countries.
Ms Cumming said, 'I am absolutely delighted, but humbled, by the honour and privilege of receiving the MBE.
'I accepted the award not for myself but on behalf of the staff, parents and external support at the Rocking Horse Nursery and particularly for the children. It was wonderful to visit London and go to the palace. Prince Charles asked about the nursery and he said childcarers provided a wonderful service but that it must be hard work.
'I think receiving the MBE is a real boost not just for me but for all nursery nurses, because it is recognition for the work we do.'
Wendy Cruickshank of the nursery's Parents Plus Group praised Ms Cumming's dedication. She said, 'Wilma is often to be found working either in the kitchen when the regular cook is off, or in the nursery garden, which she worked so hard to develop in the first place.
'If it wasn't for her perseverance and vision the garden project would never have succeeded. Now the children have a wonderful garden in which to play and learn. We shall all miss her very much.'
