AT the home of some of the city’s greatest thinkers,  Glasgow’s brightest stars gathered to celebrate their inspirational achievements.

Standing in the historic Glasgow University Union, where the feet of hundreds of academics have trod on their way to changing the world with their ideas and inventions, the people who have made the most difference to communities in the west and central areas of the city cheered.

The noise of their feet stamping in anticipation, as each of the finalists of the Glasgow Community Champion Awards was announced, echoed round the high ceiling of the Debating Chamber.

In the Team Award category – 3D Drumchapel, who support vulnerable children and families, and The Heart of Scotstoun,  a community hub which hosts a variety of activities including fitness classes and a youth group, celebrated as they received their certificates.

Sharon Colvin, 34, project manager at 3D Drumchapel, said the group was delighted to be nominated.

She said: "I think it  is a good way of showing work that’s happening  and for people to get a chance to have their work recognised."

Cheers and clapping welcomed community activists Jackie Carlin and Jean Glen in the Individual Award category.

Jackie, 59, who is member of the local residents association, the Pacific Garden Group, where she was instrumental in the group winning a Clean Glasgow Award, and a neighbourhood improvement volunteer, said she was "ecstatic to be nominated".

As convenor of the Wednesday Club, 92-year-old Jean has been serving the community of Knightswood for many years, she recently retired from the role but is still deeply committed to her community.

Jean, from Knightswood, said: "I think the awards are very important so that people who are doing good work get recognised."

Willis Pharmacy, owned by 'Keith the Chemist', provides advice, support and services to local residents.

The pharmacy was nominated in the Public Service Award category alongside the University  of Strathclyde Law Clinic who have been providing justice for those in the community who cannot afford a lawyer for the past nine years.

Fiona McKenzie, 37, and Shirley Rafferty, 45, work as dispensary assistants at Willis Pharmacy.

Fiona said: "We are pleased that we were nominated for this because we do work hard to please the public."

Hannah Cosgrove, 24,  is student director of the law clinic.

She said: "It is good to recognise voluntary organisations and people who give back to the community."

Chairman of Sports Award finalists Drumchapel Table Tennis Club, Terry McLernon, 53, said he was pleased to be recognised and to be  able to bring three of his young players to the awards ceremony.

Kelly McCartney, 25, a dance worker at fellow finalists Indepen-dance, which provides dance activities for people with learning disabilities, said: "I think it is fantastic to see what work and organisations are out there and to see if anyone would like to come to our class."

Senior Award nominee Greta Riddell has been campaigning for the safety of local people since seven children were knocked down in Great Western Road in 1969 due to poor traffic regulations.

The 77-year-old is a founder member of Glasgow West Crime Prevention Panel & Neighbourhood Watch Association which campaigns regularly for local improvements by working closely with police and city councillors in bringing about changes.

Greta, who is also a community councillor, chairwoman of Keal Residents Associations and member of Great Western Tenants Partnership, said she felt 'humbled' to be nominated.

She said: "I think the awards are excellent and  I had a lovely evening."

The two finalists in the Health and Wellbeing Award were Addaction Over 50s, who helped over 50s who have alcohol problems, and the West End Activity and Diversionary Project which offers free football and dance activities for young people in the West End.

Middlefield School, which is a specialist school for children with autism, and The Health Committee and St Clare’s Primary, were finalists in the Young Award category.

Pupils at Middlefield have taken ownership  of the school’s cafe and developed business skills to run the project.

The Health Committee surveyed children in the school community about their exercise habits and used money from fundraising to purchase toys and equipment for the school playground. 

They also trained playground activators to encourage pupils to be active at lunch and break time.

Louise Kerr, depute head at St Clare’s, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be nominated and I think  the children are really excited."

All the winners and finalists were treated  to two international  songs, sung acapella by Partick-based group Voicebeat.

The room buzzed as the people tapped their feet to the beat of their voices and there was an almighty applause at the end of the night for all the people who work to keep the west and central areas of the city safe and enjoyable places to live.

matty.sutton@eveningtimes.co.uk