Today we launch our search for the people making a difference in the area stretching from Kelvindale and Maryhill to Springburn and Robroyston in the second stage of the Glasgow Community Champion Awards.
The success of the awards, now in their fifth year, relies on readers telling us about their neighbours, relatives, colleagues, coaches, group leaders, public servants and uniformed officers without whom Glasgow would be a poorer place.
The 2013 campaign got off to a great start last month as more than 200 people packed into Bridgeton Community Learning Campus to honour the heroes of the East End.
Now we are looking for nominations for deserving individuals and groups living or working in Maryhill, Lambhill, Milton, Summerston, Ruchill, Possilpark, Kelvindale, Kelvinside, Springburn, Sighthill, Roystonhill, Germiston, Blackhill, Hogganfield, Balornock, Barmulloch, Robroyston and Millerston.
The search area brings together Glasgow North and Maryhill, Kelvin & Canal, which were previously split into two separate award ceremonies.
So don't delay – call or email us for a nomination form to tell us about the people you believe should be recognised for making their community champion.
All nominations must reach us by Friday, March 22.
You might know a coach who runs a local sports club, a mum who organises after-school activities, school pupils waging war on litter, a grandparent tackling housing issues or inequalities, a uniformed officer whose courageous behaviour has saved lives, or a public servant who time and again goes above and beyond the call of duty.
The awards are split into eight categories: Team, Individual, Senior, Young, Health and Wellbeing, Uniform Services, Public Service and Sport.
The last category was introduced last year to honour those who cultivate grassroots sports to reflect the forthcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The entries will be whittled down to a shortlist by a judging panel, made up of representatives from the awards partners, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and your Evening Times.
Everyone will be invited along to an awards ceremony staged in the heart of the north of Glasgow on Thursday, April 18 when another eight glittering trophies will be handed out.
Since the awards were launched in 2008, we have crowned more than 200 community champions drawn from across the city.
To date, we have hosted 31 events around Glasgow and honoured city-wide winners at four grand finals.
At last year's North Glasgow ceremony, more than 250 people descended on Maryhill Burgh Halls, after its £9.2 million refurbishment, to meet the finalists and pay tribute to outgoing Lord Provost and Maryhill lad Bob Winter.
The evening was brought to a close with a high energy medley of streetdance, cheerleading and Highland flings from Dance UK.
We'll be looking to showcase local talent again at this year's event – so please get in touch if you know of an act that would be a fitting finale to the 2013 North awards ceremony.
Previous ceremonies have been held at Maryhill Community Fire Station, Barmulloch Community Centre, Springburn Community Fire Station, and we have twice staged events in Maryhill Community Central Hall.
Winners from the North have included Maryhill Integration Network development officer Remzije Sherifi, a Kosovan refugee and breast cancer survivor; Springburn Alive & Kicking Project day centre for the over-60s; the staff of Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi), around 50% of whom have a physical or learning disability; Depot Arts youth project volunteer Erin Friel; Operation Reclaim, a Strathclyde Police initiative using football to combat anti-social behaviour; Springburn-based telephone befriending service Good Morning Project; Barmulloch dance teacher Linda Kesson, who lost her fight against bowel cancer just a few months after receiving her trophy; and Glasgow Taxis Outing Fund for Sick Children, which for almost 70 years has transported children with special needs to Troon.
Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "The extraordinary work that is carried out by ordinary folk across the city is really amazing and it has been a real privilege to get the opportunity to meet these people and those they help."
After the North area, we will then visit the South East, West & Central, and South West areas before staging a city-wide grand final at the City Chambers in December.
maureen.ellis@ eveningtimes.co.uk
HOW TO NOMINATE
For a nomination form, contact Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407 or email communitychamps@ eveningtimes.co.uk
The awards are open to everyone. All entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form. Previous nominees and winners are eligible to enter.
TEAM AWARD
A local team or group of volunteers who make a difference to their community by improving amenities or raising the quality of life for local residents.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
Someone who gives up their free time to make a significant contribution to other people's lives – they may run a local club, campaign for better services for their area or fundraise for charity.
Public Services Award
This award will reward a public service team or individual who has gone that extra mile and continually demonstrates a 'can do' attitude.
Uniform Services Award
An extraordinary team or individual from the uniformed services. It could be a person you turn to in time of need, or a team responsible for keeping your community safe.
Senior Award
Individuals or teams aged 60 and over who, after many years of hard work, continue to devote much of their time to helping others in the community.
Young Award
For individuals or teams aged 17 and under. Nominees may have made a difference to their community or have inspired others through their achievements.
Health and Wellbeing Award
This award recognises groups, projects or individuals which promote the improvement of health and wellbeing within their communities.
Sports Award
This award category recognises those working at grassroots level to encourage participation in sport and fitness ahead of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
