AS Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Alex Ferguson or even Rab C Nesbitt will testify, Govan is an area that punches above its weight in producing illustrious figures.

Community Champs cheer their success

AS Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Alex Ferguson or even Rab C Nesbitt will testify, Govan is an area that punches above its weight in producing illustrious figures.

True to tradition, its neighbourhood heroes proved themselves just as remarkable as around 200 people turned out last night to honour the shining stars of the South West.

The fifth event in the Glasgow Community Champion Awards became the most interactive and warm-spirited to date.

Even 15 minutes before its official starting time, the halls of the A-listed Pearce Institute on Govan Road were filled with community activists and residents there to toast their local champions.

The buoyant atmosphere was no surprise to Dorothy Courtney, chairperson of the Govan Fair, which will mark its 253rd anniversary this year.

"It's really nice to know that there are so many people who are eligible for awards - there is a lot of talent and a lot of hard-working people here," said hairdresser Dorothy.

It was a night of firsts for the Community Awards. It was the first time feet-stomping preceded the announce- ment of winners; the first event to be broadcast on radio - on Sunny Govan, a local community station; and the first time Strathclyde Fire & Rescue chief Brian Sweeney was heckled on stage.

The culprit? Neighbour nominee Lewis Davidson's granddaughter squealing for a photograph of her "papa" beamed onto the big screen.

Another young guest was Taylor Murphy who, like all the shortlisted nominees, received a certificate for making the final cut of the Young Community Champion category.

The 10-year-old pupil of Thornliebank Primary School broadcasts a weekly children's programme on Sunny Govan. The Elderpark youngster said: "I feel really proud and happy and excited. It feels good to make Govan a good place to live."

Ibrox Primary was up for two awards - the P7 "Enterprising Badgers" collected the Young Community Award, while long-serving lollipop lady Mary Strang was nominated in the Public Service Individual category.

The grandmother-of-five, who recently fought back to health after suffering from cancer, said: "I know all the kids - and I even put some of their parents across the road as well!

"I'm flabbergasted - I don't know what I've done to deserve this because I enjoy my job and I love talking to the parents and the kids."

Geraldine Cotter brought along a nine-strong team to represent Money Matters: Money Advice Centre, nominated in the Public Service Team category.

Geraldine, who set up the free financial advice charity 19 years ago, said: "We're really proud and pleased even to get through as finalists.

"With the credit crunch just now, we're extremely busy with people losing their jobs and needing advice on benefits and debt."


Community Champion finalist Lewis Davidson with grandchildren, Emma, 2, left, and Brooke, 1
Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Steve House with Boys' Brigade leader Alexander Hardie
Money Matters Money Advice Centre staff Grace Jopp, Lisa Donald and Susanne Quinn
The crowd cheer on Gary MacGuire as he wins the Public Service Individual award

The event attracted a number of groups and individuals whose efforts were included in a field of more than 60 nominations.

Elaine McCrindle, of the Hill's Trust Home School Community Project, said: "I stay in Govan and I didn't even know that half of these organisations existed. They're pointing people in the right direction."

Guests browsed stalls set up by the awards partners and Evening Times community news editor Helen Smith demonstrated our dedicated community websites.

Production manager turned caretaker Jim McConkey, 71, from Cardonald, was there to speak with Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and council representatives about the devices he invents for the elderly and vulnerable, including an accessible smoke detector.

Jim, who won a regional John Logie Bard invention award for his self-extinguishing chip pan in 2002, said: "It's a great privilege to be here. We're all addressing different problems and what I'm trying to do saves people's lives."

The evening was brought to a musical end by Ian Watson and Denny Oliver, who performed Unity In The Community, a track written at a Sunny Govan songwriting class.

The event was a chance for a catch-up for LUV cafe worker Claire Maxfield and environmental activist Sarah Findlay, of Starter Packs Glasgow household reuse charity.

Linthouse mum-of-two Sarah said: "Govan seems to be developing a reputation for being the green quarter of the city - that's challenging perceptions of the area.

"There are lots of very strong people here and that tradition of social justice and community spirit is very vibrant."