IT was a night of celebration as unsung heroes from Greater Govan took centre stage at the Glasgow Community Champion Awards.
IT was a night of celebration as unsung heroes from Greater Govan took centre stage at the Glasgow Community Champion Awards.
Dedicated individuals and groups who have worked tirelessly for their community were honoured in the fifth event in our awards series at the Pearce Institute in Govan.
Herald and Times group content editor Tony Carlin welcomed guests Bailie Gordon Matheson, of Glasgow City Council, Councillor John Flanagan, convener of Govan and Craigton local community planning partnership, Brian Sweeney, Chief Officer of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Steve House, Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police to the glittering celebrations.
Mr Carlin said: "These awards are about the local people and local communities that help make this city great."
Connal Cochrane, Rangers charity boss Connal was the first winner, receiving the Individual Award.
The manager of the Rangers Charity Foundation climbed 100 Munros last year to raise £8000 in memory of his late mum, Phyllis, who died four years ago after suffering cancer.
Connal also set up a grassroots Community Grants scheme to allocate funds in the local area and last year 15 groups benefited with funds totalling £28,000.
Mr House, who presented the award, described Connal as a "remarkable" man who made a huge impact on the Govan area.
He added: "Connal is a real asset to the people of Govan."
Connal said: "To win this award is a great boost for what we do and will help spread the word. Seeing the difference our projects make to young people's lives makes it all worthwhile."
The team award went to Ibrox charity the GalGael Trust which was founded in 1997 by the late Colin McLeod. It teaches craft and shipbuilding skills to long-term unemployed, homeless and adults with addiction problems.
GalGael is based in Fairlie Street and it leads around 50 trainees a year through a 12-week training course affiliated with Cardonald College.
Mr Matheson, who presented the award, said: "GalGael Trust is truly unique and has changed the lives of so many."
The trust's Tam McGarvey said: "It is a real privilege even just to be here. This is wonderful for the whole GalGael community and its volunteers."
The winner of our Neighbour Award went to went to a woman who even last night was thinking of others rather than herself.
Wilma Monaghan's dedication to caring in Glasgow meant she missed the ceremony.
The 53-year-old, from Drumoyne, was travelling back from a Coalition Of Carers In Scotland event in New Lanark.
She helped set up the Glasgow South West Carers Centre in 2002. Wilma is a carer to daughter Gillian, 30, who has severe learning disabilities.
Mr Sweeney described Wilma as "an inspiration".
Fellow-carer Nan Craig, who accepted the award on her behalf, said: "Wilma would be delighted but would probably say it is not just for her but for all carers."
Gary Maguire won the Public Service Individual Award, and dedicated the award to his proud mum Margaret.
Gary has built a career improving the lives of young people in the Govan and Craigton areas.
A team manager of the 20-strong Youth Services Team based at Ardlaw Street, he helps deliver services to 2000 people, aged 8-18, through Culture and Sport Glasgow.
He has organised exchange trips for youngsters to the Bronx in New York, and has helped establish Stars of the South, a youth performance programme.
"This award is not just about me, it's for the whole team," he said.
Hundreds of young people have been helped by the Govan Youth Information Project who won the Public Service Team Award.
It aims to boost education and provide relief from poverty for those aged five to 15 in the G51 postcode. It provides youth clubs, school holidays programmes, surgeries and outreach work and drop in centres.
Gina Campbell, assistant manager, said: "To be nominated was wonderful and to win is amazing."
Ibrox Primary's Enterprising Badgers were awarded the Young Community Award.
Seven primary 7 pupils meet every Tuesday to organise activities such as fundraising for Cash For Kids, organising the Christmas Fayre, making jewellery to sell at Parents' Night and to encourage recycling activities.
Head teacher Cheryl McFadyen said: "The kids are over the moon. They just do it to make a difference."
The evening was rounded off by Denny Oliver and Ian Watson, from Sunny Govan community radio station, who performed their song, Unity In The Community.
 Rosie Community Awards at Pearce Institute, Cllr Gordon Matheson presents the Team award to the Galgael Trust, Rosie McHarg (red top) receives the award, pictured LtoR. Issy Drummond, Councillor Matheson, Tam McGarvey, Rosie McHarg, Robin Hart and Gehan MacLeod |  Gary Maguire |  Enterprising Badgers |  Connal Cochrane was honoured for the huge impact he has made on the Govan area |  Nan Craig collected the Neighbour Award on behalf of her friend Wilma Monaghan from Brian Sweeney, left, and Tony Carlin |
ALL THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP
TEAM AWARD
The GalGael Trust (winner)
Glasgow South West Carers Centre
Govan Youth ProgrammeINDIVIDUAL AWARD
Connal Cochrane (winner)
Tommy Stewart
Alexander HardiePUBLIC SERVICE INDIVIDUAL AWARD
Gary Maguire (winner)
Doctor Kenneth O'Neill
Mary StrangPUBLIC SERVICE TEAM AWARD
Govan Youth Information Project (winner)
Money Matters Money Advice Centre
Cardonald Library and Learning TeamNEIGHBOUR AWARD
Wilma Monaghan (winner)
Lewis Davidson
Raymond GoodallYOUNG COMMUNITY AWARD
Enterprising Badgers (winner)
Taylor Murphy
James Donnelly
- Our dedicated community websites covering the South West area are:
cardonald.eveningtimes.co.uk
drumoyne.eveningtimes.co.uk
govan.eveningtimes.co.uk
ibrox.eveningtimes.co.uk
