Award delight for city heroes

SOUTH-WEST Glasgow's most inspirational individuals gathered last night to be praised for their work improving the city.

Hundreds gathered for the tenth, and final, Evening Times awards ceremony before the glittering grand finale set to take place in October.

Last, but definitely not least, the stars of Pollok, Newlands, Cathcart, Pollokshaws, Mansewood, Priesthill, Housewoodhill, Arden, Carnwadric, Nitshill and Darnley shone.

Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart joined Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay.

Councillor Alex Glass, of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, also turned out to help hail the champions of Greater Pollok in Pollok Community Centre.

First up were the nominees for the Public Service Team Award, presented by Councillor Stewart and scooped by the WIN Project.

Short for What I Need in Life, the WIN Project helps people with mental health problems develop personal programmes to encourage learning, training and employment.

Staffed by people who have also battled mental health issues, the service has improved the lives of more than 100 people a year since it began in 2007.

Nicky Donald, service co-ordinator, said the group were thrilled to have won.

She said: "We're dead excited to be here. It's a privilege to be here and to be recognised for our work.

"Our service stands out because everyone involved has had mental health issues so we can use our own experiences to help others."

The provost praised WIN for helping so many members of the Pollok community enjoy a brighter future.

Next, Councillor Glass, representing Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, presented the award for Public Service Individual Award.

Stevie Grant, a Land and Environmental Services community action team worker, took the gong for his years of work in the area.

Mr Glass applauded Stevie's work going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure as many people as possible have access to Glasgow's "dear green places".

Stevie, who has worked for the council for 31 years, said: "I was surprised and delighted to be nominated.

"I have an excellent team behind me who make all the difference to my work."

Mr Hamilton announced the shortlist for the Team Award before handing the winning trophy to Pollok Credit Union.

The 15-year-old, 9000-member strong union was hailed for being a credit to the area.

Mr Hamilton said: "In today's difficult financial climate, the credit union has faced an increase in demand for its services and the team has risen to the task admirably. Pollok Credit Union is truly a credit to the people of Pollok."

June Wyper, Jean Connelly and Betty Robinson turned out to collect the award, which they said they were over the moon to win.

The Individual Award, presented by Mr Ramsay, went to 81-year-old Nancy Cooper for her stellar work in the Pollok community.

Nancy has been a community activist in the area for more than 30 years and continues to run a disabled person's lunch club in Nitshill - despite having cancer.

Mr Ramsay said: "Nancy is willing to get involved with any project that needs her assistance and she fosters good community relations by encouraging other people to volunteer.

"Nancy's dedication has improved the lives so many others."

But modest Nancy said she doesn't need awards to keep her working for the local people.

She added: "I was shocked to be nominated and, although I'm very pleased, I don't like a lot of fuss.

"I do what I do because it's important to make a stand for your community. I don't do as much as I used to, now."

Mum-of-five Donna Foote took the Neighbour Award for her remarkable work in Pollok running a local youth club, a recycling group and finds time to edit the Pollok Post.

Handing over the award, Herald & Times editor-in-chief Donald Martin said: "Donna is a remarkable woman who is well-known in and around the Priesthill area.

"As well as being a mum of five, Donna is continually pressing for local resources and actively trying to secure activities for local youths.

"She is directly involved in a wide range of initiatives and is described by many as a woman who can make things happen.

"Whether it is a clean-up project or securing funds for a youth cafe, Donna is always at the forefront."

The very last gong of our local heats was announced by Mr Martin, with help from Mr Ramsay, who praised the under-18s in the running for the Young Community Award.

Winners St Paul's RC High School's community volunteers campaign on road safety, organise Christmas parties for OAPs and help out in nursery schools.

Their tireless work throughout Pollok set them apart and secured them the final award of the night. Donna Foote was congratulated by Donald Martin and George Hamilton on her Neighbour Award win The WIN Project with Depute Lord Provost Allan Stewart after celebrating their own win; Nicky Donald, Odele Anderson, Christine Frize, Edward Thomson, Allan Mackie and Tony Gover Pollok Credit Union's Betty Robinson, Jean Connolly and June Wyper showed their delight after they received the Team Award from George Hamilton Stevie Grant receives the Public Service Individual Award from Councillor Alex Glass