28/8/2009Everyone's a winner!
TWO HUNDRED people last night applauded the magnificent efforts of Glasgow's East End heroes.
The sixth event of the Evening Times Community Champion Awards honoured groups and individuals who strive to make a difference in their communities.
Last night's event at St Andrew's in the Square was the largest in our city-wide initiative, with almost 150 entries vying for the six awards.
The restored old church in the Merchant City was packed as local people turned out to honour those working to improve Dennistoun, Haghill, Carntyne, Riddrie, Cranhill, Parkhead, Dalmarnock, Calton and Bridgeton.
After weeks of deliberation, our judges had whittled the record number of entries down to 18 finalists.
And last night each of them received the recognition they deserve.
VIP guest city councillor Frank Docherty caught the mood of the evening when he said: "There were only six winners' trophies - but every name announced over the tannoy was a winner."
The audience nodded in agreement as Donald Martin, editor-in-chief of the Herald & Times Group, said: "The motto of the Evening Times is Nobody Knows Glasgow Better.
"And we know that what makes Glasgow special is its population and, more specifically, the unsung heroes like those we have met tonight.
"Their unstinting and selfless efforts make their own communities better places to live, and it's a privilege to have had the opportunity to meet them and thank them for all their hard work."
Mr Martin welcomed VIP guests including Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart, Strathclyde Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor and Brian Sweeney, head of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.
The first honour of the night, the Public Service Team Award, went to Project Fire Reach, at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.
The Deputy Lord Provost praised the project for its efforts in cutting attacks on fire crews, slashing hydrant vandalism - and making training fun.
Watch Commander Mark Meehan said: "Fire Reach is great because it gives us the chance to engage with young people and opens their eyes to the reality of the fire service in the East End."
Councillor Docherty, executive member for community planning, presented the Public Service Individual Award to Superintendent David Marsh, of Strathclyde Police, for his work targeting gang fighting and violent crime.
Mr Marsh, a police officer for 29 years, said he was surprised and delighted to be honoured.
Mr Sweeney presented the Team Award to Cranhill Comm-unity Project and spoke of the vital work being carried out in the East End by the group, offering everything from subsidised holidays to college qualifications.
Ellen McVey, of Cranhill Community Project, said: "We're one of those groups where everyone from the local community gets involved, and every idea is given a chance.
"But what is more important is that it brings all the community together. We have so many different ethnic groups but the English language group brings everyone together."
A thrilled Kenny Faulds received the Individual Award from Strathclyde Assistant Chief Constable Fiona Taylor.
The 20-year-old medical student was honoured for his tireless community work in nearly a dozen local groups in the Dalmarnock area A shocked Rev Adah Younger took the Neighbour Award to whoops and cheers from the audience. The retired minister - and local treasure - was praised by Mr Martin for the Street Works project, which has turned dozens of youngsters away from crime.
Rev Younger said: "There are far more deserving winners than me. I was surprised to be shortlisted as there are dozens of East End groups doing wonderful work for the community."
The final award, the Young Community Award, went to youth worker Alan Kennedy for his role in projects such as For All Bridgeton.
The 17-year-old has been part of local youth groups since the age of nine and, among many of his efforts, has travelled to London to give talks about knife crime.
Mr Martin praised Alan for pushing the other young people he works with to make the very best of themselves.
Alan said: "I've always been involved in the community groups - it's what I enjoy doing."
The event was the sixth of 10 award ceremonies across the city, and the 60 local winners will be invited to a special gala ceremony in September 2009, when Glasgow's overall Community Champions will be crowned.
Our next awards will focus on the city centre and the west.
Nominations begin next week. To keep up-to-date with the awards and the latest news in your community, log on to www.eveningtimes.co.uk