Big John calls it a day at awards bash

Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency (GSWRA) celebrated the festive season with their annual awards ceremony at House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park.
A fun affair – yet tinged with sadness due to the retirement of father-figure John McLaughlin – celebrated some of the great achievers in Govan and the south west of Glasgow.
John McLaughlin MBE was up till recently a Board member and previously a Chairman of GSWRA.
He was a pioneer not only for GSWRA but its forerunner, the Govan Initiative.
A couple of John’s friends (aka The Govan Chairman due to his wooden crafting of miniature chairs) including Scottish Boxing King Tommy Gilmour were unable to attend but paid plaudits on a pre-recorded DVD that was beamed into the dinning hall.
Gilmour spoke of how it was a privilege and a pleasure to know John and said: ‘When the ship building went he was the man that kept the faith and the pride in Govan.
‘John might have an MBE but I think that a knighthood or sainthood would be more appropriate.’
On collecting his award John kept things brief, saying only: ‘It’s been great being with you all, thank you.’
Alison Sinclair, Chief Executive of GSWRA and host at the event hailed Big John’s effort in helping schools, businesses and communities, before going on to the awards ceremony.
The winners of the Business Excellence Awards included;
Partnership Working Award – Reed in Partnership
Supporting Local Businesses Working – Glasgow South Business Club
Commitment to Partnership Working – Cardonald College
Significant Person Achievement – Angela Williams
There were also fifteen year service awards handed out to Mary Teresa Smith, John Currie and Mae Campbell.