The red carpet was rolled out for the third annual Blantyre Oscars last Saturday evening – when a host of deserving community champions were announced to a sell-out crowd.
Organised by Blantyre author and historian Paul Veverka, the event at Carrigan’s in Blantyre was another resounding success.
This year 6821 people took part in the online voting, with one winner being named across five categories, that had three nominations each.
Paul said: “Well done to all our fantastic winners, which were thoroughly deserved. Each collected a beautiful trophy and certificate. Huge commiserations to all the ten runners-up, who each collected a certificate and medal.
“Sincere thanks also go to Carrigan’s, all of our event sponsors and supporters, to everyone who donated prizes, and to everyone in attendance on the night for helping to make the third Blantyre Oscars a huge success.
“We managed to raise a truly amazing amount of money, £1358 in fact, smashing the target of £1000 for the Blantyre Summer Gala Day, with £358 to be donated to the Beatson. This includes kind donations received from online readers whilst the event was on.
“This was a remarkable achievement made possible by the generosity of the community as a whole. Blantyre Community Committee were given their £1000 this morning and a cheque is ready to be sent off to the Beatson.”
Guests on the evening were also surprised with some fabulous celebrity messages for the winners in each category – including Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson); as well as John Challis (Boycie from Only Fools and Horses); former Superman actor Dean Cain, ex-model Linda Lusardi, Christopher Biggins, Tim Oliver, pop sensation Chesney Hawkes and Eastenders’ Barry (Shaun Williamson).
The winners, chosen by the public, were as follows:
Lifetime Achievement - Bobby McKean, who picked up the first of the night’s Golden Oscars for his long-term devotion to work in the Blantyre community.
Music and Entertainment - Tyre Walk n Rollers are a band well-known for their charity work.
Inspirational Individual - Cath McInally for being a pillar of the community and having a heart of gold.
Heroism and Kindness - Taylor Kennedy and Denby McLaren were recognised for their charity work in helping others, including the homeless in central Scotland.
Environmental Pride - Archie Arbuckle for his work in tidying up the town and cleaning gravestones.
And the night belonged to Taylor Kennedy and Denby McLaren, who were crowned the overall winners.
