Helensburgh hall-keeper retires

Published 8 Apr 2010 12:15

SIXTY friends and colleagues came together to send off Victoria Hall hall-keeper John Niven on a long and happy retirement.

Representatives from groups such as the community council, Dorian Choir, art club, Lomond and Clyde Tourist Association and the Savoy, to name but a few, were in attendance at the bash, hosted by Friends of the Victoria Hall.

A buffet lunch, kindly donated by Michael and Anna Curley of the Buffet Shop in Helensburgh, was enjoyed by well-wishers before a presentation to John of a 'Calendar Boy' calendar from Anne Urquhart on behalf of Lomond and Clyde Tourist Association, a painting from Anita McLaren on behalf of the Art Club and an original painting of John's beloved Millport was presented by Neil Macleod.

Nigel Millar from the Community Council and Alison Holliman from Theatre Arts added to John's growing collection of fine bottles of whisky, while Kathleen Murray presented a cheque from the Horticultural Society and reminded John of an "intimate moment" they spent together when trapped in the lift after it had just been installed.

Stuart Latimer expressed warm wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement on behalf of John's council colleagues and Joe Kelly presented gifts from the staff and Vivien Dance rounded off the presentations with gifts from the Friends which included John's own very special tee shirt for wearing on his trips to Millport.

John said how overwhelmed he was by the warmth of his send-off and the very special goodwill wishes he had received in the last few weeks.

He paid tribute to the support of each of his council colleagues, particularly Joe Kelly, a very dear friend, and wished them all the very best for the future.

John is looking forward to having more time for bowls, golf, mastering his computer and of course plenty of time to visit Millport, a place special to him from childhood and is looking forward to continuing his Helensburgh contacts as a Director of Friends of the Victoria Hall.

* John is one of six nominees for Citizen of the Year. See this week's Advertiser for details.

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This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 08 Apr 10

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