A charity concert celebrating the life of a Dumfries weel-kent face “with a heart of gold”, former NHS manager John Glover, has sold out.
The Love & Laughter Concert will be hosted at St George’s Church on Saturday (February 15), ahead of the first anniversary of his death, aged 73.
Friends, family and former colleagues from NHS Dumfries and Galloway will gather for the variety concert to be compered by John’s good friend and fellow entertainer, William Williamson.
Organisers said: “John loved to entertain and to make people laugh, so this variety concert has been inspired by John’s past performances and interests. It is a chance to remember and reflect on the good times spent in his company and will include everything from recitals and sing-alongs to stories and comedy sketches.”
The much-loved family man was a stalwart in the community, including at St George’s, and is a former president of Dumfries Rotary Club – touching many lives.
A Langholm lad, he started his NHS career in Glasgow, working at the Western Infirmary, Belvidere and Gartnavel hospitals, before moving to Dumfries in 1975 to take up the post of deputy unit administrator at the Crichton.
It was the start of a busy and packed life in the town where he met his wife, Marion.
John went on to serve as deputy administrator for Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (now Mountainhall), Cresswell and Nithbank hospital. Then, as manager of support services for the acute long-stay and maternity unit, he also assumed responsibility for all community hospitals from Langholm to Kirkcudbright .
He then became administrative services manager/board secretary for Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust in 1993 before moving to his final post as head of communications, before retiring after 41 years service to the NHS.
Reflecting on his life, concert organisers have said: “John had a heart of gold and supported many individuals, organisations and charities over the years. He had an amazing sense of humour and loved nothing more than to make people laugh.
“He thrived on the opportunity to bring people together and to entertain others for a good cause.
“John could often be found reciting at Burns Suppers or singing, dancing, acting, talking or playing the ukulele at all sorts of events.”
Proceeds from the £5 sold-out tickets for the evening will go to two worthy charities: Cancer Research UK and the Disasters Emergency Committee.
There will be an opportunity to enjoy a “brew and a blether” in St George’s Church Hall after the concert.