Speakers
A native of the Lanarkshire mining village of Holytown John joined the Police Service in 1971. He retired from Strathclyde Police where, he was Superintendent at Govan – a quaint little fishing village on the banks of the Clyde!
John joined Lanarkshire Referees’ Association in 1970 and has often been compared to World Cup referee Hugh Dallas – compared to Hugh Dallas he is brilliant! His refereeing career has seen him officiate at Scottish Amateur Cup Finals at youth and full amateur level. Working in the Police during the week John refereed at the weekends.
Since 1998 he has been a regular on the after dinner circuit at a variety of venues ranging from local establishments to top hotels throughout the United Kingdom.
He can be relied upon to be suitable for any audience, mixed or otherwise. He is never blue and has a style which is comfortably anecdotal, incorporating humorous one liners. John is a master of mischief and character assassination however he is aware that his job is to entertain and not offend. As his accolades imply, his true and extremely funny refereeing anecdotes allied to stories gathered from 30 years in Strathclyde Police continue to enrich and entertain the after dinner circuit, and hopefully will do so for many years to come.
Although happy to accept any challenge, John specialises in speaking at Corporate Events, Golf Days Sportsmans Dinners and Burns Suppers.
Client comments include:
“John, I do not need to tell you that your speech was well received. The reaction of the entire audience was evidence enough. Your style of wit and delivery are unique and you were the topic of conversation throughout the company in the weeks following the dinner. To be confronted by an array of multi national guests would have been `a bridge too far’ for many a speaker. Thank you.” Paul Garnham, Shell Expo Awards Dinner, Aberdeen.
“Just a brief note to thank you very much in ensuring that my dinner on Sunday night was a huge success, this in no small measure was due to your input. I know that everyone present enjoyed themselves enormously and this was due largely to your efforts.” The Right Honourable Dr John Reid MP, Secretary of State Scotland.
“Its not easy following speakers of the calibre of a Thistle legend like Alan Rough but you did it in superb style, well deserving of the standing ovation you received.” Alan Dick Chief Executive Partick Thistle FC.
“It is always a pleasure to listen to an after dinner speaker who has the ability to hold the attendance of a well oiled audience without having to resort to the use of foul and colourful language. Everyone who attended the dinner has been quick to mention your outstanding speech.” John Stevenson Insurance & Actuarial Society of Glasgow.
