Gavin Paterson
THIS week reporter Caren McPate talks to retiring police officer and musician, Gavin Paterson. The 48-year-old, from Lenzie, is leaving the force after 30 years to pursue his love of music. Gavin plays with several bands and has set up his own promotions company, which will be running a series of gigs at Coffee Bliss, in Lenzie.
Did you always want to join the police force?
Yes, since I was at secondary school. I come from a policing background and my uncle was in charge of policing in Airdrie, where I grew up.
My band at school played with the Coatbridge Police Concert Party and performed to community groups, which gave me another insight into the police.
Where have you worked?
After I completed my time with the police cadets, I was based in Shettleston and absolutely loved it. I stayed in the area for 20 years.
I've been a community cop, a crime prevention officer, a sergeant and the local authority liaison officer for West Dunbartonshire Council.
In my current position, I liaise with the council, police and a variety of other agencies to work on a range of projects.
Will you be sad to leave?
I'll be sad to leave the people behind, but not necessarily the organisation. I've really enjoyed my job, but feel it's the time to pursue other things.
I've come to the end of my 30-year contract so I'm not taking early retirement.
What has been the highlight of your career?
There has been no one incident, but I think the police is now more like the organisation I wanted it to be 30 years ago.
Policing is much more open to diversity than it once was. It used to be quite a male orientated profession with primarily one religion and anyone who did not fit that profile was viewed with suspicion. It's not like that any more.
What started your interest in music?
I have a picture of me sitting as a baby at my grandfather's
grand piano, so music has always been in my blood. I
play piano, guitar and many
other string instruments.
I played in recitals and did a bit of amateur acting and singing in musicals.
What bands do you play in?
I met guys from the Apollo Players and we formed 21 Red. We play mainly at weddings and social events and perform songs from Frank Sinatra to the Kaiser Chiefs.
I'm also in a folk band called Whappit Ben and we basically find songs that haven't been done to death and arrange them in our own style.
And I'm in a tribute band - Dexys Bootleg Runners.
Who are your musical influences?
The Beatles, The Birds and the Beach Boys, as well as old style R&B artists like Aretha Franklin.
How did Pickin' and Grinnin' Promotions come about?
I was in Coffee Bliss talking to the manager who said he was open to new ideas. I was then at a gig, in a venue similar to Coffee Bliss, but not as big, and I got chatting to an agent who promotes American bands in the UK.
I thought it would be a great to bring these kinds of bands to Lenzie and so decided to set up my own promotions company.
We plan to have a band on at Coffee Bliss once a month until February. Special Ed and the Shortbus performed two weeks ago and got a fantastic response from the crowd.
I can't say who exactly we have lined up, but there will be a couple of guys with a long history in the music biz.
Getting to know you
First car: Vauxhall Viva
First record: She Loves You by The Beatles
Book currently reading: A biography of Johnny Mercer
Favourite holiday destination: New Orleans
Favourite TV programme: The Wire
Famous person most like to meet: Jerry Wexler
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kirkintilloch
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
