Lawrence McGarry Awarded MBE

We are delighted to share that Lawrence McGarry will be awarded an MBE as part of The King’s New Year Honours List 2026. A valued member of the Luddon team for the past 29 years, Lawrence serves as our Plant and Transport Manager.

Alongside his role at Luddon, Lawrence has dedicated over 35 years to voluntary service at the Legion of Mary Wayside Club in Glasgow, supporting those facing hardship and addiction. Volunteering two evenings a week, he continues to make a lasting difference in the community while maintaining his full-time role within the business.

The Wayside Club was established in 1932 and is on 32 Midland Street in Glasgow. The organisation offers advice, comfort and amenities to those from all different backgrounds, 365 days a year.  Lawrence also mentions that free bingo is often played at the club and is taken very seriously.

To learn more about Lawrence’s essential work and what the honor of an MBE means for him and the Wayside Club, we spoke about his journey, his motivations and what continues to drive his commitment in supporting others.

What was your reaction to finding out you were being awarded an MBE?

The award came as a surprise to Lawrence, with former director of Luddon George Hinshelwood contacting Lawrence’s wife Valerie proclaiming that Lawrence’s work in and outside of the Wayside Club should be recognised. Three years of correspondence and filling in documents later, Valerie presented Lawrence with a letter from Downing Street. Lawrence has remained humble and said “I started giving the reasons why that isn’t what I do the charity work for, and it wasn’t just me it was a whole team of people and Valerie stopped me and said that it had been three years in the making, she feels I deserve it and she’d be very disappointed if I didn’t take it.” Lawrence adds that he hopes the honor will raise the profile of the Wayside Club, highlighting the work of everyone involved and encouraging others.

What does receiving an honor from the king mean to you personally? 

Lawrence’s dedication to his voluntary work is driven by his faith, citing the Corporal Works of Mercy – principles focused on caring for those in need, which are actively put into practice at the Wayside Club. Lawrence says, “I just felt that if I was going to follow my faith, I had to live it out… so that’s what drew me to the work of the Wayside Club and I just think it’s an endorsement of having tried my best really, to live my faith.” For Lawrence, the honor reflects not just his own efforts, but the work of the Wayside Club and the values it represents.

As an administrator at the club what does your role involve day to day?

Lawrence takes care of the finances of the club, keeping everything in order as they do not receive mainstream funding or government support. With Lawrence’s connection to Luddon, he also falls into a caretaker role, looking after the building. The club has been upgraded structurally over the years, with an apex roof, a kitchen revamp and alterations that facilitates both men and women to use the service.

The Wayside Club and Luddon 

Lawrence explains how support from Luddon structurally, practically and personally has been a big help over his time at the club.  “Luddon have supported my voluntary work at the Wayside Club, both in projects that we’ve done within the club, where they’ve given us very favorable rates on quite big projects and even just down to practical levels.” Lawrence adds that backing from the directors and the Dougall family has been greatly appreciated, noting that small contributions can make a meaningful difference. From assisting building projects to printing the club’s annual Christmas letter, Luddon continues to support the organisation.

What are you most proud of? 

Reflecting on the past 35 years Lawrence says “Just being part of the catholic church, and just being able to, without judging anyone, being there at someone’s time of need and making the difference.” For Lawrence pride is not found in recognition, but simply by being there for others when they need it most. While the MBE will recognise his contribution, Lawrence’s true achievement is in what he continues to do every week.

Read more about the Wayside Club and the work they do here – https://www.thewaysideclubcentre.co.uk