“Thank you all for coming along today, it’s great to see you all.

102 years ago the 214th Glasgow Company of the Boys Brigade was formed at the United Free Church on Dumbarton Road, Whiteinch.

This was prior to becoming Gordon Park Church, which you will all know doubt remember it as.

The Company formed a major part of Whiteinch life over the years.

The Boys and Officers could been seen regularly parading along Dumbarton Road on a Sunday morning led by the pipe band.

I could stand here and talk all day of the bands achievements over the years, but let’s just say that from small beginnings, the pipers and drummers produced from this church hall, would go on to become some of the best trained players in the world.

This legacy is still felt today in the piping world.

The Company was not just about pipes and drums….

214 Football teams produced many a great player from the pitches here in the park .

Learning the skills required to play the game, some even going on to play at the highest levels in Scotland and abroad.

Swimming was also another key sport of the Company and with Whiteinch baths on their doorstep why would it not be!

As a major asset in the community I’m sure we all can relate to Victoria Park as playing a big part in all our lives.

Many a summer was spent in paddle and rowing boats, playing Crazy golf, putting or fishing for baggy minnows, with a net from the Scotstoun Emporium.

A visit to the Fossil Grove to marvel at the ancient trees.

Playing football whether at the pitches or just a kick about on the grass with jumpers for goalposts.

I’m sure some even remember curling on the ice rink or getting out your skates and skating on the pond during the winter.

The Company was a regular participant at Whiteinch Gala Days over the years.

With the band leading the parade of floats, cheer leaders and all the organisations all the way up to the park.

Vaulting, tumbling, egg and spoon and three legged races to name a few of the activities on display at these community events.

Although the Company no longer exists, as it amalgamated with the 135th Company at Scotstoun Parish Church in 1986.

The 214 Ex Members Association continue to meet every year and will be holding our 76th Annual Reunion Dinner at Victoria Park Bowling Club next March.

On the 4th of October 2024 we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Company with

the Lord Provost inviting us to a Civic Reception at Glasgow City Chambers where a great night was had by all.

This was when the Centenary Fund was launched.

The idea was to raise funds to purchase a commemorative bench and give back to the area that had been such an influence in all our young lives and leave a permanent reminder of the 214 in years to come.

Somewhere we could visit and remember lifelong friendships and memories of the 214 and Gordon Park.

Many people have donated personally to the fund.

A number of our friends who unfortunately are no longer with us had collections at their funerals and we remember them all on this special day.

The fund has achieved over £4,000, a fantastic amount, which has allowed us to purchase the three benches that you see in place today (alongside the existing war bench).

The plaques on the benches feature Gordon Park Church, the home of the 214. (prior to the church moving along to Jordanvale Parish Church)

The plaque on the second bench shows footballers, representing one of the many sports the Company participated in.

(Some footballers allegedly!)

And the third bench depicts Alex M MacIver, Pipe Major who helped build the many pipe band players along with Alex Ibell, Joe King and Dan Finlay.

(Some of the Band players in attendance)

We chose the Cenotaph as The 214 and Gordon Park had a close connection with it over the years.

The Company led by the Band would parade here every Armistice day prior to the Expressway being built.

It’s where the Remembrance Day service would be held by Rev Harry L. Thompson and the local Priest of the time from St Paul’s Whiteinch.

My Grandfather a World War survivor of Ypres in France used to lay the wreath on behalf of the congregation.

With my Father then taking over this duty on his passing.

I would like to thank Gordon Moore of the Parks Department for all his help in making this possible.

(Some of the bureaucracy attached to this installation has been mind blowing.)

I’d also like to thank Friends of Victoria Park and The Victoria Park Trust, who without their hard voluntary work, due to Council cuts, help to keep the Park going!

We hope that along with our Website (214bb.com) and these benches, the 214 legacy will last for future generations to ask the question….

Who were and are the 214th Glasgow Coy Boys Brigade?

I can’t confirm if the tea from the cafe van will be as good as Alex Ibell’s famous urn produced.

The one that travelled with the boys to Camps, and Pipe Band contests, but I’m sure it will be welcomed.

If I can ask Robert Wallace, if he could play a tune to mark the occasion.

Thank you all for attending.”