I received an account of the evening from our Chairman Don Glass just after the event.
(I apologise in the delay in getting this post put up)
(back row) Don Glass, Willie Ellis, George Cochrane, Davy Kyle, Stevie Littlejohn, Graham Gillan, Iain Morrison, Alasdair McKay, John McCartney and Neil Christie. (middle row) Duncan Masson, John Courtney Stevie McQuillan & Joe Noble. (Front row) Iain Glass, Dougy McColl & Malcolm McColl
“I arrived a wee bit late as I had to drop my brother off at the door then move to the car park.
I then got to the visitor Centre at Tennent’s to find that there were already 15 plus 214 boys at the bar, this at 3 minutes past 7!!!
No big surprise really, sampling Scotland’s Finest Lager.
The bar also had a dark beer available a kind of ‘Lookee likee Guinness’, as well as spirits and soft drinks.
Everything you need for a P U in a brewery.
Alan Davidson the butcher to the pie starved masses, could not come to the event BUT HIS PIES COULD. GOOD NEWS INDEED! Click here to see their produce
I think Joe Noble brought them.
Fergus behind the bar got them into the pie oven pronto.
Graham Gillan, Stevie Littlejohn and Willie Ellis. Dougy and Malcolm McColl
I went back to the car to get the napkins and vitally, the ketchup and brown sauce without which the pies could not be served, it’s the law in Glasgow. Iain should have reminded me.
Norman Forsythe, John Harvey & Alasdair Ross
The chat round the room grew louder by the minute, it was like a good night out with your pals, which it indeed turned out to be.
Alex Robertson & Stuart Hunter
Some even went around the visitor centre part of the building, this only happened when the thirsty troops were reassured that the bar would not close until c 9.30, and that they could take their pints for a wander downstairs.
When most of the lads had returned from the cultural part of the evening, Pies were served.
Ally Hunter, Joe Noble & Neil Christie
Davie Kyle was the main spokesman in favour of G.H. Davidsons pies being the very best he had ever tasted, no grease and a right good meat filled crust. Many agreed that the pies were the stars of the show, which had only been spoiled by me not bringing the right sauces.
No HP brown or Heinz Ketchup😱😱😱 I had made the basic error of buying sauce in M&S in Milngavie.
Iain Morrison, Duncan Masson, Davy Kyle and John Courtney
All too soon it was “last orders” the staff were very understanding, but firm, no more lads.
Willie Ellis, George Cochrane, Iain Glass & Graham Gillan
Many of the troops cheered up when reminded that there was a great wee East End bar, “The Ladywell” only 30 yards across the street, most of the ” Dirty Dozen” managed to cross Duke St, without the police being involved.
But what became of the them I know not, were they ever seen again?
(Back row) John Courtney, Stevie Littlejohn, Stevie McQuillan. (Front row) Graham Gillan, Dougy and Malcolm McColl
I left them there, to get to my car, only to find out that it was locked in the car park😭😭😭
Overall I think it was a really good night, and something that we should think about repeating, Let us know at the Reunion with a big AYE if you agree.
Looking forward to The Civic reception in October.
Email invites have gone out to Ex Members, for those that have replied I thank you.
To help us plan for numbers can I ask those that haven’t replied to please do so.
Otherwise I’ll be sending out emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages, FB Messenger, phone calls, Smoke signals or getting my crystal ball looked out.
Sorry to intimate that Alistair Cochrane (78) passed away peacefully on Friday 31st January at St John’s hospital in Livingston.
Alistair’s brother George advises he caught Covid just after the New Year and had breathing difficulties since then.
Alistair’s funeral is to be held on Wednesday 19th February at 2pm in Livingston Crematorium.
I remember Alistair served as an officer in the company and was involved in amateur football.
Although he hadn’t been to a reunion for a number of years, he returned a few years ago and had a great night reminiscing with a lot of the membership.
We all send our condolences to the whole Cochrane family and I’m sure 214bb ties would be welcomed if you can attend.
I am heartbroken to advise you of the sudden death of my brother Iain.
Iain (74) passed away suddenly but peacefully at home with his family beside him on Friday 25th October 2024.
Iain at the 214 Centenary Civic Reception Fri 4th October 2024 at Glasgow City Chambers
This is a devastating loss to Helen and Stewart, as well as Stewart’s partner Cheryl and their children Orla and Islay who have lost a beloved granda.
As I write this Christine and I find it hard to believe that he has gone. Iain was my brother and my best friend, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Don Glass (Chairman)
Iain’s funeral will be held at Clydebank Crematorium (Dalnottar) on
Tuesday 12th November 2024 at 2.30pm
I’m sure all the Ex Members will be shocked to hear this and send their deepest sympathies to the whole family at this sad time.
Iain was a very good friend to many over the years and was a gentle giant. He will be missed throughout the Bowling and Pipeband / Music worlds to name a few.
70th Anniversary Parade 9th October 1994
Dougy McColl, Iain Glass and Wullie Ellis representing the 214 BB Ex Members in the Triples Competition at Westerton Bowling Club 2018
Just a quick request if you have video or photographs of Friday nights successful evening, can you please send them to me on secretary’s email address?
I have photos via WhatsApp and Facebook but the quality reduces on these platforms.
I have one photo of the stair group photo but it’s not the clearest.
There was another camera used if that could be sent I’d be greatly appreciative.
I’ll post up all the photos together once I get them.