We all hope you are keeping well and managing to cope during these trying times of the Covid-19 Pandemic?

I have spoken to quite a few Ex Members since lockdown and everyone seems to be coping alright.

If you require help, contact me and I’ll see what can be done using our network of members, or through your local agencies to provide this help.

This years reunion was a great success by all accounts, everyone I’ve spoken to really enjoyed the evening and the food!

Don Glass our Chairman took these photos on his phone. (Despite struggling with the ‘lurgy’.) I thank Don for these.

Stephen McQuillan your Treasurer also forwarded a short video of the piper and drummer who played on the evening, which has been added to our Video page.

Johnny Simpson and Kerr McQuillan who are both Grade 1 players with Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, entertained the company with a fitting tribute of tunes.

These were excellently played and received, to remember our recently lost piping and drumming members.

The Committee would like to thank them for their fantastic playing.

Click here to go to the video page where Video 6 can be seen.

Hopefully things will get back to some sort of normality soon.

Take care all.

I received an email today from an Ex Member.

Dear Ex Members

My wife and I are just two, of the thousands of people that have been told by the UK and Scottish Government, to lockdown for 12 weeks.

Good weather has encouraged us all out into the garden, to complete any DIY projects that needed to be done.

So if like me, you find that there is too much television to take it all in, if you’re looking for something to do?

Your Ex Members website still requires your stories of days in the Company.

We appeal to Ex Captains, Officers, Boys, with fathers and brothers, all Ex-Members.

Pipers and Drummers that continued their training in the Company, in Senior Bands like the City of Glasgow Police and elsewhere.

But remember, it’s not all pipes and drums.

We had Ministers, Footballers, Doctors, Bankers, to mention a few.

So right then, your thoughts on paper please?

(or preferably email)

Send them to Alan YOUR Secretary for YOUR website.

Ex Captain of the 108thGCBB Partick.

“Very sad news that John Rogers (Jolly) passed away on Wednesday 15th April, aged 90.

He succumbed to a worsening of his dementia and was not taken by the coronavirus.

John served as an officer in the B.B. for several decades. He had a positive influence on the lives of many hundreds of boys and their families, and a debt of gratitude is felt by all. This kind, selfless and dedicated man was a true Partick Legend.

Due to the virus restrictions he will not receive the send off he deserves and it is hoped that some sort of memorial service/event can be arranged in the future to mark his passing and his life. RIP.”

P.M. Donald MacKenzie

“A true legend in BB and Pipe Band worlds.

Always the gentleman and would stop and talk to all at the pipe band contests or in the streets of Partick.

I had the privilege of attending a 108 Camp to Guernsey along with Stevie McQuillan as officers, as well as helping out with Vaulting Box classes and the band.

Alan McColl

(214 BB EX members Secretary)

“Well said Alan McColl

I remember the mutual work and the camp you mentioned was outstanding.

The Vaulting box work I also remember. When you, Finlay Urquhart and myself went along to Partick after our own Company meeting, to work jointly with our mates in the 108.

From this friendships have continued with many.”

Stevie McQuillan

(214BB Ex Members Treasurer)

(Material for this post was kindly taken from the 108th BB Facebook page.)

We are all set for this years reunion.

I’m sure a great evening of meeting up with old pals will ensue.

Friday 6th March 2020 – 6.45pm for 7.15pm start.

A fortnight tonight is the reunion. (Fri 6th March)

All the invites have now been sent, either by Royal Mail or emailed.

If you have replied I thank you for your prompt attention.

If you haven’t could you please do so as soon as possible.

This will allow us to organise catering and hall facilities.

I am still awaiting over 50 replies!

I would also like to thank all those who attended my fathers funeral on Wednesday.

It was a great comfort to us, seeing so many ‘214 boys’ there.

Sure & Stedfast

I can now inform you that Tom’s funeral details have now been arranged :-

Wednesday 19th February 2020 – 1.30pm at Dalnottar Crematorium

Click here for directions

Then afterwards at The Leonardo Inn Hotel Glasgow West End

(Formerly The Pond Hotel) Click here for directions

The family would like to thank you all for the kind messages, phone calls and cards at this sad time, they are very much appreciated.

I’m sure there will be a good turnout of 214 ties on the day as always.

I am sorry to be letting the membership know that my father Tom McColl, passed away on Thursday 6th February 2020.

He had been battling well against bone cancer for the last 3 years and unfortunately had a fall on Monday evening.

He passed away peacefully two days after a successful operation on his hip.

Tom was one of our oldest members at 92 and was due to celebrate his birthday next month.

My mother, brothers and I appreciate all the kind messages we’ve received.

I will update this post once the funeral arrangements have been made.

Dougy’s daughter Lisa has been in touch.

“Just to advise that my dads funeral details are:-
31st December at Dalnottar Crematorium 2.30 pm.

Then afterwards to Old Kilpatrick Bowling Club. “

“Can I also take this opportunity to thank you for the lovely tribute that was shared yesterday. My mum sister and I were touched by it.”

I’m sure that many a 214 BB tie will be on display.

I’m sad to intimate that Dougy Law passed away last night.

A big character in the 214 and bowling fraternities, Dougy is seen here on the left with his lifelong friend Joe Noble.

Dougy was 77 and a great footballer in his day and played professionally in New Zealand. Winning the equivalent of the Scottish Cup there twice.

Click here to read the News clipping “The Kiwi Connection”,that was put on the website in 2017.

Dougy the Bass drummer, played with various bands including Renfrew, Red Hackle, Milngavie, City of Glasgow & latterly with The Burgh of Renfrew.

I always remember him on the Bass at the 214 Displays and there after at contests. He made it look effortless, as he had a natural ability to make the Bass sing.

We pass on our condolences to his wife Margaret, daughters LIsa, Julie and the rest of the family at this sad time.

Once we know the funeral arrangements, they will be placed on the website.

The iconic Cenotaph at Victoria Park says it all.

We will remember them.