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.

Sorry to inform you all that Robert Turner passed away this morning in New Zealand at the age of 75.

Robert was one of the major influential drummers of the 20th Century within the Pipe Band world.

He played in the 214 in the 60’s, seen here on the far right at the Highland Shield Competition at Kelvingrove Park in 1961……which of course they won!

After leaving the 214 Robert played in the Muirhead & Sons Pipe Band, winning the World Championships five times in a row. (from 1965-1969 inclusive)

He then went on to become Leading Drummer of British Caledonian Airways Pipe Band.

Thereafter Robert went to the Middle East to teach in the UAE and Oman. He then eventually emigrated to New Zealand, and had short stints playing in a couple of bands including New Zealand Police, and doing some judging.

On the 1st of January 2013 the first “Robert Turner Drumming Championship” was held in New Zealand and is now competed for annually at the Waipu Highland Games.

The organisers kept the name of the Championship a secret from Robert, until just before, as they knew he would have tried to change the name.

He greatfully accepted and presented the prizes.

Joe Noble would regularly meet up with ‘Bobby’ when he was out in New Zealand.

I was talking to Joe today and he is devastated at the news, ” I’m so glad I managed to speak to ‘Bobby’ on the 10th of October, the day before I headed out to judge the South American Championships”, Joe said.

On the 9th of October 1994 Robert was in attendance to play at the 214BB’s 70th Anniversary Parade at Scotstoun. He can be seen in this picture wearing a red tie holding his drumsticks.

and also can be seen here in the 70th Anniversary video that has been added to Media Video Files clip 3.

The Ex Members Association would like to extend their condolences to Robert’s wife Marion and the rest of the family at this sad time.

We will keep you informed of any further news on this.

On Saturday 19th October 2019 the RSPBA’s World Solo Drumming Championships were held at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Kerr McQuillan (15) (son of our Treasurer Stephen) became the World Champion in the Juvenile section 4 MSR.

We would like to extend our congratulations to Kerr, who you may remember played at the Reunion in 2017.

Kerr has now held five Tenor Drumming World Championship titles and this is now his second Snare Drum World Championship title.

He is now an accomplished player with Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, having completed his first season in Grade 1 this year.

Kerr played Balmoral Highlanders, Cameronian Rant and Charlie’s welcome.

His performance can be seen below.

The Adult Solo Championship was won by Stephen McWhirter of Inveraray and District, this was his tenth time winning it!