For those of us who never managed along to see the B.B. Exhibition at the Mitchell Library, this will be of interest:-

Ex Member Robert Wallace has recorded a video for the website pipers persuasion.

It shows the display cases and Robert talks of the B.B. in general, then the 214.

You need to watch this for the amazing coincidence that a 214 Ex Members wife from Australia, just happened to be there at the time of filming.

Click here to see the videos on pipers persuasion.

Well done Robert.

Click here for Roberts blog on pipingpress.

This appeared today on the website that 214BB Ex Member Robert Wallace runs.

Click here to see his full blog.

The picture up top will stir the heart of every ex-BB piper out there. Over 600 pipers! The photograph is from the Jubilee celebration held at Queen’s Park, Glasgow, in September 1933 held to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the movement by Sir William Smith. The picture was on display at a recent exhibition held in Glasgow’s Mitchell Library and mentioned last week. So many of the young men on parade would be caught up in the WW2 conflagration only a few years later and all would have done the BB proud.

The astonishing crowds at Bellahouston Park in 1933

To quote from a report: ‘The Jubilee in 1933 was the biggest event ever held in the history of The Boys’ Brigade : numbers were at their very best, with a total enrolment of 111,871 Boys and 52,219 Life Boys. Jubilee weeks, pageants, displays and thanksgivings were to be held up and down the land. The Jubilee Review took place at Queen’s Park Recreation Ground on Saturday 10th September with a parade state of 32,520 Officers and Boys. 100 special trains and as many buses carried the BB to Queen’s Park where 16 schools were open to provide 1230 breakfasts, 10,949 lunches and 17 ,700 teas during that long exciting day. The Inspecting Officer for the great event was His Royal Highness, Prince George, in naval uniform. The Parade of 17 Battalions was led by the 1st Glasgow, under their Captain, Douglas Pearson Smith, son of the Founder. 637 pipers formed the Massed Pipe Bands, all bravely playing ‘Highland Laddie’. The most dramatic moment was the Advance in Review order – thousands upon thousands of Boys advancing as one man.’

Our oldest Ex Member, Hugh McKinlay told me the 214 band played at this and paraded with the Company.

All the Companies marched from George Square to Queens Park in numerical order.

By the time the 1st Glasgow BB Company had arrived at the Park there were still lots of Company’s who hadn’t left George Square, so vast were the number of boys on parade.

The Glasgow Battalion of the Boys Brigade, currently have a display of memorabilia from the Glasgow City Archives in The Mitchell Library.

Running until 22nd November 2017, this special exhibition showcases Battalion records and B.B. history from it’s inception in Glasgow’s West End in 1883.

There are special talks by B.B. historians, (only one left to do on Wednesday 15th November at 2pm.)

I have not been able to go and see it yet.

(If anyone does go could they drop me a message?)

Information shown on Facebook

I was informed today that Angelo Lombardi passed away on Friday 7th July.

Angie was a great 214 stalwart, he came through the Company as a boy at the same time as my father.

He was also an officer and regularly attended the reunions until a few years ago. 

Angie sitting on the right. (Donnie MacIver standing with the Tenor stick.)

Angie’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 19th July – 12.00 noon at Linn Crematorium.

We all send our condolences to his family at this sad time.

I’m sure there will be a good turnout in 214 ties at the funeral.

A great article about Dougie Law recently appeared in the Lennox Herald.

The clipping has been added to the Newspaper clippings page.

Regards

Alan

A new Article has been added to the Articles Section of the website:-

D.M.George Seymour (click to see Article and associated material)

This also includes two video clips, an Audio file, Pipe Music and Drum Score.

Enjoy

With a damp start St James playing fields there was a large turnout of 4,000 pipers and drummers, competing to become British Champions in their respective grades.

The “214BB Ex Members trophy” for the Winners of the Novice Juvenile B grade was contended for by the following bands.

An amazing number of entrants for this newly formed grade.

The trophy in it’s 2nd year of existence was won by :-

Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band

I’m sure all the ‘Auld Boys’ wish them all the best in their Pipe Band futures…… The secret is practice makes perfect.

Hugh’s cremation is to be held on

Tuesday 14th March 2017 – 2.30pm at Dalnotter Crematorium, Clydebank.

I’m sure the 214 will be well turned out in our 214 ties on Tuesday!

Alan

I am sorry to report that Hugh Davidson passed away peacefully yesterday morning.

Hugh was 77, a regular attender to the reunions and will be missed not only by his son Alan and the family, but also by the “Boys of his era”.

He was Alex Ibell’s nephew (His mother Nan was Alex’ sister). He played the pipes and passed down the tradition to his Son and Grandson who also play.

(Sgt. Hugh Davidson can be seen in this photo front row 2nd from the left.)

Hugh a butcher to trade, took over his father’s family butchers business then passed on the reigns to his son Alan.

They built up the business with shops in Yoker, Scotstoun and a factory unit in Linwood. (This supplies their shops as well as many top Scottish Hotels and Restaurants. (They even supply our Caterer for the Annual Reunion)

Funeral details once received will be posted on the website.

I am sure all the Ex Members pass on their condolences to Alan and the family.

N.B. previous post had incorrect date.

Please reply by Monday 27th of February 2017 (not March).

Many thanks to the ex member who noticed this, good to know someone is paying attention.

Alan