Annual General Meeting

9th September 2021

delayed from May 2021 and incorporating the cancelled AGM from 2020 

Tenement Tiles - online archive

14th October 2021

Zan Phee

The History and Development of Govanhill and Crosshill

141h November 2021

Bruce Downie

Ghost Signs of Glasgow

9th December 2021

Jan Graham & Merryn Kerrigan

The Histroy of Anderston

13th January 2022

Peter Mortimer

Glasgow's Blythswood

10th February 2022

Members' Night

Mediaeval Glasgow

10th March 2022

Catherine McMaster

The Heritage of  the Glasgow Printing Industry

14th April 2022

Dr Helen Wiliams

Minutes of combined Annual General Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
2019 to 2021 sessions

held at Renfield Ctr, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow

The minute of this meeting will be posted when it is available

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
14th October 2019

held at Adelaide's, 209 Bath Street, Glasgow

Attendance 55

Meeting held at Adelaide’s, 209 Bath Street, on Thursday 14 October 2021

Chair: President, Mr Gavin McNae welcomed everyone to the meeting. It was great to see everyone back after such a long time in lockdown.

Apologies for absence were from Margaret Thom, Brian D Henderson, Joan and Cameron Low, Freda Graham,

Minutes: Mr McNae asked if everyone had seen a copy of the Minutes of the March 20 meeting, either by email or printed copy. He asked if there were any amendments. There being none, the Minutes were passed on a proposal by Ken Benjamin and seconded by Glen Collie

There were no points arising.

President's Report:

Mr McNae explained why there were issues with seating due to Adelaides providing new limited seating prior to refurbishment and that at very short notice further seats were supplied and delivered from Queens Park Church for this evening’s presentation, for which we were very grateful.

As a prelude to the forthcoming December meeting, invitations were offered to the members who might wish to share the history of their house of street, by email to the Secretary.


Secretary's Report:

Mrs McNae explained the struggle obtaining speakers and subjects for the 2021-2022 session but with no easy task, this had been finalised in time for issuing members’ syllabus cards. Joyce also thanked Queens Park church for their generous offer of extra seats.


Gemma Wild from the Glasgow City Heritage Trust was introduced as our first speaker of the evening.

She explained that the basis of her talk (Gallus Glasgow) hinged on the flight by hot air balloon by Mr Thomas Sulman in 1864 which resulted in images of the city which had never been seen up till then. These were widely published in newspapers and magazines at the time. A short-animated video illustrated the various industries and characteristics of the city and its people One copy of the map was found in Amsterdam in 2011 and copies can be obtained in various sizes today and an interactive map was available on line. ”Gallus” as most of the audience knew is a Scottish adjective meaning “bold”, “cheeky”, “flashy” and summed up the Glaswegians love of history and their heritage.

Further information could be obtained from gallusglasgow.glasgowheritage.org.uk


Zan Phee was our second speaker who presented an illustrated talk on her online archive of Tenement Tiles which grace Glasgow’s “Wally” closes,  many of which still survive, albeit difficult to research due to security entry systems. Zan told us of experiences when doing research in many locations in an amusing and entertaining way, several examples to be found in Maryhill, Clydebank and Dennistoun. The workmanship of these Victorian and Edwardian tiling was incredible and often reflected the status of the residents “up the close”!


One question arose about when these adornments had originally been installed, but Zan tactfully explained that that was something that was still to be discovered.


Mr McNae expressed the Club’s gratitude for both speakers time and effort in their presentations and were accorded the well-deserved applause.


Tonight’s quiz was won by Anne White out of only six entries, who correctly identified the picture as being the building in Cathcart which was originally the Registry Office for the Burgh of Cathcart.


There being no further business, Mr McNae closed the meeting and wished everyone a safe journey home.


S Little

For Recording Secretary


TOP OF PAGE

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
11th November 2021

held at Crosshill Govanhill Church, 170 Queens Drive, Glasgow

Attendance: 60 Members – 42 Guests - 18

President: Gavin McNae opened the meeting by requesting a short period of silence to recognise Armistice Day and then welcomed member and quests to Queen’s Park Church.

He introduced the Weather Check section of the website where members can access information as to whether meetings are happening in the oncoming winter months.

Apologies: Robin Muir

Minutes: Previous meetings approved by Cilla Fisher and seconded by Ken Benjamin

President: Continued, mentioning the success of requests for submissions on “My Street” and pointed out that this was in line with the original concept by the club’s founder, William Liddle whose vision was that members should “meet and discuss”.

The President introduced Director Ken Benjamin who urged members to back his initiative asking members to record their own views of the current COP26 conference in the city and thoughts on our planet and how we can save it. The conference is one of the biggest ever held in the city and there are hopes that it will be the catalyst for change in world leaders’ attitude to climate change.

The President then continued with mention of the publicity leaflet which he hopes will be ready by the next meeting. He also pointed out two informative walks, one at Bridgton and the other from Langside Library to Govanhill. He also introduced the Christmas raffle and upcoming meetings.

Competition: Queen’s Park was laid out by Joseph Paxton in 1857 but which Queen did it refer to. (The answer was announced at the end of the meeting – Mary Queen of Scots).

Winner of the competition was Ray.

Club Historian: Director Brian Henderson gave a short talk on Agnes McLaren Lockhart who became the first woman president of the Old Glasgow Club in 1947. She was chief of police John Ord’s daughter and she had persuaded her father to introduce her to the club becoming the first lady-vice president from 1920-23.

Main Speaker: Bruce Downie – South Glasgow Heritage Educational Trust

Bruce spoke about the development of the burghs of Govanhill and Crosshill.

Govanhill evolved from a small weaving community, Little Govan. It was first used as a park until the Gorbals took it over. Crosshill on the other hand developed from a small mining community which was based at what is now a Chinese restaurant. William Dixon was the driving force behind a number of collieries being opened.

Both communities resisted being taken over by the city of Glasgow and wanted to remain as separate entities.

Crosshill began to expand rapidly around the same time that Queen’s Park was laid out and in 1877 became a burgh.

Eventually the two communities were forced to come together by the boundary commission who organised a vote in the two areas. The results were extremely dubious but nevertheless Govanhill and Crosshill were absorbed into the City of Glasgow in 1891.

Bruce went on to show slides of the area during the 20th century and made reference to a New Police station, Govanhill Park, Hospital, Pearson’s Stores. He mentioned Barnum and Bailey bringing their circus to the south side in 1898.

Slides of the American Roller Rink (music supplied by a Military Band), Govanhill Baths and the “completed” area in 1939 sparked a deal of enthusiasm from those members who remembered and had used these facilities.

Members urged Bruce to return to talk more about the developments that happened within living memory.

Bruce finished by mentioning his latest book about the history of Govanhill Baths.

Questions: Bruce was good enough to answer questions about the local hospital (the Samaritan’s hospital) and the number of books he had available.

Closure: The meeting closed with the President thanking Bruce Downie and presenting with a gift from the club. Gavin announced the next meeting at Adelaides on “The Ghost Signs of Glasgow” by Jan Graham and Merryn Kerrigan on Thursday, December 9th.

Director’s Meeting: At Joyce and Gavin McNae’s house, Queens Drive on Thursday 2nd December at 7.00pm

A Trezise

For Recording Secretary


Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
9th December 2021

held at Adelaide's, 209 Bath Street, Glasgow

Attendance : 53 members 

Meeting held at Adelaides , 209 Bath Street, on Thursday 9th December 2021

Chair: President, Mr Gavin McNae welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded us of
the fire alarm safety procedures and to silence mobile phones.

Apologies for absence were from Artie Trezise, Ann Manwell and Jane Sheridan.

Minutes: Mr McNae asked if everyone had seen a copy of the Minutes of the November
11th meeting, either by email or printed copy.
He asked if there were any amendments.
Past President and Club Historian, Mr Brian D. Henderson, requested that the Club
Historian section of the minutes be amended to read as -
Remembering Mrs Agnes McLaren Lockhart, on the 60th anniversary of her death on 23rd
November 1961.
Mrs Lockhart’s father, Chief of Police, John Ord, persuaded her to join the OGC in 1922-23
because he wanted another family member to join the club.
She was the club’s first lady Vice-President in 1934-35, before going on to become the first
woman President of the Old Glasgow Club in 1947.
The Minutes were passed on a proposal by N. Houser, and seconded by G. Collie.
There were no points arising.

President’s Report: Mr McNae reminded those present about the “My Street” project and
hoped that a good response would be made.
A reminder, also, that director Ken Benjamin would take any responses to his initiative
regarding Cop 26.

Club Historian: Mr Brian D. Henderson spoke about the forthcoming anniversary of the
opening of the Savoy Theatre situated in Hope Street. Becoming the “Majestic” in 1958, it
finally closed in 1972. The Savoy Shopping Centre replaced this historic building.

Main Talk: Mr McNae then introduced two speakers, Jan Graham and Merryn Kerrigan
who presented the club with an illustrated history of their projects to map out and identify
former Ghost Signs on buildings, shop fronts and gable ends throughout Glasgow. This
was overseen by the Glasgow City Heritage Trust.

Jan highlighted 3 examples: Sick Childrens Hospital Dispensary, in West Graham St which
opened in 1888 and designed by James Sellars. The building was in use as such until1953
when the dispensary was moved to Yorkhill Hospital.
Wylie and Lochead Ltd had various locations around Glasgow and were manufacturers of
quality furnishings. Their shop at 45-53 Buchanan Street was shown.
Stow College in Shamrock St was opened in 1934 as a “Trade School” and had
connections with David Stow. During World War 2, the building was used to manufacture
engineering parts and in peace time reverted to a further education college. In 2016, the
Glasgow School of Art bought the building and it is now the Garnethill Campus.
Merryn continued with three more examples: William Hill Bookmakers who were
established in 1932, occupied the former Caledonian Railway Station Building in Balmore
Rd, which closed to passengers in 1964.
Millers Linoleum premises at Bridgetown Cross opened in 1930 and refurbished to a high
standard in 2015.
“Red Hackle” whisky has (had) in various buildings and bridges and a familiar landmark to
this day.
A brief discussion then took place before the vote of thanks was made by Robin Muir,
presenting our two speakers with items of appreciation. They mentioned that the general
public are encouraged to look around and report any sightings on sites (!) to the “Ghose
Signs”.

Competition: A slide of a winters George Square was correctly identified as been taken in
1963.

Christmas Raffle: As is customary on our December meeting, through the generosity of
the Directors, enjoyable few moments were to be had as we scrambled around to look out
the winning (or not) ticket. Niall and Colin distributed the gifts.

Close: Mr McNae reminded the meeting that our next speaker on the 13th January 2022
would be Peter Mortimer presenting a talk on the history of Anderson, at Renfield St
Stephens Church Centre at 260 Bath Street.
This would continue to be our venue for the rest of the 2022 session whilst Adelaides
carried out a major refurbishment.
There being no further business, Mr McNae closed the meeting and wished everyone a
safe journey home and good wishes for the festive season.

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
13th January 2022

held over Zoom


This meeting was to be held at the Renfield Centre on Bath Street but the Directors decided to move it to Zoom because of concerns over the spread of the Omicron strain of Covid 19.

There was a healthy attendance but numbers were not counted.


Chair:

OGC president, Gavin McNee.

The chairman welcomed attendees, wished everyone a Happy New Year and expressed the hope that the next meeting would revert to being “Back Live”.


Apologies:

Margaret Thom, Stuart Little


Robin Muir one of the club’s directors was introduced by Gavin. His career has taken to the USA, Europe and China and he has now returned to his native city to be near his daughters – one in Glasgow and one in Dalbeattie. In the first of what is hoped will be a series of talks by members Robin gave a short illustrated talk on his house in Rutherglen.


He titled the talk “The House that was Saved”. It dated back to 1878 and was built for a Rope Factory owner in Rutherglen, John Todd who lived there until 1910. Information thereafter is sketchy but from 1960s the council took it over and built some ill-fitting additions. It was used as a care home for dementia patients and thereafter a half-way house for boys. It was then left derelict in a bad state of repair.

The council sold the house to a developer who converted the building which was then sold off as apartments.

As seen in Robin’s photographs the building has a very impressive elevation and we were intrigued to hear that Robin was speaking to us from his office which is located in one of the turrets of the building.


Gavin then introduced the main speaker of the evening Mr Peter Mortimer who is a former member of the club and a past President. The title of his talk was “The History of Anderston”.


Peter used slides to illustrate his talk and he started with a map from 1601 showing the area that was to become Anderston which at that time was pasture to the West of the City of Glasgow. That land was owned by John Anderson of Downhill, a local councillor who would

twice become Provost of Glasgow and it was from his surname that the area would be subsequently named.

From 1721 when the first house was built by John Stobo the area developed rapidly. Weaving flourished, a pottery was established as well as a Brewery. A Church was founded and the Verreville Works was established manufacturing glass and subsequently pottery.

The Burgh of Anderston was founded in 1824 but it didn’t last too long being annexed by the growing City of Glasgow along with the burghs of Gorbals and Calton.

The population figures are a good indicator of how the Anderston developed. In 1794 the figure was 3,900, by 1831 that had risen to 11,600 (25% of those were of Irish decent) and the population peaked in 1951 with 31,902 souls. Subsequently it declined rapidly until 20 years later there were 9,265 inhabitants.

The area grew rapidly with the City and was the centre of shipping, weaving, ship building and supporting industries and when these industries declined so did the population and the building of the Kingston Bridge and the M8 motorway meant many of the tenements were pulled down. Some of the rubble from these houses found its way into the Queen’s Dock. This had originally been built in 1877 but was filled in to make way for the Scottish Exhibition Centre.

Peter talked extensively on the facilites that sprang up to support the burgeoning community. Churches, Schools, Libraries, Shops, Cinemas, Concert Halls, Wash Houses, Fire Stations, Police Stations, all to cater for the needs of tenement dwellers.

The Bilsland Bakery brought back memories for some of the audience as did the fire at the magnificent St Andrews Halls. Memories were jogged of the tragedies at Cheapside Bonded Warehouse (1960) and John Watt street’s upholstery factory (1968) both going up in flames with the loss of 19 and 22 lives respectively.

In the 1970s Anderston was developed further with the building of the Anderston Shopping Centre, the Bus Station, the Marriot and Hilton Hotels, Skypark and the SECC Campus and Peter was keen to share with the audience his love of the Mitchell Library which continues to serve the community since its inception in 1911 and prides itself as being the largest reference library in Europe.

In a talk jam-packed with detail it’s worth mentioning the following. Annacker Sausage Factory was the source of the put-down, “Their house is like Annacker’s Midden”. Tony Roper who wrote the Steamie and Billy Connolly were both born in Anderston and were both van boys at Bilsland Bakery. The original Botanic Gardens were located in Anderston

until 1839 and Thomas Lipton (of Lipton’s Tea) opened his first shop, when he was 21 years old, in Stobcross Street. The Beatles played at the Glasgow Concert Hall (formerly the Tivoli and a whole host of names) back on the 5th October 1963 with tickets selling at a pricey 51p!

Peter brought his talk to a close by pondering how, in a way, a prediction made in 1626 by William Peden that “The cross of Glasgow will stand at the Hillhead of Stobcross” has come true. That is now the site of the Scottish Exhibition Centre and the Hydro where many of the world’s top artists come to perform and where the recent COP26 climate conference took place.


After a short question and answer session with some great memories coming to the fore from the audience, Gavin McNee wound up the meeting by thanking Peter Mortimer, inviting him to return soon and urging the members to go out there with their cameras and notebooks and record a constantly changing Cityscape.


Next meeting:

Graeme Smith – Glasgow’s Blythswood at Renfield Centre on 10th February

Covid permitting, if not on Zoom

Director’s meeting:

Directors will be informed by email

Minutes collated:

Artie Trezise, Vice President

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
10th February 2022

held at Renfield Ctr, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow

Attendance 45 Members

Meeting held at Renfield St Stephens , Bath Street,on Thursday 10th February 2022


Chair: President, Mr Gavin McNae welcomed everyone to the meeting, reminding everyone about

fire alarm procedures and mobile phones being silenced.


Apologies for absence were received from Bill Crawford, Alastair Ross, Jane and Glen Collie, Colin

McCormack and Niall Houser.


Minutes: Mr McNae asked if everyone had seen a copy of the Minutes of the January 2022

meeting, either by email or printed copy. He asked if there were any amendments. There being

none, the Minutes were passed on a proposal by Irene Loudon and seconded by Joyce McNae.

There were no points arising.


President's Report: Mr McNae reminded those present that contributions have been invited for our

project “My Street/House”. Only one response had been received regarding our thoughts and

observations on Cop 26.


Secretary's Report: No report.


Director Artie Trezise presented an account of living in his street; Clouston Street in Glasgow’s west

End, painting an amusing and colourful description of various neighbours, places and buildings of

great historical interest.


Tonight’s speaker: Mr Graeme Smith, a member and former director of the club, gave a well

-illustrated and factual presentation about Glasgow’s Blythswood Area. Mr Smith explained that

although centred around Blythswood Square, the area under consideration stretched from west of

Hope Street to the boundary with the River Kelvin in the west and towards the river Clyde’s north

bank. Set out from various plans from the eighteenth century, Blythswood was in many ways

“Glasgow’s New Town” with streets laid out in a grid pattern. William Harley (1767-1830) was a

principal entrepreneur whose vision enabled the area to have pleasure gardens, schools and

observatory, clean water, a dairy (with its own herd of cows) a bakery and baths all within walking

distance for the residents who were beginning to occupy new property in St Vincent Street for

example.


Such was the comprehensive talk, there was no time regrettably for questions .


A vote of thanks was made by Robin Muir.


The competition this month asked what event had taken place around Blythswood Square for many

years. The answer was the Monte Carlo Rally , the winner being Frank Covering.


There being no further business, Mr McNae closed the meeting and wished everyone a safe journey

home.

SL

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
10th March 2022

held at Renfield Ctr, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow

Attendance: 50 Members + visitors
Meeting held at Renfield St Stephens ,260 Bath Street, on Thursday 10th March 2022
Chair: President, Mr Gavin McNae welcomed everyone to the meeting, reminding everyone about fire
alarm procedures and mobile phones being silenced.
Apologies for absence were received from Bill Crawford, Gaynor McKinnon and Margaret Thom.
Minutes: Mr McNae asked if everyone had seen a copy of the Minutes of the February 10th 2022
meeting, either by email or printed copy. He asked if there were any amendments. There being
none, the Minutes were passed on a proposal by Ann White and seconded by Ruaraidh Clark.
There were no points arising.
President's Report: Mr McNae encouraged members to submit any comments or observations on
Cop 26 to Ken Benjamin and also to participate in “My Street” for future meetings. Mr McNae also
indicated that the club had revised its publicity leaflet, now in colour and encouraged members to take
a supply and distribute them to local libraries etc.
My Street: Queens Drive in Glasgow’s Crosshill district, 2.5 miles from the City Centre, was the
location of a 10-minute virtual tour by Joyce McNae. The McNae family moved in to their present
house in 1986 and Joyce gave a well-illustrated “run through” of Queens Drive which stretches from
Pollokshaws Road to Cathcart Road. There are four churches, three bowling clubs, one park and one
hotel within its boundaries. One outstanding building included was Hampden Bowling Club which is
the site of the first football stadium in the UK.
Secretary's Report: No report.
Tonight’s speaker: Catherine McMaster from the Glasgow Mediaeval Trust was well known in
Glasgow civic society having been a Baillie for 16 years, gave a very conversational and friendly
insight into Glasgow Mediaeval past, her aim being to “Preserve the past and Curate the future”.
Illustrations showing contemporary murals of St Mungo painted on a gable end in High Street and his
mother St Enoch in a similar position in George Street were familiar aspects of Glasgow’s 6th century
beginnings. Concentrating on the more spiritual aspect rather than actual buildings, Catherine told of
the Festivals of St Mungo ( winter fest) and St Enoch ( a summer fest) and of the connection with St
Asaph in Wales, where St Mungo (AKA St Kentigern) journeyed in the 6th Century. Catherine
illustrated several participants in the fests including musicians, and members of the clergy.
A lively question and answering interlude preceded a vote of thanks given by Brian D Henderson who
presented Catherine with a memento of her visit to the club.
The Competition this month asked to identify an illustrated mural and its location. This was of course
St Mungo and location in High Street was revealed in our speakers talk, but too late to be the clue.
Only a very small number of correct answers was submitted and on a first draw, a director declined
the prize and a subsequent pick out of the “hat” revealed Ann White to be the winner.
There being no further business, Mr McNae brought the meeting to a close and wished everyone a
safe journey home.
SL (for recording secretary)

Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
14th April 2022

held at Renfield Ctr, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow

Attendance: 55 Members plus 9 visitors

Meeting held at Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, on Thursday 14th April 2022

Chair: Vice President, Mr Artie Trezise welcomed everyone to the meeting, reminding everyone about

fire alarm procedures and mobile phones being silenced.

Apologies for absence were received from Gavin McNae, Bill Crawford, Joan Whitelaw, Colin

McCormick, Niall Houser, Margaret Thom and Ken Benjamin.

Minutes: Mr Trezise asked if everyone had seen a copy of the Minutes of the March 10th 2022

meeting, either by email or printed copy. He asked if there were any amendments. There being none,

the Minutes were passed on a proposal by Lucy McNae and seconded by Glen Collie.

There were no points arising.

President's Report: Mr Trezise encouraged members to take some of our revamped Club leaflets

and distribute them as widely as possible. The “My Street/House” feature was proving popular and

we would be looking for further contributors for next session.

Secretary's Report: Mrs Joyce McNae was able to resume her “what’s on” report now that many

venues had opened up once more. Joyce mentioned Glasgow’s Peoples Palace, Burrell Collection,

and the “Aye Write” venues as places where a visit would be worthwhile this spring and summer.

My Street/House: Glen Collie gave a fascinating account of his historical house (Newton Cottage) in

Elderslie, with slides showing his large garden which included a “second generation” oak tree which

had originated from the famous Wallace Oak. William Wallace was born in Elderslie and there were

many connections to Glasgow by various worthies in the town.

Tonight’s speaker: Dr Helen Williams : The Heritage of the Glasgow Printing Industry.

Glasgow’s printing history started about 150 years after the first examples appeared in Scotland

around 1508. At that time the King Printer was started by Geo Anderson from Edinburgh. Helen

explained that the first better quality publications were from firms like Foulis Press, booksellers at

Glasgow University and consisted mainly of classical and trade text. Explanation of the various

methods used were illustrated: 1800-Ironhand press which was a much faster process for

newspapers requiring larger paper sizes cylinder press, letter press and eventually lithography. The

printing industry was a very dangerous one with toxic chemicals being used at many stages in the

process. Typesetters had to learn to distinguish very small letters, hence the expression “mind you Ps

and Qs”!

Several well-known names in the Glasgow Area were mentioned including Blackie and Sons, William

Collins, John Watson and Bell & Bain. To augment printers with weekly periodicals, “Jobbing” was

carried out and firms gradually specialised in their own field, e.g., Gilmour and Dean (labels, bank

notes and cheques), Glasgow Corporation Printing works (stationery for local government), and

Glasgow Numerical Printing Company, specialising in transport tickets to name a few examples.

More information can be found at the Printing Trust’s website www.scottishprintarchive.org

A lively session of questions and answers concluded this most fascinating period in Glasgow’s

industrial past. A vote of thanks was made by Robin Muir who presented Helen with a memento of her

visit to the Club.

The Competition this month: featured an illustration of a statue and it was correctly identified as

being of William Collins (2) by Louise Duncan.

There being no further business, Mr Trezise brought the meeting to a close with a reminder of the

AGM to be held in the City Chambers on 26th May at 19.00, and to wish everyone a safe journey

home, a very pleasant Easter and summer break.

Stuart Little

(for Recording Secretary)

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club
14th May 2022

held at Glasgow City Chambers

Attendance
There were 27 members in attendance.
Chair
President Gavin McNae welcomed members to the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the
Old Glasgow Club, the first in the council chambers since 2019. Members were thanked
for their ongoing support, given a fire / safety announcement and requested that mobile
phones should be on silent mode.
Apologies
There were apologies given from Bill Crawford, Anna Forrest, Raymond Lawrence,
Catherine McMaster, Gaynor MacKinnon, Jane Collie, Glen Collie, Alison Sannachan, Ann
Manwell, Ian Frame.
Minutes
The minutes of the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the Old Glasgow Club had been
circulated and approved by Robin Muir , and seconded by Kenneth Benjamin.
There were no amendments or matters arising.
President’s Report
President Gavin McNae updated us on all things relating to his first year as President of
the Old Glasgow Club.
“Well here I am at the end of my first year as President. It seems like this first year has
gone in very quickly, and you know since our last AGM was in September 2021, it’s not a
surprise, my first year has only been nine months.
We’ve a lot to thank or blame Covid for and one of those things is the Old Glasgow Club
being short-changed on my Presidency. And I’ll leave you to decide whether to thank or
blame Covid for that situation.
I’d also just like to remind us all of how that came about. It was not on the cards for me to
be President until a couple of weeks before the September 2021 AGM. After extended
Presidencies from Stuart and Brian, Crawford had agreed to take on the role on the
proviso that I would be his Vice President, with a view to becoming President
after he had served a ‘normal’ two year term.
Over the summer of 2021, however, Crawford began to feel that his health was precluding
him accepting the office and therefore as Vice President in waiting as it were, I was asked
to step up”.
Gavin went on to describe his successful role as the Chair of the Community Council of
Govanhill for 12 years, which had come about in similar circumstances to his presidency
of the OGC.
During those 12 years his council were able to hold rogue landlords, criminal gangmasters,
property neglect and modern slavery to account when they forced the
government and police force to recognise the reality of what was happening to immigrant
workers from Romania, who were effectively slaves and being exploited in our city.
The upside of this is that modern slavery is admitted to and every company operating in
the UK is now required to have, and to publish, an anti-slavery policy.
Gavin has also been president of a club that he considers “even crustier” than the Old
Glasgow Club, The Nomads Club. When becoming president in 2003 he was viewed as
“unconventional”, with fears of what he might change while in office.
The fears were unfounded as Gavin takes the view that while each president of an
organisation may have aspirations to contribute something of themselves, a bigger
responsibility is the stewardship of the club and working with the established structure. It
is important to keep things going forwards while possibly leaning very gently on the tiller
for a slight shift of direction.
Taking on presidency of the Old Glasgow Club was easier for him since the established
structures of the club were built around the Hon. Secretary who, along with the treasurer,
had reinvigorated the club some twenty years ago. Also easier for him because, of
course, the Hon. Secretary is his wife Joyce.
Gavin knew that putting together the syllabus of speakers was a daunting and challenging
task. So, although he had some ideas about speakers, Joyce had the experience so he
tried to be supportive, not interfere too much and let her get on with it. It seems to have
worked as we are moving into the second year post Covid with increased confidence.
In the first presidential year there has also been some innovations, which by and large
have been successful.
Joyce and Gavin made a presentation about the OGC and its origins which was adapted
from one that Joyce had written when asked to give a talk at the Mitchell Library, at the
September 2021 AGM, the first post Covid.
It served to remind us of why we’re here and what the purpose of the Old Glasgow Club
is.
“By going back to William Liddell’s original idea for a Club - remember he said - Such an
association could meet and discuss municipal and other questions, exchange notes and
opinions on social and commercial life, hear reminiscences - all bearing on the past history
of Glasgow”.
By going back to this Gavin thought about how we might recapture some of that sense of
discussion and contribution of notes and opinions which would develop the club and get
back to that sense of engagement and enquiry.
It was when discussing his loss of photographs that he’d taken of the Queens Dock being
filled in before the SECC was constructed (which Peter Mortimer had admonished him
for) and asking people to look into their old photographs for interesting ones that might
be shared at meetings that another idea was sparked.
Discussing this at a subsequent directors meeting Artie came up with the much better
idea of the “My Street” slot at the beginning of the meetings. It might be a small
innovation but it has worked to knit the group more closely together and promote a sense
of engagement.
Another innovation we had this year was to produce a colour flyer. As before the idea is
for members to take these and distribute them around their local libraries, coffee shops
and maybe even to other groups who might be interested in coming along.
The next innovation came about from the new directors discussing directors business
cards. We were running out of our previous stock so Gavin designed a new one which
had a similar feel to the new colour flyer.
Either Artie or Cilla came up with the idea of dropping the word ‘director’ from the card
meaning that they could be given to all the members to give out.
The second breakthrough idea came from Robin Muir. He suggested that the cards could
be used as guest passes to meetings. So instead of invited visitors paying to come along
to a meeting, they could use a business card and get free entry.
From a members point of view it became very interesting because the club is effectively
going to give us half of our membership subscription back in terms of free guest tickets
for folks we might like to bring along to the club.
Each member who subscribes will receive, along with their membership card, three
business cards which, if used as guest passes, will have a value of £15, with the rule that
a person can only be a “guest” using a “free ticket” once.
Gavin thinks that this is a great innovation from this year's directors - and all happening in
his shortened first presidential year.
President McNae explained that there was a bit of a complication this year regarding the
President and Vice-President posts going forward.
Due to the clashes of timings between the Nomads Club and the Old Glasgow Club when
Artie is due to be our club president for sessions 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, and the
Nomads Club President in 2024, the same year that he would be embarking on his
second year of his Old Glasgow Club Presidency, meaning that he would be in the less
than ideal position of being president of both organisations.
Gavin came up with the solution of bringing Artie’s presidency forward by a year so that
he would be through his two year term of office before beginning his presidency of the
Nomads Club.
While Artie would step forward by a year, Gavin would in effect step backwards by a year
and serve as Vice-President until the end of Artie’s two year term of office, when he would
stand again as a presidential candidate and if elected, serve for one year to complete his
two year term.
President McNae tendered his resignation as President of the Old Glasgow Club to the
Honorary Secretary and stated that he would then conduct the election for President in
his role as immediate Past President.
Past President McNae thanked the directors who have worked really hard to support him
and to keep the club moving forward.
Secretary’s Report
Mrs Joyce McNae advised us that we should all have an AGM pack containing the
minutes of the 2021 AGM, an agenda for this evening, the Hon. Secretary, the Hon.
Treasurer report, the Recording Secretary and the Membership Secretary reports.
Joyce informed us of the talks that had taken place during the 2021/2022 session, and
how thankful we are to the speakers and all that assist in making the club work.
Also, how well received the new innovative members 10 minute slot at the beginning of
the meetings called “Your Street”. Beginning with Clouston Street (West End), Blairtum
House (Rutherglen), Queen’s Drive (Southside) and Newton Cottage in Elderslie.
Joyce asked us to read the Secretary’s report in full and ask any relevant questions.
Recording Secretary’s Report
Shona Crozer stated that although it had been a strange old time of it that we had
managed to maintain some degree of normality for session 2021/2022, with only one
meeting being via zoom.
She also stated that although she was officially Recording Secretary, that it took at team
to do them, with much help and input being given by Stuart Little at the ordinary
meetings, and Artie Trezise stepping in when Stuart was unable to attend a meeting.
Some 68 members receive the minutes via email, allowing us to cut down on paper and
printing usage. It was stressed that if someone wasn’t receiving them to notify us and it
would be rectified.
Membership Secretary’s Report
Colin McCormick informed us that despite the challenges of the covid pandemic that
membership numbers have remained relatively high for a club of this sort. There are
currently 76 members. (Including 5 Life Members).
Colin invited any relevant questions.
A club member asked what Life Memberships meant and were they still available. Past
President, Brian D. Henderson replied that the club haven’t offered Life Memberships for
quite some time and a decision was taken at some point in the 1980s that it wasn’t viable
to offer them as once the member had paid that lump sum they no longer contributed to
the annual running of the club.
Treasurer’s Report
Mrs Margaret Thom circulated the club accounts for year ending 31st March 2022
(session 2021/2022) and invited members to ask any relevant questions.
The accounts were found to be in good order and had been examined by James N.
Gibson and Sallie Marshall.
The adoption of the report was proposed by Stuart Little and seconded by Brian D.
Henderson.
Librarian’s Report
Mrs Anna Forrest’s Librarian Report circulated at the 2015 AGM still stands.
Election of Office Bearers
Past President McNae asked the members if they were in agreement with the proposal of
Vice-President Trezise becoming President a year earlier, and asked them to vote. All
members present voted and were unanimous in the vote for new president, Artie Trezise.
President - Artie Trezise. Proposed: Gavin McNae, Seconded: Joyce McNae
Past President McNae congratulated President Trezise on his new position and handed
the chains of office over to him.
President Trezise thanked Gavin McNae for being so accommodating and rearranging his
presidential term/s of office to suit him, and that his first job would be to propose Gavin
as Vice-President.
Artie went on to explain how a Fifer with a Cornish surname had such a strong
connection and love of Glasgow. He first came to Glasgow in the 1960s as a student, with
Cilla joining him some 50 years ago.
They moved to Fife when they had kids, made some money and moved back to Glasgow
when they closed down their business. He loves being back in Glasgow and makes good
use of the facilities that the city has to offer. Enjoying the theatre, eating out, being a
guide at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and teaching refugees.
Artie stated that things would continue pretty much as normal with him as President
because the club is pretty well run and he intends to do his best by the club. One thing
that the club did need however was new members and the business cards as a ticket is a
great way of introducing new faces to the club.
President Trezise invited club secretary Joyce McNae to go
through the syllabus of talks.
September 8th - ‘Urban Palaces: The Glasgow Tenament’ with John Burns
October 13th - ‘Grahamston - Glasgow’s Forgotten Village’ with Kevin Scott
November 10th - ‘Sulman’s Map’ with Steve McFarlane
December 8th - ‘Who cares for Sculpture’ with Stephanie de Roemer
January 12th - ‘It’s Behind You - Glasgow’s Pantomimes’ with Ryan Moir
February 9th - ‘Glasgow’s Forgotten Trolleybuses - a forgotten folly?’ With Stuart Little
March 9th - ‘No 99 Calder Street - A History of Govanhill Baths & Washhouse’ with
Bruce Downie
April 13th - to be confirmed
May 11th - AGM at Glasgow City Chambers
President Trezise thanked Joyce for all her hard work in confirming the speakers and
stated that he had best get his first job of nominating his Vice-President and the election
of office bearers started.
Vice-President Gavin McNae Proposed: Artie Trezise, Seconded: Joyce McNae
Hon. Secretary Joyce McNae Proposed: Brian D. Henderson, Seconded: Iain Henderson
Hon. Treasurer Margaret Thom. Proposed: Elizabeth Cassidy, Seconded: Kenneth Benjamin
Membership Secretary Colin McCormack Proposed: Crawford Cassidy, Seconded: Jane Sheridan
Recording Secretary Shona Crozer Proposed: Crawford Cassidy, Seconded: Joyce McNae
Moving on to the election of directors. Although Cilla Fisher is at the end of her three year
tenure, she is eligible to be put forward as a director again.
Cilla Fisher Proposed: Robin Muir, Seconded: Gavin McNae
Stuart Little 2nd year of 3 year tenure
Gaynor MacKinnon 2nd year of 3 year tenure
Kenneth Benjamin 2nd year of 3 year tenure
Robin Muir 2nd year of 3 year tenure
President Trezise thanked the continuing office bearers for their support with the decision
making and running of the club.
Appointment of Examiners
Jim Gibson Proposed: Artie Trezise, Seconded: Gavin McNae
Sallie Marshall Proposed: Cilla Fisher, Seconded: Robin Muir
President Trezise expressed thanks to Jim and Sallie for their continuing support to the
club.
Other Competent Business
President Trezise enquired if there were any points that members wished to raise?
Past President, Brian D. Henderson stated that as well as congratulating President Artie
on his appointment, he had a few, brief updating points inclusive of last AGM.
Enquiries are still ongoing regarding the possibility of a plaque in St Enoch Square to
mark the centenary of the final service at St Enoch Church on 1st February 1925, which
also happens to be the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Old Glasgow Club.
The feature that Brian was writing about The Savoy Theatre of Varieties, Hope Street and
its 110th anniversary was featured in the Glasgow Times, Times Past, 18th December,
2021, should anyone be interested in reading it.
There is a radio interview with Brian and documentary arranger, Tom Hurley being
broadcast on Radio Tipp Mid West, Tipperary on 21st June at 6.30pm, and three further
Tuesdays. The interview relates to service man, Private Francis Coreri, who was killed
tragically in a train accident. His family came over to Kinning Park to live. A sad but
fascinating story which can be heard on tippmidwestradio.com
Lastly, Brian asked for a show of hands from members who were still interested in the
proposed visit to Al Farooq Mosque, the former Crosshill Victoria Church. The visit would
be no more than an hour long, and would take place on a Saturday morning around
10.00-10.30am. There was an enthusiastic show of hands from interested members.
Brian thanked the directors and members for their time.
New President, Artie Trezise informed us that it was reassuring that things seemed to be
getting back to a new normal and that there were four Old Glasgow Club events that may
happen in the coming months.
The club’s Tappit Hen Bowling Competition is planned for 15th September at the big
bowling pavilion at Kelvingrove, the J.A.S. Wilson Memorial Walk in October, a visit to the
Al Farooq Mosque and the possibility of a treasure hunt in the new session.
Vice-President, Gavin McNae, said that he had two points that he would like to raise.
The first point being that we should recognise that club member Iain Henderson was
going to reach that bus pass age in a few months and we should really wish him a happy
birthday. There was applause from all present at the AGM.
The second point being to acknowledge the hard work that club director, Ken Benjamin
had put into his initiative asking members to record their views of the COP26 Conference
and thoughts of our planet and how we can save it. COP26 took place in Glasgow from
31st October 2021 - 12th November 2021.
Gavin put the proposal to the members that Ken should be reimbursed for his £30
printing costs.
This proposal was put to a vote, which was unanimous and approved by Irene Louden
and seconded by Brian D. Henderson.
Close
President Artie Trezise thanked everyone for attending the AGM and reminds everyone
that they can pick up their membership forms from the Membership Secretary, Colin
McCormack as they are leaving.
A safe home was wished to all, with a hope to see those members that could make it to
the first meeting of the 2022/2023 session in September.