Original May 1920 issue of Colville’s Magazine featuring the Glengarnock Gleanings section. Includes a profile and portrait of Mr. William Blue, a long-serving Blast Furnace worker with over fifty years’ service, along with reports on social events, football activity, Works organisations, and community life. Fully transcribed and preserved below – original scans are above (pp. 84–86).
The issue also features a humorous and lively poem titled “The Boilermakers’ Ball,” performed by G. Muir and Mr. J. McBlane, with an original recitation by Mr. A. H. McNaught, as well as a further industrial-themed poem, “If—,” by J. M. Walker of Glengarnock Works, reflecting the language and trades of the Works community.
People Mentioned in This Issue (not alphabetical)
The following individuals are named in this May 1920 issue of Colville’s Magazine, including workers, performers, organisers, and community figures:
- William Blue
- J.M. Walker
- Frank Fraser
- Mrs. M. A. Whyte
- Mrs. A. H. McNaught
- Miss Carleys
- G. Muir
- J. McBlane
- Queen (surname only given)
- Barclay
- R. Barclay
- Dr. H. Broom
- John Drysdale
- A. B. Millar
- James Callen
- John Anderson
- P. A. Abernethy
- W. Darroch
- J. Millar
- Alexander McCallum
- Charles Robertson
- J. Calder
- D. Logan
- G. P. West
- Miss P. Busby
- Jack Bray
- Wm. Fyfe
- D. Copland
Portrait (see scan)
Mr. William Blue
Mr. William Blue has behind him a long record of 52 years’ service spent about the Blast Furnaces in these Works. He was born in Glengarnock on 16th March, 1859, and began work as a Boy Moulder at the pig-beds, at the early age of nine.
In those days all tramping of pig-beds was done “barefoot,” and the attendant discomforts were many and varied, while wages were very low. A 12 hours’ day was then the rule, and one did not require to be possessed of a strong physique to carry home the daily pittance of 10d. or 1s. As a boy the highest wage earned by our friend was when the daily rate rose to 1s. 6d., about the year 1872.
In course of time, and as he grew stronger, he became a Furnace Filler; and he relates how much more rigorous the “barrow” work was then than is the case to-day. At that time nine Furnaces were in operation, eight being constantly in blast, and Casts were only made once in 12 hours. The system of “lifts” for conveying barrows to the top was one whereby a large tank, filled with water, descended and raised the cage, running parallel and containing the full barrows, of somewhat lighter weight. The water was then drawn off and the empty barrows returned to the bank, and so on, the process being repeated for each charge.
Mr. Blue continues to perform his duties cheerily and vigorously, and has the best wishes of his fellow workmen for an extended period of health and activity.
The Annual Social and Dance of the Glengarnock and Kilbirnie Boilermakers’ Society was held in the Orange Hall, Glengarnock, on 16th April, Mr. Frank Fraser in the Chair. About 35 couples sat down to tea.
The musical part of the programme was ably sustained by Mrs. M. A. Whyte, Mrs. A. H. McNaught, Miss Carleys; Messrs. Queen, McNaught, Barclay and the Chairman. Afterwards the company tripped the light fantastic toe into the small hours of the morning, Mr. R. Barclay acting efficiently as M.C.
G. Muir and Mr. J. McBlane rendered songs, and Mr. A. H. McNaught gave an original recitation entitled:
The Boilermakers’ Ball
You may talk about your talk abouts and all you talk about,
But I’m doing all the talking, don’t you see?
And what I’m going to talk about you very soon will know,
It’s all about the Boilermakers’ Spree.
The last one was a great success, as everybody knows,
But this one it by far eclipses all;
For ages long both Glengarnock and Kilbirnie they will talk
Of nothing but the Boilermakers’ Ball.
There were over twenty ambulances
And barrows by the score,
And all who couldn’t fight that night
Had never fought before.
We had to get the Fire Brigade
To clear the blessed hall,
And all who were alive will mind
The Boilermakers’ Ball.
You may talk about the feeds you’ve had; but ours it was all right.
For first course we’d tomatoes, bloaters, castor oil and tripe.
The next, potatoes, and ice cream, boiled ham, beef, and cruds,
And we finished up with pickles, custard, lemonade and spuds.
The singing then began—in style; Big Aggie’s man was there;
McGinty, the gaffer’s labourer, occupied the chair.
We sent out invitations to the branches, one and all,
To come and spend a night with us at the Boilermakers’ Ball.
There were over twenty ambulances,
And barrows by the score,
And all who couldn’t fight that night
Had never fought before.
We had to get the Fire Brigade
To pour on them a stream—
I thought I got a soaking,
But I found ’twas all a dream!
On 7th April, the members of the Works Ambulance Class and their friends held a Social and Smoking Concert in the Hut Colony Dining Hall, to do honour to their esteemed lecturer, Dr. Broom. Mr. John Drysdale presided; and after an excellent repast, a very fine programme of vocal and instrumental music was enjoyed.
Dr. Broom presented two Re-examination Certificates, one Medallion, and seventeen Certificates from the St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association to the successful students, and congratulated them upon their good work.
On behalf of the members of the Class, Mr. A. B. Millar then presented Dr. Broom with a handsome silver teapot, as an evidence of their esteem and warm appreciation of his services, and in the course of his speech made reference to the many fine qualities, social and professional, of Dr. Broom. Mr. James Callen was also presented with a case of pipes in recognition of his valued assistance as Class Secretary and Instructor.
Both gentlemen fittingly replied; and Mr. John Anderson subsequently spoke, emphasising the need and value of Ambulance training.
The following Office-Bearers were duly elected, and nominations to other offices will be announced at a later date:
- Vice-President—Mr. P. A. Abernethy
- Hon. Surgeon—Dr. H. Broom
- Commandant—Mr. James Callen, Ambulance Room
- Assistant Commandants—W. Darroch, Ambulance Room, and J. Millar
- Committee—Alexander McCallum, Charles Robertson and J. Calder
The first meeting of the Section will be held at 4 o’clock on Sunday, 13th June, and thereafter on the first Sunday of each month at the same hour.
Works Bowling Club
The Works Bowling Club Green was opened on Saturday, 24th April, under most auspicious conditions. In the absence of Mr. G. P. West, Hon. Vice-President, Mr. D. Logan, President, declared the Green open.
The members present then proceeded with a short game of 9 ends; and at the close of a most enjoyable game the scores stood: President’s, 21; Vice-President’s, 20.
The Club’s first fixtures are:— Glengarnock v. Kilbirnie, at Glengarnock, 28th May. Glengarnock v. Kilbirnie, at Kilbirnie, 7th June.
Garnock Tennis Club
The Garnock Tennis Club opened its season on Saturday, 24th April, when there was a good turn-out of members and friends. For an opening day, play throughout was of an excellent order, and the various foursomes were enthusiastically and keenly contested.
Tea—kindly provided and daintily served by the Ladies’ Committee—was much appreciated during the afternoon.
A most enjoyable season is anticipated, and a welcome will be extended to new members. Particulars can be obtained from the Secretary, Miss P. Busby, Garnockside.
Welfare F.C. Dance
The Welfare F.C. First Grand Select Dance was held in the Walker Memorial Hall, Kilbirnie, on 24th April, and proved to be one of the most popular events of a like nature ever held in the district.
The arrangements were entirely in the hands of the younger members, and their enthusiasm and organising ability were reflected in the attendance of over 80 couples, from far and near, who entered into the intricacy of the latest dances with the greatest zest and gracefulness.
Mr. Jack Bray made an inimitable M.C.
Mr. Wm. Fyfe’s Orchestra contributed very largely to the success of the gathering by its excellent rendering of appropriate music; while the purveying department was most acceptably attended to by the ladies.
The function was voted such an unqualified success that insistent demands arose for another Dance at an early date. The promoters, however, mindful of the old Skye proverb, “There’s another day to-morrow,” and believing in a judicious mixture of grave and gay, ask those who encouraged them with their support to “bide a wee.”
Welfare F.C. Matches
The Welfare team were indebted to their good friends, Kilbirnie Dibs, for a splendid practice game on Ladeside Field, on 7th April.
For various reasons Glengarnock had to take the field with substitutes for three of their regular players; but despite that handicap the first half was keenly contested and produced no scoring.
In the second half, greater skill and experience, combined with better stamina, told their usual tale; and though Glengarnock retired beaten by 3 goals to 0 they kept their “tails up” the whole time and thoroughly appreciated a most enjoyable game.
On 10th April we met Alley & McLellan’s Welfare Club at Polmadie in the Fourth Round, Prince Albert Cup Competition.
The game was yet in its infancy when a penalty was awarded to our opponents, who scored from the resultant kick, though a gallant attempt to save was essayed by our goalie.
The outstanding feature of the game was the strong defence shown by both sides.
In the closing minutes we had the misfortune to register another goal against ourselves, and thus made our exit from the Competition in a somewhat disappointing manner.
This tie was generally considered to be an extremely difficult hurdle for either team to surmount; and as Alley & McLellan’s succeeded in clearing it, we wish them every success in their future engagements.
The home team hospitably entertained us in the Works Canteen after the game.
Though now out of the running for the Cup, Glengarnock has played some fine games throughout the season; and as it possesses much good material, endowed with plenty of youthful vigour, we predict a bright future for such a combination, provided the members keep together as they have done for the past two seasons.
Our younger Welfare Team has been given a bye in the First Round of the Mavor Cup, under the auspices of the Scottish Welfare F.A. We wish them every success in the Competition.
Departmental games have been the evening attraction here of late, and incidentally have brought fresh talent to light. The Engineers might have ousted the Rolling Mill Swifts by virtue of avoidipious alone; but they preferred to stick to orthodox methods and have all the more credit in winning their tie. Rolling Mill (Soakers), a combination strongly tinged with Cup-tie and League flavours, met Scheme “B” No. 2, and vanquished them by 4–3.
The arrangements for our Annual Sports Meeting (under S.A.A.A. Laws) to be held on Kersland Field, Glengarnock, on 12th June, are well advanced.
The Committee hope the entries may be even more numerous than last year; but this is likely to be achieved only by an increase in the number of Competitors in the events confined to our Works. The Committee, therefore, appeal for a full measure of support in order that the Sports may be an unqualified success. A provisional list of Events is appended, but the Committee have under consideration certain valuable suggestions for additional events tending towards creating a wider interest in the day’s sport.
Mrs. John Colville has kindly consented to present the Prizes at the close of the Meeting.
List of Events
- 100 Yards Flat Race Handicap (Open).
- 220 Yards Flat Race Handicap (Open).
- Half-Mile Flat Race Handicap (Open).
- One Mile Flat Race Handicap (Open).
- Schoolboys’ Race, Employees’ Children.
- Dancing, Highland Fling, Girls under 16, Employees’ Children.
- 100 Yards Flat Race Handicap, under 18 years, Employees only.
- Half-Mile Handicap, under 18 years, Employees only.
- Relay Race, Inter-departmental, under 18 years.
- Tug-of-War, Inter-departmental, any age, eight in Team, one Coach.
- Five-a-Side Football Competition, Inter-departmental, under 18 years.
- Five-a-Side Football Competition, Inter-departmental, over 18 years.
Handicapper—Mr. D. Copland, S.A.A.A.
Entries (other than Football) close on Saturday, 5th June. Football Entries will close on Saturday, 22nd May, with the Hon. Secy., Mr. A. B. Millar, from whom Entry Forms and information regarding the Sports may be obtained. Further particulars will be circulated from time to time throughout the Works.
The Guide Mill habitues are gay sparks indeed! They now propose a jolly picnic to Rothesay by motor and steamer, on Saturday, May 15th, and only good weather is required to ensure the outing being the huge success it deserves to be. Motors leave the Orange Hall, Glengarnock, at 9-30 a.m. for Largs. Steamer from Largs to Rothesay at 10-55 a.m. There will be a “chiel among them takin’ notes” for next month’s Magazine.
Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, a “Happy Thoughts” Box, similar to that installed at Dalzell, will be placed at the Time Office, Main Entrance, and at Scheme “B,” for the convenience of contributors who wish matter forwarded to the Magazine, and for the reception of any suggestions or communications intended for Mr. A. B. Millar, Welfare Supervisor.
The boxes will be cleared regularly and their contents transmitted to the proper quarters. A list of Magazine Representatives and a note of the monthly closing date for reception of Magazine matter will be posted beside the boxes. The present system of handling articles to Departmental Representatives or to Mr. Millar will be continued for those who wish to avail themselves of it.
“If—”
By J. M. Walker (Glengarnock Works).
If the Chemist tried his “metal,”
And the Melter showed his “steel,”
Then the Brickie wouldn’t settle
Till he “hudd” let out his “reel.”
The Engineer might try a “feeler,”
Then the “Sparks” would get a “shock,”
And the man who wields the pencil
Would be tempted to “take stock.”
If the Craneman heaved his “think-box”
High above the clanging din,
Then the Heater would let “gas off,”
And the Roller might “chip in.”
If the Engine-man would “grip her,”
Ease his “throttle” a few times,
Then we’d have the lively Nipper
Reading some Plate-layer’s “lines.”
If the Painter only showed his “grain,”
Or the Plumber made a “bend,”
The Rigger then might try to “strain”
The Joiner a “bit” to send.
If the Blacksmith had a “blower,”
And the Carter had his “nag,”
Then above all else would soar
Colville’s Workers’ Monthly “Mag.”!
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