Glasgow (South) Crusader Class

Polnoon 2012 (with video)

2012-01-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

With NY Day falling on a Sunday the 2012 swim was held over till the 2nd this year. Seven hardy souls turned out including two from a potentially new generation of Polnooners (that we hope we can pass this hideous tradition onto as soon possible) Michael Hunter & Alistair Mowat.

The weather was a balmy 3.50c this year - but the water was postively icy and you did need to shake the hailstones out your underwear when getting dressed. Above the quagmire that was the football pitch this year.

Above: Tommy MacKay & Pete Dawson. Other 'swimmers' were Nigel & Keith Mowat and Andy Hunter.

Polnoon 2011

2011-01-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

Despite one of the coldest Decembers on record - the temperatures mercifully rose above freezing a few days before Jan 1. This meant that instead of having to break the ice we could just swim in melted ice. After the traditional football game (5-2 to Tommy & Peter) it was all in for the first dip of the new decade.

One of the bigger turnouts at Polnoon in recent years.

ANNUAL REPORT 1938-39

2010-01-15T08:16:00.001-08:00

Crusader Union Annual Report

This annual reports contain vast details – every class, with its meeting time, leaders, their addresses, every missionary… For this year, there were 152 Crusaders on the mission field, 259 ordained ministers and 2,547 in other forms of Christian service. During the year, 287 Crusaders left classes to go into Christian service.

BADGE PRESENTATION CARD

2010-01-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

For attendance on 10 consecutive Sundays (later it was just 10 Sundays), the enamel pin Badge was presented along with this card. The badge was to be worn as a witness at all times. Boys at Glasgow (South) were always reminded that there were two places they must wear the badge, one was at the Sunday Class - the other was everywhere else!

CAMP BROCHURES

2010-01-13T09:04:00.001-08:00

The kit list below shows what the well dressed Crusader took to camp in 1962. It included one’s ‘bathing suit’, and even ‘stockings’.

In the earlier days Camps were big. Advance parties in the 60s had to set up enough bell tents to sleep 300.

LEARNING THE ROPES

2010-01-13T09:01:00.001-08:00

A manual for Camp officers, from 1961. It began by asking potential leaders to ‘sit down and count the cost’ before going to camp, and ended: ‘May you be ready to pay the price to the full and reap an eternal reward’

LOG BOOKS

2010-01-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday the details of the Class were faithfully kept - Chairman, hymns etc all noted. Here are a selection of some pages.

Top: 1928 (a real link to the beginning of Crusaders in Scotland).

Middle: 1990.

Bottom: 1993 (which notes those speaking on objects brought to the annual 'Object Sunday' - where prizes were awarded to people who brought objects illustating Bible verses.

POLNOON - THE BEGINNING

2010-01-13T08:42:00.001-08:00

Possibly late 60s.
These may be just about the earliest photos of the New Year Swim (although some of Tommy's dating of these photo's is pretty suspect). Tommy claims to have done these first NY swims on his own (presumably the photographer didn't count). Whatever the date we're sure he was still wearing those shorts up to the late 90's.

Evidence that this must have been in the very early days of Polnoon - I mean, he's wearing white trousers!

CAMP PITLOCHRY - 1937

2010-01-13T08:27:00.001-08:00

This photo is signed on the back, ‘J C Eaton’, first Class Leader of Glasgow (South).

AVIEMORE CAMPS - EARLY 1960s

2010-01-13T08:24:00.001-08:00

For many years Glasgow (South) was always well represented at Camps, both by boys and Leaders. The red marker points to Tommy MacKay. Three along from him in black is Blair Armstrong.

In the 2nd row from the front, starting 8th from left, are four Crusader ‘notables’ – Dr David Dunnett, Rev Ian Fisher (Maybole Parish Church), Dr John Boyes (probably the most famous camp ‘Commie’) and Ken Robertson, later Scottish Crusader Secretary. Dr Boyes opened morning prayers every day with the cry, ‘Good morning, boys’, to which all responded, ‘Good morning, Boyes’.

POLNOON MID-70s

2010-01-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

From back: Mark Lochhead, David Hankin, Jim Stewart, Julian Guse, Robert Armstrong. These were the days of the yellow Capri. This was the Glasgow (South) transport for activities in the mid-70s. Up to 14 travelled in it!
From back: David Hankin, Tommy MacKay, Jim Stewart, Mark Newstead & Robert Armstrong

ANNUAL REPORTS

2010-01-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

A Selection of Crusader Union Report Covers...
This was the period when Crusaders was at its peak in terms of numbers nationally.

RECRUITING SHIELD

2010-01-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

The 'Recruiting Shield' awarded to the the boy who brought along the most new recruits in any given year. Below: an old recruiting 'cheque book'.

RECRUITING LEAFLET (1958)

2010-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

CLASS PHOTO - 1958

2010-01-06T13:36:00.001-08:00

Class at its temporary meeting place at Shawlands Academy; Mr Armstrong on left, Mr Hill on right.

SCOTTISH CRUSADERS JUBILEE DINNER 1977

2010-01-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

Tommy MacKay is back row 5th from right. This is a Scottish Crusader photo.

CLASS PHOTO - Mid 1970s

2010-01-06T13:31:00.001-08:00

Outside the British Legion Halls, Baker Street Shawlands in 1970s.

OPEN DAY LEAFLET 1973

2010-01-06T13:29:00.001-08:00

VERY EARLY CLASS PHOTO

2010-01-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

A rare early photo of the Class – perhaps 1930s?

RESTART LEAFLET

2010-01-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

SWIMMING GALA

2010-01-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

The annual trip to the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh for the Scottish Crusader Swimming Gala. This evening event was usually preceded by an afternoon trip to the Zoo, Castle or a 'Five Nation Rugby Match'.

LANGSIDE HALLS 1960s

2010-01-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

A special Class meeting (an ‘open day’ – a Class with parents and friends invited) in the 60s, with Mr Armstrong giving the 'Word'.

QUEEN'S PARK VENUE - 1980s

2010-01-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

For a period we went to Strathbungo CofS for the 1st 2 Sundays in June each year because our meeting place at Shawlands Cross Church was not available. Many of the ‘usual suspects’ in these photos can be identified. Probably early 80s.

THE LEADERS' BOARD

2010-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

The famous ‘Board’ with the names of all Leaders, Ministers and Missionaries from Glasgow (South) from 1927 on. This is the first picture of it we have of it (1960s). Back row: Tommy MacKay, Ronnie Stitt (R. Stitt), Kenneth Armstrong, Blair Armstrong. Front row: a TV personality and Mr Armstrong. In the background is Bob Christie.

BAKER STREET GETAWAY (Killearn Housepary 1974)

2010-01-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

At Baker Street, ready to leave for the Killearn 1974 Houseparty (Alistair Gilchrist in front middle; Gordon Hankin front right, behind him Julian, Jim to his left, then David Hankin).

CLIFF RICHARD

2010-01-06T12:54:00.001-08:00

Blair Armstrong interviews a young Cliff Richard for an ‘open day’ at Langside Halls in the 60s. Blair was a civil engineer but he did radio interviewing for BBC and then for Gospel Radio Fellowship.

POLNOON 2010 - New Year's Day Swim

2010-01-01T14:09:00.001-08:00

Global Warming laughs in our face with a fortnight of freezing temperatures - leaving the house at 9.30am the gauge in the car reads -4.5c. Peter Dawson thoughtfully turns up with a sledge hammer to make a path through the ice but forgets to bring a football (!) - so despite one of the highest turnouts of the decade (6!) pre-swim activity is restricted to snowballing the telegraph pole and pushing Tommy about.

However all such matters are quickly overshadowed by Tommy's swimwear - yes, eradicating all the goodwill Help the Aged have generated by years of tireless work, he is wearing a MANKINI. Those with weak hearts and sensitive consciences should look away now...

THE (UNOFFICIAL) CLASS ANTHEM

2008-12-24T01:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to John 'Great Grogs' Grogan for reminding us about this....

Jonathan Edwards' Glasgow South Anthem

We are the Glasgow South Crusader Class
And we'll battle for our rights
We were born in 1927
When attendance was quite light
And now we go from strength to strength
As we tread the narrow way
We are the Glasgow South Crusader Class
And we'll win the victory!

DAILY READING NOTES

2008-05-14T10:44:00.001-07:00

Glasgow (South) was so committed to getting God's Word into the lives young men that every month (for a period spanning three decades) it produced it own monthly Bible Notes - The 'Daily Reading Notes'. Over the years many of the leaders and others contributed comments to go with the daily Bible readings. It was Tommy MacKay who initiated them and who sat up in the wee hours of the last day of each month typing them up on Banda stencils.

For those who received them (they were personally hand delivered!), the great excitment was reading the 'Front Pages'. For in the opening pages was to be found the catalogue of chaos that was Tam's existence. Stories about budgies, Trans-Ams, Tunnock's Teacakes, plastic polar bears, and the Giffnock Constabulary were eagerly awaited each month. Over the years most of the Bible must have been covered - and each month Mars Bar tokens were on offer for doing the 'Memory Verses' (word perfect, of course).

What a brilliant way to get boys interested in the greatest Book ever written.

SPORTS DAYS

2008-04-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Scottish Crusader Sports Days were faithfully attended by Glasgow (South) - I say 'faithfully' because it was generally about the taking part rather than achieving sporting glory that marked out these annual days in May for our boys. Grangemouth Stadium was the venue (pic above) and undeterred by our ranking somewhere below the 'Lenzie Special Needs Team' we ran, jumped & hopped giving our all - and this was before the PC days of medals for losers!

Not that it was all making up the numbers - the class did produce a few budding olympians over the years. Ewan Sanderson winning the 100 & 200m finals in 1991, Richard Knak winning the High Jump the same year (although those who remember Richard will realise that that involved him more or less stepping over the bar). David Campbell achieved glory in 1990 winning the all-comers Steeplechase - ah to see DC with the wind in his hair and to smell the vapour trail of Ralgex as he passed by - those were the days!

'THE CRUSADER' - MAGAZINE (VOL. 1)

2008-03-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

In April 1979 Volume 1, Number 1 of 'The Magazine of Glasgow South Crusader Class' first rolled off the Banda machine in Tommy MacKay's lounge. So precious was this publication to prove that it only made a further 7 appearances in the following 14 years.

Each volume had three editions - and there is probably nothing else that single-handedly captures the flavour of Glasgow (South). The first edition included articles on the Loch Ness Monster, Fishing, Sir James Simpson, the Waverly Steamer, Creation, and Electronics.

Yes within these pages Southers were informed about Diodes, Paternoster Tackle, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, who was Chair of Midwifery at Edinburgh University in 1840, Pauline theology, all while stocking up on the worst selection of 'Waiter, waiter' jokes you've ever heard.

The original magazine team consisted of Hugh L Armstrong (Honorary Editor); Thomas AWN MacKay (Editor); Julian V Guse (Front Cover Designer); Craig Barclay (Back Cover Designer)

LENDALFOOT HOUSEPARTY 1991

2008-03-26T11:47:00.001-07:00

Lendalfoot on the Ayrshire coast became a popular destination in the latter years of the Spaghetti & Quiche Houseparty Tour. The centre was snuggly tucked between the sea and the main A77 truck road - meaning that Wide Games were likely to end up with someone either very wet or mown down by the Glasgow-Belfast Express Coach (I don't think we did actually lose anyone to the latter but our admin' was very poor - so who knows).

A 'highlight' of the 1991 Houseparty was the problem solving event on the beach (left). Another bonus at Lendalfoot was being in the vicinity of where the notorious cannibal family of Sawney Bean used to live - which was a great basis for the Friday night ghost story. Finally those who remember David Campbell's famous 'Captain Clean-up's Clean Down Operation' speech will be pleased to know that Dave was able to walk again around 1998.

POLNOON 2008

2008-01-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

1st January 2008 - the Enoch Burn in full spate ensures that there will be no possibility of it being crossed 'dry shod' - so soaking footwear even before the pre-swim football game is the order of the day. Above right PD takes part in the traditional 'hitting the pole with a stone' activity (NB the NY swim is a complex and multi-layered ritual that has evolved over many decades - a vertitable minefield of social protocols and taboos).

Above left, the football game takes on the increasingly usual format of 3 against 2. The 3 (Andy Hunter, Colin Macleod & Tommy MacKay) quickly take a 10-4 lead - the winning score being first to 11. However, in an astonishing comeback the 2 (Martin Boyd & Peter Dawson) pull back to win 10-11. Afterwards Peter reflects that the turning point in their fortunes came when they decided that the tactic of two up-front wasn't working!

Class Photo - mid/late 80's

2007-12-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

Sporting a fine collection of pencil thin ties, v-neck Pringles, and haircut tragedies in this rare Class photo taken in Shawlands X CofS back hall are:

Standing (L-R): Julian Guse; Graham Harold Galbraith; Gregor Thomson; Alistair Gilchrist; David Torrance; David MacDonald, Martin Boyd; John Grogan; Crawford Thomson; Dougie Sanderson; Nigel Mowat, Andy Hunter; Tommy MacKay & Jim Stewart.

Sitting (L-R): Mark Edwards; Peter Sanderson; XXX; Gerard; Ewan Sanderson; Peter Candlish; Colin Wardrobe; Colin Durward; David Wardrobe & David Allison.

Apologies for those unnamed and/or libelled - please email with correct details if you can.

FOUNDED 1927 - SOME HISTORY

2007-12-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Above: Telegram from the Queen - from an article marking South's 50th Birthday in 1977.

Crusaders started in Scotland in October 1927 with the first meeting of Glasgow West Class at 3 Horselethill Road in Kelvinside. Two weeks later on 16th October 1927 Glasgow South Class started in Langside Halls under the leadership of Stephen Cox and Jim Eaton.

In the years that followed Glasgow (South) had 19 elected leaders - among the longest serving were Robert S.Hill, leader from 1935-60 (who was at that very first Crusader meeting in Kelvinside), and Hugh L. Armstrong, leader from 1950-81.

Over the years Glasgow (South) met in a number of places all close to Shawlands Cross. Numbers saw their peak in the inter-war years with around 80 attending.

FEARNAN HOUSEPARTY - 1992/93?

2007-12-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

Remember those long hot summers when men's shorts were just a bit too short!

Fearnan on the banks of Loch Tay became a popular Houseparty venue during this period with the traditional Saturday afternoon trip to Pitlochry. The vehicle pictured (top) was not the result of a Junior Section craft activity but is Julian Guse's 'Scamp' - always popular with those who enjoyed travelling close to the ground in a motorised clothes airer. Below, always sure to attract a cluster of teenage boys, is Colin 'Shem' Campbell's motorbike.

It was at one of these later Fearnan Houseparties that the first 'Treasure Hunt Revolt' took place - boys actually refusing to spend three hours walking miles along the verges of busy A-roads trying to decipher woeful anagrams in return for cheap confectionary. Extraordinary!

HOUSEPARTIES - THE COMPLETE LIST

2007-12-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

From 1961 no Scottish town between the moors of Kinlochrannoch and the beaches of Ayrshire could rest easy - for this was the era of Glasgow (South) Houseparties and camps. In later years Julian Guse took responsiblity for the catering and thus appeared the classic Breakfast option of Spaghetti & Quiche on the Crusader menu!

Pics Below: Graham Galbraith competes with a Tea Towel for the boy's attention during the traditional rundown of Houseparty rules. A winter walk across Lake of Menteith (possibly 1980) - conveniently saving us having to pay the ferry fare.

For the record the complete Houseparty Tour was:
1961 Millport
1962 Millport
1963 Largs
1972 Gean House
1973 Gean House
1974 Killearn
1974 Fintry
1975 Dykehead
1976 Fintry
1976 Kinlochrannoch
1977 Overtoun House
1978 Dykehead
1978 Overtoun House
1979 Arden House
1980 Arden House
1980 Killearn
1981 Arden House
1982 Lawyers
1983 Dykehead (Banned)
1985 Killearn
1986 Fearnan
1988 Lendalfoot
1989 Fearnan
1990 Fintry
1991 Lendalfoot
1992 Douglas West
1992 Fearnan
1993 Fearnan
1994 Lendalfoot

GOLDEN BELLS

2007-12-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

Forget your new fangled PowerPraise and remember instead the great hymns and choruses that were lustily bellowed out every Sunday long before Football teams had coined the phrase 'fog-horn chorus'.
Can you still remember the tunes to:

Soldier, soldier fighting
All hail the power of Jesus' Name
The God of Abraham praise
One day when heaven was filled with His praises
Tell me the old, old story
Dare to be a Daniel
Low in the grave He lay

Unfortunately we don't have any old copies of 'Youth Praise' or the SU Chorus Book to scan - but favourite choruses (accompanied by guitar or piano-accordian) included:

Can it be true?
If any man will follow
Yesterday, today, forever
The best book to read is the Bible
Build on the Rock
I'm feeding on the Living Bread
No never alone

And very occasionally the 'Crusader Chorus'...
The Lord hath need of me / His soldier I will be / He gave Himself my life to win / And so I mean to follow Him / And Serve Him faithfully. / So although the fight be fierce and long / I'll carry on, He makes me strong / And then one day His face I'll see / And oh the joy when He says to me / 'Well done', my brave Crusader.

THE RUNNING COURSE

2007-12-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

Five miles or 8160m's of undulating tarmac south of Newton Mearns - known simply to Glasgow Southers as 'The Running Course'. The home of activities such as the Rope Swing, 'Listening in' at The Forest, the Survival Club, the Scaring and even some occasional running.

Savour the memories created just by the mention of names like 'the detour', 'the smelly burn', 'Harold's corner', 'Nae Heid's bit', 'pylon hill' and the 'avenue of trees'.

The Running itself required Crusaders to do the 5 miles in under 50mins to get 'on the board' so to speak. If you did the course in over 50mins it was advisable to feign some kind of injury or just hitch hike home and emigrate if possible. Below 50mins Mars Bars were awarded if you lowered your time by certain margins.

Running past 'Nae Heid's bit' (below) was always sure to quicken the pace of even the unfittest runners.

At the competitive end the course record was 31.30mins by Gregor Thomson - this is the time mentioned in David Campbell's 1990 Crusader Mag article entitled 'Sub 30' as the one to beat.

Apparently Tommy MacKay had offered to give anyone beating the 30min barrier £100 - which was a lot of money in 1978! We assume that this offer still stands.

The records we have include times such as -

1980/1: Mark 'I spewed up on the way - horrible brown stuff it was - but I just kept on running' Scott 33:46; Gregor Thomson 34:17; Tommy MacKay 37:29; Douglas Sanderson 37:30; Craig Barclay 38:13; David MacDonald 39.00; Martin Boyd & David Allison 40.07; Robert Scott 40:54; Eddie Anderson 40:58; Crawford Thomson 41:20; Andy Hunter & Graham Galbraith 42:45.

1984/5: John Mowat 40:23; Tommy Mackay 33:30; Andy Hunter 33:24.

Below Left: The killer section that is Pylon Hill;

Below Right: The Avenue of Trees, not far to the home stretch of the Stewarton Rd.

POLNOON - IN THE SNOW

2007-11-30T07:09:00.001-08:00

A good turnout despite the snow allowed for one of the more credible footy games of recent years (the 2 against 1 sides are always slightly tedious). However, the large number was quickly wittled down when it came to the swim itself.

The NY swim always involves such mature and sensitive male-bonding activities as throwing Tommy's trainers & towel on the fire, soaking the last guy across the burn by throwing rocks in the water as he jumps, laughing at anyone showing signs of distress or pain on entering the pool, and not catching the bag of anyone throwing it across the river in an attempt to keep their stuff dry. Just can't understand why more people don't come out on Jan 1st?!

BOAT RACE - 1990s

2007-11-30T06:58:00.001-08:00

The unmanned entrants never quite raised the excitment of their 'manned' counterparts but at least they actually worked.

Some more examples of the increasingly ridiculous 'manned' attempts to cross Maxwell Park pond in the mid 90s. You may be surprised to learn that neither Julian Guse or Colin MacLeod (pictured) are trained engineers.

BOAT RACE - SS CERTAIN DEATH (1991)

2007-11-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

The annual Boat Race probably reached its ultimate hubris with the appearance of 'SS Certain Death'?

Certainly it represented the combination of two tragic phenomena: (1) the taking of something trivial far too seriously & (2) the involvement of someone with far too much free time.

However, as a spectacle the sight of a submarine being dragged across Maxwell Park pond was probably worth the hours of effort.

CAIRNGORM TRIP 1983

2007-11-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

Another Crusader classic - the climbing trip to the Cairngorm mountains. Beginning with a 9 mile hike to the shores of Loch Einich (picture) the seven climbers (Nigel Mowat, Norman 'Fowler' Palmer, Dougie Sanderson, David Allison, Andy Hunter, Tommy MacKay & Iain Johnstone) pitched their tents. The wind, however, turned gale force and the night was spent trying to keep them standing up. The next day allowed for some actual climbing and the peaks of Cairn Toul & Braeriach were knocked-off. Back at camp the wind was unabated and after several vain relocations it was decided to strike camp and make the 9 mile trek back to the car in darkness.

One problem - we only had one car for the return to Glasgow (the other driver who had taken half of us up had selfishly not waited in the car park for two days to take us back). So it was seven + rucksacks into the white Jag - and a hair-raising drive home in the early hours of the morning while we tried to keep Tommy awake at the wheel. Another glorious example of Glasgow (South) planning - wonderful!

FOOTBALL TEAMS 1990s

2007-11-29T14:17:00.001-08:00

Glasgow (South) could generally rely on being humbled on the football pitches of Crusader tournaments. But what chance did we have? This was a group of boys whose soccer skills were honed among the cow pats and ankle breaking ruts of Polnoon's farm land.

The inadequacies of tactics such as some old guy shouting 'cover' and 'spread it wide' were quickly exposed on any moderately flat surface. Even the change to trainers or football boots from Doc Martins and Wellies failed to enhance the deft touches of our boys - a 'deft touch' at Polnoon being the ability to hoof the ball 50 yards across the field and outrun the pack around you to the ball before hoofing it another 50 yards...etc

INDEX

2007-11-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF SUBJECTS

Annual Reports - Scottish Crusaders
Annual Report - 1938-39
Anthem - Unoffical Class Anthem
Badge - Presentation Card
Baker St Getaway - Killearn Houseparty (1974)
Cairngorm Trip 1983
Camp Brochures (1946 / 1962)
Camp Leaders Manual (1961)
Camp - Aviemore Early 1960s
Camp - Pitlochry 1937
Class Photo 1930s
Class Photo 1958
Class Photo - Mid 1970s
Class Photo mid/late 80's
Cliff Richard
Committee Meetings
Boat Race - 1990s
Boat Race - SS Certain Death
Boat Race - Water Ski-ing
Daily Reading Notes
Football Teams 1990s
Golden Bells
History - Founded 1927
Houseparty - complete list
Houseparty - Fearnan 1992/3?
Houseparty - Killearn 1974
Houseparty - Killearn 1980
Houseparty - Lendalfoot 1991
Insect Race
Jubilee Dinner 1977 - Scottish Crusaders
Langside Halls 1960s
Leaders Board
Log Books
Magazine - 'The Crusader' (Vol. 1)
Marlborough
Message - of Glasgow (South)
Open Day Leaflet 1973
Polnoon - 2007
Polnoon - 2008
Polnoon - 2010
Polnnon - the Beginning
Polnoon - in the snow
Polnoon - mid 1970s (yellow Capri)
Polnoon - The Big Freeze (96)
Queens Park Venue 1980s
Recruiting Leaflet 1958
Recruiting Shield
Restart Leaflet
Running Course
Sports Days
Sunday Class - 1980s
Swimming Gala Edinburgh

THE CLASS COMMITTEE

2007-11-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

Remarkably there was actually planning put in to the running of Glasgow (South). Every month the Committee would meet to discuss high doctrine, Health & Safety issues and generally have a rammy in someone's house.

The picture is from a meeting (you can see how seriously we took things in those days) in John Mowat's home - it records a rare moment when John wasn't on the phone in the other room. Other venues included the basement of Tommy's Synagogue where the highlight of any supper provided was just finding a clean mug.

THE BOAT RACE - WATER SKI-ING

2007-11-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

The annual Boat Race moved from Queen's Park pond to Maxwell Park pond about 1990. It was probably around this time that entries became even more competitive and outrageous.

On the left is an early proto-type of the type of entry that would increasingly dominate the 'manned' section of the race. Observe firstly the notion that it might be a good idea to try and water-ski across a park pond, secondly that this could be achieved using a plank of wood and some washing line, and thirdly that enough momentum could be generated by 4 guys pulling said washing line from the other side of the pond! What could possibly go wrong?

THE MARLBOROUGH

2007-11-29T08:22:00.001-08:00

"You'll be off at the Marlborough" - words to deter any young boy from damaging car upholstery or pinging a driver's ears.

The Marlborough at the corner of Baker Street in Shawlands was of course the meeting point for Crusader activities for many years (possibly decades). Whether on Saturday morning for the trip to the Swimming Gala in Edinburgh, or at 6.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays for weekly activities, or Friday nights for the House Party - it was the Marlborough where Glasgow Southers would gather in eager anticipation and wait for the appearance of leaders cars and/or minibus. Cries of 'front seat' would ring through the air at any sighting of white Jags, RS2000s, Ford Capris or that shopping trolley contraption Jules used to drive about in.

CONTACT US

2007-11-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

You can contact us with your comments, memories, Lawyers Writs and photos either by posting a comment on an entry or emailing us at: christmasdog@hotmail.co.uk

It would be great to hear from ex-members: send us a photo of yourself with an update on what you've done since your time in the Class and we may do some 'where are they now' entries.

POLNOON - THE BIG FREEZE

2007-11-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

January 1st 1996

The year temperatures in Glasgow dropped to -25c over Christmas - burst pipes everywhere. Even with a slight thaw by New Year the sight confronting the Polnooners on January 1st was positively polar. The pool was sealed in by at least 6 inches of ice and the waterfall itself had frozen as if in suspended animation.

Obviously a year (if there was ever to be such a year) that the swim would have to cancelled - at least that's what we were secretly hoping despite our outward bravado. But Tommy just happened to have a spade in his car - great! So after much bashing away enough ice was removed to allow the 'swim' to go ahead. Heated (no irony intended) debate then took place as to whether those entering the water could hold on to one of the icicles as a 'safety precaution' - some felt that 'holding on' of this sort would compromise the requirement to fully submerge your body. Eventually, as you would expect from the type of people involved in this activity, common sense prevailed and holding on to the icicle was permitted.

THE MESSAGE

2007-11-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

Why Glasgow (South)?

The heartbeat of the Class was the message of God's love in Jesus Christ. The desire of every leader was to share with others the truth that had transformed their own lives - the truth that Jesus was God's Son and had given His life on the Cross for fallen people. For everyone who attended the Class it was a message they were quickly familar with - as, Sunday by Sunday, in chats going round the Running Course or in the mini-bus to East Kilbride baths, the wonderful plan of God to forgive sinful people and transform them into Christ-like people was explained.

For Andy Hunter the realisation that he needed personally to ask for forgiveness and give his life over to Jesus came in 1980 at the age of 13. So after a Monday night at Polnoon he was last to be dropped off and in the front seat of the mini-bus prayed asking Jesus to take charge of his life. Many others over the years did so in various places and at various stages of their lives.

For many ex-Southers Jesus continues to be the centre of their lives - for others perhaps the centrality of Jesus in their lives has faded over the years. If you are more in the latter group then as well as enjoying the memories of Crusaders why not take some time to remember the message.

For a refresher in the faith check out: 2 Ways to Live.

THE INSECT RACE

2007-11-27T13:45:00.001-08:00

Glasgow (South) literally left no stone unturned in providing activities that would get the interest of young males - the annual Insect Race was keenly anticipated and passionately contested. Care was taken of the competitors although there were one or two unfortunate casualties - what can I say: teenagers with big feet and no-coordination! The pic is the boys surrounding the arena - a centre circle with an outer perimiter ring - first across the outer ring got the glory. Sad - but we didn't have PlayStations in those days!

SUNDAY CLASS - 1980s

2007-11-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

At the heart of Glasgow (South) was the Sunday Class - after the British Legion Hall on Baker Street was burnt down the Class met from the early 80s in Shawlands X CofS (Lesser Hall). Culturally it was the end of an era - teenagers in suits, Golden Bells and of course the AV. The message, however, was timeless and shaped many lives - so here's to the Senior, Inter & Junior sections, hymns with theological content, the 'SU chorus', word perfect Memory Verses and even Julian's fiendishly complex competitions.

KILLEARN HOUSEPARTY 1980

2007-11-27T13:09:00.001-08:00

Ah, the smell of fusty outdoors centres, the discomfort of camp beds, meals produced at a cost that would cause outrage at Barlinnie, the Friday night ghost story and the universally hated Sunday afternoon Treasure Hunt. But for those who went Glasgow (South) Houseparties were a magical part of their life.

The pics are from the 1980 Killearn Housepatrty. Ever etched in the memory by a combination of Tommy's photocopied (5p a page from the machine in Central Station) mock-up of the Glasgow Herald 'proving' that we were sleeping in a haunted classroom and Alistair Gilchrist's hidden & remotely controlled tape-recorder that issued blood curdling howls in the night.

The individuals on the beds are David MacDonald (Muck-D) and Eddie (Sweaty Betty) Anderson. Playing snooker is Robert (Gruntage) Grant & Andy Hunter.

Email your Houseparty pics and anecdotes to the site email: christmasdog@hotmail.co.uk

POLNOON 2007

2007-10-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Glasgow (South) may be no more but the annual New Years Day Swim at Polnoon continues. 2007 was not the worst weather-wise (just wet, windy and generally foul) but nevertheless only five ex-Southers made it out (always a great number for the pre-swim footy game!).

The group photo is Andy Hunter, Peter Dawson, Colin Macleod and Tommy MacKay (photo taken by Martin Boyd).

Hoping to see some old friends and new fools in years to come, who are happy to expose themselves to hyperthermia and the odd argricultural disease.