Norwood Trophy – History – Lenzie Bowling Club

At the Annual Dinner of Lenzie Bowling Club, held on 14th January 1904 at Lenzie Hall, Baillie David Perry made an offer to provide a prize for competition between the Kirkintilloch Clubs and our own.

Following this, the following representatives were appointed to meet with the Baillie –

Westermains Club – Messrs. Sunter and Couser
Kirkintilloch – Messrs Thom and Gillespie
Lenzie – President, James Moir and Secretary, Andrew Bolton

At the meeting, arrangements were made for the Competition for the Perry Trophy. The Competition would be held on the last Saturday of June.

A Committee was formed and Rules arranged. The “Perry Trophy” was thereafter designated the “Norwood Cup”, due to David Perry wishing not to have his name attached, out of modesty. His house name was used instead! Mr. James Moir proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Bailie Perry for the handsome gift provided for competition between Lenzie and the Kirkintilloch Clubs.

Bailie Perry, later said the cup was gifted in a very hurried way in a very hurried moment. He was at a dinner where the Lenzie Bowling Club had kindly invited him to be present, and it was suggested by Mr. Sunter of the “Kirkintilloch Herald” that a cup or trophy would be an excellent thing to be gifted to the players of the bowling clubs in Lenzie and Kirkintilloch. He there and then said he would give a cup, and the arrangements were made and most enthusiastically carried out… …He thought it would be a wise thing to continue their dinners, and they might get another cup presented to them!

First played for in 1904

21^st June 1905

THE NORWOOD TROPHY

The second annual competition for the handsome cup presented by Bailie Perry, Norwood, took place on Friday evening, in splendid bowling weather. The cup is played for each year by Lenzie, Kirkintilloch and Westermains Bowling Clubs, two rinks competing on each green, and 25 ends being played. The game was originally fixed for Saturday forenoon, but had to be altered, and in order to get the full number of ends played, a start was made at half-past five. Play continued till close on 10 o’clock, and the results were taken to Lenzie, and made up by Mr. Bolton, the secretary of the committee charged with the management of the competition.

On the secretary making up the cards, the scores were found to be:-

The cup was presented at a gathering in the Lenzie Bowl-House. Mr. John Ferguson, president of the Lenzie Club presided, and in a few introductory remarks said they had a very enjoyable game, and in some cases a very close game. Speaking for his own rink, there had been nothing but good fellowship between their opponents and themselves. He then asked Bailie Perry to hand over the cup to the winning club.

Bailie Perry said the second competition for the Norwood trophy was now a thing of the past. After a keenly contested and hard fought game Kirkintilloch Club was again the winner. They were all quite pleased to congratulate the men who had won the cup that night. It was most creditable to them, but at the same time there was nothing discreditable to those who happened to be the losers. The Kirkintilloch bowlers would have to keep themselves up to the mark as there would be a still stronger effort made next year to take the cup from them. It was quite possible that many of them would have liked to see the honours going round but no one would grudge the cup to those who had played best for it. There would be a good deal of disappointment among the Lenzie players that they had not been able to get the cup that night, and no doubt they would do their best in another year. It would have been a great pleasure to him to be of any assistance to the game of bowling in the community, and he had more pleasure in looking on that night than many of the players themselves. He referred to the number of county championship trophies held by Kirkintilloch and Lenzie Clubs and expressed the hope that such success would be long continued. In handing over the cup to President Simon, he remarked that it was not filled with liquor of any kind, but with congratulations and all good wishes for the club’s success in the future. (Applause.)

Mr. Slimon said that he was extremely pleased that his club had again won the cup. They had only managed that by good play. They had played their very best, and had to play all they knew to count all the shots. Lenzie had been a little unfortunate in being second for the second time in succession but they could console themselves with the thought that they were second to a good club, (Laughter.) He was quite willing to admit that Lenzie was the best club in Scotland, and Westermains the best in Dumbartonshire, but Kirkintilloch was the best in the burgh. He believed that the best club had won, and he hoped in all future competitions that would be the case. In taking over the cup, he expressed the hope that the same good friendly spirit would be displayed in the competition as had characterised he play that night.

Provost Service said he was not quite certain whether he should rejoice over the victory of Kirkintilloch, or lament over the defeat of Lenzie. He was between two difficulties. He was delighted that Kirkintilloch had won, because it was the town he had so much at heart, but he regretted that Lenzie had lost, because it was the place directly represented by him. Put on the principle of warfare that the spoils fell to the victors, he thought the cup had gone to the right men. He proceeded to say how indebted the bowlers of the district were to Bailie Perry for what he had done for the encouragement of the game. Bailie Perry was one of their most public-spirited citizens, and one to whom the whole community were very greatly indebted.

Mr. David Couser, on behalf of Westermains, made a few remarks. He was sorry their president was not there to speak for the club. It was rather unfortunate that it had fallen to him to speak, because he was responsible for Lenzie not winning the cup. Their defeat was neither due to the weather nor the condition of the green. They have been favoured in both respects. He felt that he had been playing against gentlemen, and he could sincerely congratulate them upon their victory. He mentioned the approaching county competition, and expressed the hope that their defeat that night would but spur them up to their very utmost to retain the county cup.

Mr. Dodds proposed a vote of thanks to the committee, after which some little refreshment was partaken off, and the proceedings terminated.

The Kirkintilloch players drove down to the town in a 4-horse brake, bearing with them the cup and afterwards the president entertained a party at his house.

23rd June 1905

THE NORWOOD TROPHY – ANOTHER WIN FOR KIRKINTILLOCH

Last Friday evening the bowling clubs of Lenzie, Westermains, and Kirkintilloch competed with four rinks a-side for the Norwood Trophy, presented for competition a season ago by Bailie Perry. Play took place in delightful weather on the Lenzie, Kirkintilloch and Westermains Greens, and at each of their greens the games were watched by deeply interested crowds. The results were forwarded to the Lenzie Green, where the figures were announced by Mr. Bolton, the secretary of the Lenzie Club, as follows: (see above)

Kirkintilloch Club were winners with 33 shots up, Lenzie was next with 25 up, and Westermains had lost 58 shots.

President Ferguson, Lenzie, said that they had had a very close and enjoyable game, and in the case of the rink they were opposing, they had nothing but good fellowship. (Applause.)

He called upon Bailie Perry, who said that the second competition for the Norwood trophy was now a matter of past history. After a very keenly-contested, hard fought game, Kirkintilloch Club had once more come in winners. (Applause.) While they were all quite pleased to give congratulations to the men who had won the cup, they, at the same time, knew that there was no discredit to those who happened to be losers – (applause)- and they could tell the Kirkintilloch Club that they would require to keep themselves up to the mark because a still stronger effort would be made next year to take the cup from them. It was quite possible that many bowlers would have liked to see the honours go round, but no one would grudge those who played the best game getting the cup. (Applause.) In Lenzie he knew there would be a great deal of disappointment, both amongst the old people and the young people that Lenzie had not been able to win the cup. One of his own little girls was almost moved to tears when he told her last year that Kirkintilloch had won the cup, and when he later told her that he had seen the trophy displayed in Kirkintilloch in a shop window, she said, “Oh, father, surely they have not pawned it already.” (Laughter.) It had been a very great pleasure to him to help on bowling in the community. There was a beautiful feature in bowling that in almost all cases they had beautiful surroundings, the players walked over a green carpet, with beautiful sky overhead and pure air around, and the game made him forget all his worries and better able to fight his battle next day. He never heard a man regretting that he took up bowling. They ought to be pleased that their district stood so high as prize-takers in games and recreations. Their various clubs were presently loaded with honours. Westermains bowlers hold the County Cup, Lenzie Golf Club held the Dumbartonshire Golf Cup, the Rob Roy Football Club held the County Junior Football Cup, and the Liberal Draughts Club hold the County Cup for draughts. (Applause.) He had great pleasure in handing over the cup for another year to the Kirkintilloch Club. (Applause.) As a rule cups were filled with liquor, but in this case there was no liquor, but the cup was handed over filled with all good wishes.

Mr. A.M. Slimon, president of the Kirkintilloch Club, said that the club was extremely pleased to have won the cup for the second time in succession. They entered into the competition with the determination to lift the cup that evening –(applause)- and the result had been entirely due to good play. They had played their very best and had been successful. Lenzie was unfortunate in being second for the second year in succession, but they were second to a good club. (Laughter.) He believed that Lenzie was the best club in Scotland, that Westermains was the best club in Dumbartonshire, and that Kirkintilloch had proved the best cub in the Burgh of Kirkintilloch. (Laughter and applause.) On play, the best club won, and he hoped that would be the case in all future competitions. (Applause.)

Provost Service said he felt in a difficulty, whether to rejoice with Kirkintilloch or lament with Lenzie. (Laughter.) He was delighted that Kirkintilloch had won, seeing he was so deeply interested in the town, but he felt regret that his more direct constituency of Lenzie had lost. On the principle of war – the spoils to the victor – the cup had gone to the best players. He was sure that Kirkintilloch would honourably hold the cup, and no effort would be spared to retain it. The bowlers in the district were greatly indebted to Bailie Perry for the encouragement he gave to bowling. They were indebted to Bailie Perry for very many benefactions, and for the evry great interest he took in the town, of which he was one of the most public-spirited citizens.

Mr. D. Conner, on behalf of Westermains, congratulated the winners. They, of course, liked to hold something, and they would go next Saturday prepared to bring back the County Cup to Kirkintilloch. (Applause.) Last year they experienced a defeat of 51 shorts and won the County Cup shortly after, so that the defeat was a stimulus to go forward on Saturday and retrieve their lost laurels. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. W.D. Dodds, Lenzie, called for a vote of thanks to Bailie Perry and the committee, and the proceedings closed with cheers for the winners.

A four-in-hand was in waiting, and the Kirkintilloch players were driven home, the cup, in the custody of President Slimon, occupying a prominent position on the “dicky.” Throughout their journey home the refrain was a parody of “Will ye no’ come back again,” transposed into “The Perry Cup’s come back again.”

1907

Norwood Cup Competition

The annual competition for the Norwood Cup, presented by Bailie Perry, Norwood, Lenzie, was played off on various greens on Friday night. This year added interest was given to the competition through the admission of Woodilee. Shortly after ten o’clock, in Lenzie club-house, Mr. A. Paterson initiated the results as follows:-

At the close, Bailie Perry said that the Norwood Cup had been played that night for the fourth time and had been won and lost. As most of them would know, the cup was won the first two years by Kirkintilloch Bowling Club. Lenzie won it last year and they had again won it that night for the second year in succession. It seemed to him that the clubs who won the cup were so fond of it that they hadn’t got the heart to give it up, and wanted to hold it for at least another year. There was one thing that they had to congratulate themselves on that night – that the cup had been competed for under most favourable conditions. They were most fortunate in having good weather, and that always gave a good game to all. They had a new feature this year – they had a fourth club competing. They had an application from the Woodilee Club to be allowed to take part in the competition, and he was glad to say that at a meeting of the representatives of the three clubs it was unanimously agreed that Woodilee should be allowed to compete for the cup. He was sure they were delighted to see them taking part in the competition, and although they had not been successful in that their first attempt, they might yet be able to lift the cup. Lenzie were very strong as regards sports, and they seemed to him to have quite a sporting nature in that district. Amongst the many different sports – golf cricket and tennis and football – it seemed to him that of all the different pastimes and sports the bowling seemed to come out strongest. There was no doubt about it, they were very strong in that district in bowling clubs. The other day they had the Kirkintilloch Westermains lifting the Dumbartonshire Cup, and that club had won the cup six or seven times, and it did that club honour to bring the cup to the district so often. This year Lenzie had scored 92 against their opponent’s 24 giving them a majority of 68 shots. He thought that was an excellent record, and they only had one match to play. They hold a very good position in the matter of bowling. In handing over that cup to Mr. Deas. The president of the Lenzie Club, he gave him his heartiest congratulations on the splendid manner in which his men had played that night, and he thought he was safe in giving them the congratulations and the goodwill of the losing clubs. He hoped that in future they would have many good keen games such as they had that night, and he trusted that the cup would long be competed for and give great pleasure and happiness to the competing clubs. He had great pleasure in handing over for one year the Norwood Cup to the Lenzie Club.

In accepting the cup. Mr. D. Deas said he need hardly say that it great pleasure indeed to take home that handsome trophy for another year. They had to fight pretty hard before they got the custody of it, and he told them straight that they would fight hard to keep it. They had done their level best to retain the cup that night. There was one very pleasing thing connected with the competition – there was not a single jar, as far as his knowledge went, not a single nasty expression or nasty word amongst the four clubs. That was a very nice sportsmanlike attitude for the clubs to take up. Speaking for the green that he played on, everything passed off most harmoniously, and he thought he could say the same for the other greens. He thanked Bailie Perry for his kind expressions, and he asked Mr. Speirs, one of the trustees of their green, to say a few words.

Mr. Speirs proposed a vote of thanks to the players who had played on behalf of the club that night, for the skill and ability they had displayed in upholding the honour of their club. He was not much of a player himself, but he generally paid his subscription and took an interest in the game, and as a non-playing member he wished to propose a vote of thanks to the players who upheld their honour that night.

Mr. J. Quail (Kirkintilloch) said he did not think he should have been there at all that night seeing as he was not playing. He was sorry that their president had seemingly lost courage and stayed away, but he expressed the good wishes of the Kirkintilloch Club in congratulating the Lenzie folks on winning the cup for another year. He did not know whether it would have been different had he been playing but they could not help it now.

Mr. Tiffin (Westermains) said he was sorry to say that he was in a different position that he was six days ago when he had the honour of responding for the winning team in the County Cup, and he was sorry indeed to think that they made such a collapse in that local event. He had some idea that they might pull through – in fact he had every confidence that they would – but somehow or other they hadn’t. It was remarked that the Norwood trophy was generally won two years in succession by any club that competed for it, and as Kirkintilloch had won it twice, and Lenzie twice, Westermains, who had not yet won it once, he hoped would soon follow suit, and when it came to double figures they would appear there too. Somehow or other they had more courage when playing from home than when playing locally, but perhaps they might do better next year and record their first win. He congratulated the Lenzie people on the handsome game per rink in which they had played. It was a big score. They seemed to be the only club above zero –(laughter)- as all the rest were down. It was not a very pleasant position to reply for a defeated club.

Mr. Cooper replied on behalf of Woodilee, and congratulated Lenzie on winning the cup. They were not the lowest in the competition, and he hoped that Dr. Marr would have the cup opposite him sometime in the near future.

Mr. Deas proposed a vote of thanks to Baillie Perry for his presence there that night, and for the interest he had taken in the competition for the last four years. It said a great deal for a man in Bailie Perry’s position to spend so much time in supervising and looking after that competition year by year. It showed that he took a hearty, kindly interest in all their sports, and he asked them to record a hearty vote of thanks.

Bailie Perry, in reply, said the cup was gifted in a very hurried way in a very hurried moment. He was at a dinner where the Lenzie Bowling Club had kindly invited him to be present, and it was suggested by Mr. Sunter of the “Kirkintilloch Herald” that a cup or trophy would be an excellent thing to be gifted to the players of the bowling clubs in Lenzie and Kirkintilloch. He there and then said he would give a cup, and the arrangements were made and most enthusiastically carried out. That enthusiasm had continued, in fact, it seemed to him to be increasing, so the next year perhaps, if they were spared to hand over the cup, he thought that club-house would hardly be able to hold the players. He thought it would be a wise thing to continue their dinners, and they might get another cup presented to them.

9^th June 1911

NORWOOD BOWLING TROPHY

The annual competition for the Norwood Trophy was held on Tuesday, the matches were played on the greens of the Kirkintilloch, Westermains, Woodilee , and Lenzie Clubs, Fine weather was experienced. At the close the cards were forwarded to the Lenzie Club house, where Mr. L. Boyd, the secretary, tabulated the results and announced the scores as follows:-

Dr. A.G. McIntyre, president of the Lenzie Club, was in the chair, and called upon Provost Perry, who said they had just finished the eighth competition for the trophy. Kirkintilloch had won it 4 times. Lenzie twice already, Westermains once and now Lenzie had won it again. (Applause.) He had made the round of the green and was pleased to see the nice spirit shown by the bowlers in the competition. (Applause,) He believed the competition had played its part in creating good feeling amongst the bowling clubs in the district. While he was at Kirkintilloch green he observed a photo in which three cups won by the club featured – the Richardson Trophy, the District Cup and the Norwood Trophy. (Applause.) It was now Lenzie’s turn, and he was sure no other club would grudge them their victory.

Mr. A.C. Inglis, on behalf of Kirkintilloch club, also felicitated the winners. He took the liberty of suggesting that it would be very nice if the members of the winners’ highest up rink had something tangible in their hands to show their sweet wives when they went home that they had really won the cup. (Applause and laughter.)

Mr. Currie, for Woodliee, also congratulated the winners.

Votes of thanks to Provost Perry, to Mr. L. Boyd for his secretarial duties, and to Dr. McIntyre for presiding, closed the proceedings.

5^th June 1912

The Norwood Trophy

The competition for the Norwood Trophy, presented by ex-Provost Perry, took place last night on the greens of Kirkintilloch, Westermains, Woodilee and Lenzie. The result was declared at 10.15pm in the Lenzie bowl-house by Mr. Lachlan Boyd, secretary of the Lenzie Club, who had charge of arrangements. Kirkintilloch were returned winners with 16 shots up, an average of 4 per rink. Lenzie made a good second with 13 up, and average of 3.25 per rink. The detailed scores are:-

Ex-Provost Perry, after expressing his pleasure at coming out to Lenzie that night and also his thankfulness at the weather having kept up for the competition, said he was glad to say that the cup had been keenly competed for, and there was really very little between the Kirkintilloch and Lenzie Club, the former being 16 up and the latter 13 up, with an average of 4 and 3.25 per rink respectively. That showed that there was very keen competition in the game. He might mention that this was the fifth time that the Kirkintilloch Club had won this cup. (Applause.) Last year it was held by Lenzie. (Applause.) There was one thing he would like to say – he thought he had said it there before – and it was , with regard to the play for this cup, which had gone on for quite a large number of years, he had noticed, from the very beginning right on up till the present time – and he hoped it would long exist – the splendid feeling that existed between all competitors for this cup. (Applause.) He had noticed every year that when the winner was mentioned the other clubs who were the losers were among the first to come forward and compliment the winners on their victory. A good feeling like that existing between local clubs was an excellent thing, and he hoped it would long continue. (Applause.) Speaking of the Lenzie Cub, the ex-Provost said that he hoped he would be able to come out to Lenzie on some of the summer evenings, and have a game of bowls. (Applause.) He had left his bowls there, and he was still a member of the club. (Applause.) Although he had left Lenzie it would be a great pleasure for him to come back now and again. There people he wouldn’t forget, and he trusted they wouldn’t forget him. (Applause.) The president of the Kirkintilloch Club, Mr. James Gray, wasn’t here, but they had the secretary Mr. Gillespie, to whom he would like to hand over the cup. He would just like to say that it was a good thing to see the honours going round, and he hoped next year that one of the other clubs who had not been successful this year would be successful then. (Applause.) Westermains had won the cup once and he would like to see Woodilee “toeing the line.” (Laughter and applause.) He had great pleasure in complimenting the Kirkintilloch Club on their victory. They played very well for it. (Applause.)

Mr. Gillespie made a few remarks in acknowledgement, and County Councillor Speirs, Mr. McFadyen, of the Woodilee Club, and the Chairman also spoke. The last mentioned, in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to ex-Provost Perry, said he hoped that the Provost would be able to come out to Lenzie sometimes and enjoy a pleasant game.

Ex-Provost Perry, replying, said he was not sure that the Town Council rink was defunct or not. He should like very much if the Town Council rink would be brought back to life again, and he would have great pleasure in coming to Lenzie in such a game. They used to have some delightful games, and they results were very close. In fact in one case it was an absolute draw. (Laughter and applause.) If he could manage it, he would do his best to get the old rink up again, (Applause.)

1912

The Secretary read a communication from Mr. Perry in connection with the Norwood Cup, offering a subscription of £5 in the event of the Clubs arranging the match to take place as a means of getting money for the Belgians, but after discussion, Mr. Christie moved that we abide by our previous decision, and this was agreed to.

12^th June 1928

Norwood Trophy

Ex-Provost Perry came out to Lenzie last night to present his cup to that Club, who won it a week ago by 17 shots.

In presenting the cup, ex-Provost Perry said he had a special pleasure in handing it over to Lenzie, his old club, of which he was still an honorary member. He noticed it was 24 years since he gave the cup, and it had been played for 22 times. Kirkintilloch headed the list of winners, having had in 8 times; Lenzie, 5 times; and Woodilee and Westermains 4 times each. He hoped it would always conduce to the same friendly spirit of rivalry as it had done in the past.

1929

NORWOOD TROPHY PRESENTATION

Speaking of Kirkintilloch, he related how on a recent visit to South Africa, he was entertained by a Kirkintilloch man, whose name was Downie, who had been head of the Natal Railways, and was now retired. Since he was last in Kirkintilloch, the town had got a feather in his cap through one of its citizens having been appointed Under Secretary for Scotland. Now that they had a native of the town in that position they should get all their grievances put right – flooding of the Kelvin, the Canal Bridge, and so on. (Laughter.)

Mr. Thomson, in accepting custody of the Trophy , said that ex-Provost Perry required little introduction. Those who had been long in Kirkintilloch knew what great things he had done for the town, not only did he spend a great deal of his time looking after the affairs of the town, but he spent a great deal of money also, and, for his services they respected him very highly. In presenting this cup to the bowlers, he had done much for the popularity of the game in the district.

Mr. Robt. Graham, in the course of a few remarks, said he had a vivid recollection of the first night the cup was competed for. His then employer was a keen bowler, and he was very excited that night, and very irritable next day. (Laughter.) In the 25 years of its existence the cup had gone round with a fair amount of regularity to each club. He congratulated Westermains on being the winners this year. The team spirit was very much on evidence in the club this season. Every player in the rink was as keen as could be, and the rinks showed a determination to win, which had resulted in great success to all their games.

1929

Ex-Provost Perry, after expressing his pleasure at being present, remarked that it was all nonsense to speak of bowling as an old man’s game, for looking around the green that night, he had seen only two old men, and he was one of them. It was a game that made for sociality in a large sense, yet when he presented the cup 25 years ago, he did not know that it was going to give so much pleasure to Clubs in the District. On these annual visits of his he was impressed and pleased to see the fine spirit in which the different clubs complimented the winners, no matter who they were. Speaking of Kirkintilloch, he related how on a recent visit to South Africa, he was entertained by a Kirkintilloch man, whose name was Downie, who had been head of the Natal Railways, and was now retired. Since he was last in Kirkintilloch, the town had got a feather in his cap through one of its citizens having been appointed Under Secretary for Scotland (Applause.) Now that they had a native of the town in that position they should get all their grievances put right – flooding of the Kelvin, the Canal Bridge, and so on. (Laughter.) Coming to the presentation of the cup, he found it had been won 9 times by Kirkintilloch, 6 times by Lenzie, 5 times by Westermains, and 4 times by Woodilee, so that the cup was going well round. (Applause.) He hoped that would long continue. He hoped they would have many more keen tussles, and if they carried them through in the same spirit as in the past, his cup would give them still more pleasure and enjoyment in the future. (Applause.)

1935

12^th June 1935

The Norwood Trophy, won last week by Lenzie, with 12 shots up, was presented to the winning club last night. Rinks representing the four clubs in the competition played ten ends on Lenzie green despite broken weather, and thereafter the company was entertained to tea in the pavilion. Mr. John Donald, president of the Lenzie Club, presided, and was accompanied by ex-President Perry (this should have read Ex-Provost, as David Perry was never club president), donor of the trophy, and Mr. Gordon Speirs, vice-president. After a few words of welcome by Mr. Donald,
Ex-Provost Perry proceeded to hand over the cup. He began with the remark that it looked as if he had come out to a baptism that night, but when he looked at the many photographs on the wall, of those who had “gone west”, it was more like a funeral. He proceeded to deal briefly with the early history of bowling, a reference to a game somewhat similar going back to 1191. Coming up to their own time, he recalled how at one time the Town Council had a strong rink, with the late Jas. Stewart at skip, and how they beat all their opponents if not by bowling then by chaffing. He expressed his pleasure at the success that had attended the Norwood Trophy, and what it had done to encourage the game in the district.

17^th June 1939

PRESENTATION OF NORWOOD TROPHY

Ex-Provost Perry received a hearty ovation when he accepted the invitation of the Chairman to address the gathering… It gave him great pleasure, he said, to be present then, as always, when the trophy presentation took place. Each occasion took him back to the original one when the cup was first presented in 1904. There was but one intention in his mind in offering the cup for competition. He desired to foster and maintain good friendship through friendly rivalry among the clubs of the district. He hoped, nay, more believed, that this aim had been realised through the competition, even far beyond what had been expected. There had been no year where there was not keen interest and sportsmanlike fights to win or retain the Cup. It was always a pleasure to visit Lenzie Club with which he had a long and happy association. He was proud to maintain his connection through life membership, and if only by annual visitation he would look forward to seeing kent faces – meeting old associates of the bowling green. Seeing some on this occasion, Ex-Provost Perry was bold enough to launch out on a series of happy recollections which brought to remembrance such a stalwart of bowling acumen as Provost Calder, designated as one of nature’s gentlemen.

The story of old Kirkintilloch was one long yarn, and why not in an ancient burgh of weavers. Perhaps it has all been related before, but it, was greatly enjoyed again, when the story was told of Kirkintilloch’s one postman, who was a woman and who carried the letters in her apron. The burgh’s one policeman too, was pictured, and a most impressive arm of the law he had to be for he acted the part of legal adviser for the whole town, and was constantly in demand – for his advice was given free. When Mr, Perry was Provost it was part of his duty to collect £50 and disburse it among local doctors for the free extraction of teeth. This benefaction was instituted by a man who was a “stickit” student of medicine, who was rescued from the drudgery of study by the death of his uncle, which brought him the legacy of a pawnbroking business. His new occupation compensated for his aspirations in the medical profession. However, he still retained a peculiar interest in the extraction of teeth and to assure himself of constant practice in this art he invited everyone so minded to attend at his place and have teeth pulled without charge. Nor was that all, for he had ample consideration for the after care of his patients. After Care Committees are not entirely original to these present days of enlightenment. He provided each client with a roll of flannel and a stiff glass of whisky. This probably accounts for the rumour which received a place in the Burgh’s records that there was hardly any but toothless weavers in the town.

Ex-Provost Perry has travelled much and can tell of many experiences during trips around the world. His recollections included friendships made with bowling circles in South Africa, principally in Cape Town and Duran, and also Australia and New Zealand. In South Africa women are the boys so far as bowling is concerned. They have a great keenness for the game and travel hundreds of miles for inter-club matches. In concluding his remarks, Mr. Perry offered best wishes to this year’s winners of the trophy and for the future and he hoped it would always be the best team that would win.

Ex-Provost Hudson expressed the appreciation of all present of the company of Mr. Perry, and his most entertaining remarks. It was characteristic of the man that he did not designate the trophy by the name Perry. During a fruitful term of office as Provost of Kirkintilloch Mr. Perry had left his mark upon the town, even although he had pursued the practice of suppressing his name wherever possible. He was greatly helped by a much loved lady in the person of his wife, and it was with considerable regret that the town heard of her passing recently.

1939 DEATH OF EX-PROVOST PERRY

Many of our older readers will regret to hear of the death of ex-Provost Perry, J.P., who, some thirty years ago, filled a large place in the civic life of Kirkintilloch. Mr. Perry resided at The Knowe, Pollokshields, and his death took place on Monday, less than six months after his wife, who died on 9^th May last.

Mr. David Perry started as a manufacturing chemist in premises on tee Canal Bank, Kirkintilloch, between the Basin Foundry and the Nickel Works, which have long disappeared, under the firm’s name of Perry and Hope, and resided in Lenzie. On the business extending, he removed to larger works at Nitshill, near Paisley, but still continued to reside at Norwood, Lenzie, with a summer house at Blairuskin Lodge, Loch Ard.

Taking an active interest in public affairs, he entered the Town Council, succeeding Provost Rutherford in 1893. His particular function there was as convenor of the Gas Committee, and he was mainly concerned in the erection and modern equipment of the gas works at Back o’ Loch. After serving a period on the bench, he was elected Provost in 1908, on the retiral of Provost Service. There he continued the traditions that his predecessor had set up. As civic chief he closely identified himself with all efforts that had the welfare of the community as their object. In the social life of the town he took a particular interest, and during his Provostship acted as host to his Council colleagues at Blairuskin, in the summer and Norwood, in the winter season. He extended this hospitality to the public of Kirkintilloch, he and his wife being several times “At Home” to them in the Town Hall. No organisation worthy of his patronage was overlooked. He took a personal interest in the P.S.A. movement, and frequently addressed the meetings in the Town Hall.

He was a generous contributor to all schemes of local public benefaction. And his memory will be recalled in Kirkintilloch by his gift to the burgh of the Band Stand erected in Peel Park in May 1905. After completing his term of office as Provost in 1911 he retired from the Council, but continued to be associated with the public life in Kirkintilloch and Lenzie. He was an active member of Lenzie Union Church during the ministry of the Rev. (now Dr.) Jos. Johnston, and afterwards, when he removed to Glasgow, became associated with many public and charitable associations in the West of Scotland. In particular he showed a great interest in the news boys of the city, and ultimately became the founder of the Glasgow News Boys’ League. He had many other interests. He was a Past Deacon of the Incorporation of Bonnetmakers and Dyers and of the Deacons’ Association. He was a past preses of the Grand Antiquity Society of Glasgow, a member of the Merchants House of Glasgow, a former chairman of the Scottish Section of the Society of Chemical Industry, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Orphan Homes, Bridge of Weir. For some years he was chairman of the Workshop Committee of the Princess Louise Hospital for Limbless Sailors and Soldiers, Erskine, and was a member of the Lifeboat Institution.

Among the bowlers of the Kirkintilloch District he will be remembered as the donor of the Norwood Trophy, given for the annual competition among local clubs. A keen bowler himself, he was a member of Lenzie Club, and attached himself to a club at Pollokshields after his removal to that district. He had business connections in South Africa, and frequently engaged in his favourite game there, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. His interest in the competition he had set up was continued to the end of his life, as he came out once a year to present the Trophy to the winners, and was out at the presentation function in June last. He was also an enthusiastic angler.

Mr. Perry, who was 84 years of age, was a native of Rutherglen, and a J.P. of the City of Glasgow. He was predeceased by his wife, as already mentioned, some six months ago, and is survived by a family of four daughters, three of whom are married. The funeral a private one, takes place tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon, and is to be preceded by a service in Pollokshields East Church, of which the minister is Rev. Mr. Wedderspoon, formerly of St. David’s Memorial, Kirkintilloch.