Jimmy Reid

[Govangirl]

I am in shock at hearing a few minutes ago that one of my Govan heroes has died. Even more so that last week when I went to the People's Palace to see the painting of him by Atherton. I researched it a lot this past week and only yesterday received in the post a copy of that painting.
One of the greatest political speeches of last century was given by this passionate Clydesider when he was installed as rector of the University of Glasgow in 1972. As part of his memorable address, he said:
"A rat race is for rats. We're not rats. We're human beings. Reject the insidious pressures in society that would blunt your critical faculties to all that is happening around you, that would caution silence in the face of injustice lest you jeopardise your chances of self promotion and self advancement. This is how it starts and, before you know where you are, you're a fully paid up member of the rat pack. The price is too high. It entails the loss of your dignity and human spirit. Or as Christ puts it: 'What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?'"

RIP Jimmy Reid, you never forfeited your soul.

[Bitter End]

Jist a wee bit o Glesga nostalgia frae the late great Matt McGinn wi a song for this topic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0wSoRu-Sko

[Govangirl]

For both the footage and the song - thank you Bitter!

[Bobh]

I met Jimmy Reid once when i recognised him whilst standing having a drink in the Horeshoe Bar in Glasgow about six years ago. I think he was having a few before he jumped the train at Central to Wymes Bay (sp) and on to Rothesay.

A short chat and a handshake from me to him thanking him for his principles of life and the hard work he had achieved, A pleasure to talk to. And a shame that he's gone.

[Govangirl]

Bob, I'm in envy of you. You lucky man. And yes, a great Scot died this week. There are none left today with these principles and there wouldn't be a shipyard left on the Clyde if not for him. There ought to be a statue of him right outside the Fairfields' gate!

"There will be no bevvying..." I love it!!!!!

(and I used to know the owner of the Horseshoe Bar many years ago!)

[Bobh]

Thanks GG. Your so right re the statue. I summoned the kids to watch his shipyard speech. I hope they learned a lot from that. RIP Jimmy Reid.

[petewick]

A true representitive of the the Scottish worker.
We'll never see the likes of him again, mores the pity.

[Govangirl]

You're so right Petewick yet I don't think the working man has ever been in more need of a Jimmy Reid. These Tory cuts on pay and conditions and pensions are going to be brutal and we may well return to severe hardships. We don't have any leader with the principles of Reid who have the same commitment. And his idea of a work-in was inspirational which of course sent ripples around the world (and good on you John Lennon!).
Have any of you seen the painting in the People's Palace? I love the messages within it, very clever.

[petewick]

Aye, Jimmy in his heyday would have shown this lot a thing or two, have'nt
been to the Peoples Palace for years, will make a point of going there to see the painting.

[blueboyno1]

Met Jimmy on many an occasion ,mostly in the Galatea bar in Rothesay while he was watching football games on the telly .He loved to discuss all sorts of topics not only politics .He was a real strong character of a man and it came across even when you stood next to him, never mind talking to him .Since moving to Rothesay he became a well kent face and made many friends

R.I.P. Jimmy

[Govangirl]

Great Blueboy. Sad though, isn't it? Where is any leader or politician today that can speak so eloquently for the working man? Where is a working class hero today with one single ideological bone in their body? With a rousing battle cry in their mouths?

[petewick]

Listening to the radio today, it was covering his funeral details, did'nt realise he was 78.
RIP Jimmy, you deserve it.

[Govangirl]

If my son's exam results weren't out today I would be standing outside Govan Parish Church today at the funeral.

I hope it's a 'good' one. RIP Jimmy

[blueboyno1]

There was a service for him in the High Kirk Rothesay this morning.I could not make it because of other commitments ,but it was well attended

[Govangirl]

Have just got in tonight and watched the recorded service from Govan Old Parish Church. Sir Alex was great, Billy was self-indulgent as usual. I was moved by the cortege passing all the workers along the Govan Road. I also see that Mr Salmond described his rectorial address as the finest Scottish political speech he has ever read and said it would be now made available to every school in Scotland to inspire a new generation.

I was very proud to be a Govanite today.

I also see that Edwin Morgan died today. Not a good day for Glasgow greats.