David's Funeral

The club was well represented at David's funeral with the Committee being represented by both President and Treasurer. The old timers were represented by Pat Younger, Billy Hislop, Johnny B Maclachlan, Brian McAusland and Allan Sharp. Among the others were Phil Dolan, Doug Gemmell, Brian Edridge, James Austin, Peter and Derek Halpin and Lawrie Pearson. If I have omitted anyone, apologies. His wife Evelyn was in good form as was son in law John Wright who helped organise at least the Harriers end of things. There is a tribute in the 'Clydebank Post' this week, the 'Milngavie and Bearsden Herald' has promised something this week and information has also been sent to 'The Lennox Herald' and the 'Herald'.

Tributes to David

I have had several tributes to David Bowman from various current and former club members including several expats. John Hume for instance said "As a young man joining the Harriers, David was one of the men who first caught my attention. I had never thought of distance running but Dave sure made me think about it. He was a delight to know and so friendly, certainly one of the main Pillars of the Club. As the years flew by he was always there captivating all the young members with his grit and determination. It is hard to think of the Harriers without Dave and I doubt if he will ever be forgotten."

I will put some of the others in the forum and would invite club members who remember him to add their own memories.

David Bowman

David Bowman joined Clydesdale Harriers in 1935 and had been a member for 50 years in the centenary year of 1985. He ran for the Club for many, many years, filled most posts as a committee member and represented the Club on committees at a variety of levels with the peak probably being when he was president not only of the club but also of the DAAA, the Inter Counties Association and the Scottish Marathon Club all in the same year. A fuller account of his career can be found in the book of Harriers portraits published recently. Everyone in the Club has his hero - Phil's is Cyril O'Boyle, Allan Sharpe's is Pat Younger, Billy Hislop's is George White and mine is David Bowman. In 1970 he was the man responsible for the course and organisation of the Commonwealth Games Marathon from Meadowbank which resulted in more fast times than any other marathon race up to that point. A superb clubman who 'did what his club needed him to do' he died in hospital after a long illness last Thursday at the age of 92. We all owe David and his colleagues a real debt of gratitude.

Andy Divers

Former club member Andy Diver died in Australia on 19th September. Andy joined the club in December 1945 and was a good member initially as a runner then as a committee member filling a range of posts including that of treasurer. He also took a full part in the club social activities such as the annual football match against the swimming club and the annual cyclists v athletes race against Lomond Roads CC. It was a blow to the club when he left in the late 1950's but he kept in touch and for his 80th birthday his family asked for club vest and sweat top to present to him as part of a larger ceremony. Andy's many friends will feel saddened by his loss.

Ann Murray

Clydesdale Harriers has been lucky to have had many very good club members and in recent years Ann Murray has been such a one. When the club was taking part in the Scottish Women's League in the late 1980's and early 1990's Ann with her friend Lynne Hardware was one of the top senior athletes. She competed mainly in the sprints and long jump although she did some of the other field events and also took part in both relays at one time or another. As an example of her quality, in the first League Match in 1990, she won the A string 100 metres in 13.3 seconds as well as the A string 200 in 27.7 and the B Long Jump with 4.12 metres; in the second match she won the 100 in 13.1, the 200 in 27.7 (again) and the A long jump with 4.85 metres. At both meetings she was a vital part of the relay teams. After a wee break she returned and looked after the Sports Hall Athletics in the Play Drome for the club and her form on the roads and over thc ountry for the past few years has been excellent. Sprinter, coach and now road runner - the message is that if she's near you on the run in at the end of a road race, you haven't much of a chance.

Jack Boyd

Jack Boyd who will be 74 later this year won his category in the Ontario Masters Championships in Canada on Saturday. Jack, who is a life member of Clydesdale Harriers, has made a habit of winning this title as he has progressed through the age groups. This year it was a bit wetter than usual - he described it as a tsunami - but the boy done good to win.