Hail to the president
THIS week Caren McPate talks to Bill McNeill, president of the Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries. The 78-year-old and his wife Jean live in Kirkintilloch and have three sons and four grandchildren. They are very involved in the community.
What was you job before retiring?
I left school when I was 14 and went to train as an engineer. My love of history meant that I would have gone to university in today's climate, but I enjoyed every job I had.
I completed my apprenticeship with Alexander's Buses in Camelon as I lived in Falkirk. I then did my national service as an electrical technician in England.
After that, I worked as a draftsman before coming back to Glasgow and was an engineer for the electricity board.
I was also one of the first students to study through the Open University, in 1971. I did a degree in politics and economics.
How did your interest in history start?
Every morning on my way to school I passed the memorial of Sir John de Graeme, who fought with William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk, and that sparked my interest.
I love all kinds of history. At 78, I can still remember what happened in particular eras, from the days before the war and the years after it.
What does the Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries do?
It promotes local history and the love of it. One of the founding members was Tom Johnston.
Every year we have six lectures in which different speakers give talks. One of the best we had was by local historian, Don Martin. We also have an annual member's night.
The town has a vibrant history, with the canal, railways, the Antonine Wall and we have been told that the first bypass in Scotland was built here.
How long have you been president?
I've been a member for 30 years and president for 17 years.
How many members are there?
Around 100. Our premises in
McGregor House holds about 77 people. We have had to move to various venues due to the growing membership.
How did you role as elder at St David's Memorial Park Church come about?
When we moved here 49 years ago, we went round all the churches and chose to attend St David's. I was a deacon before becoming an elder.
It's my duty to put forward suggestions to the Kirk Session.
What do you do with the Seagull Trust Cruises?
I'm not as involved with them as I used to be because I lost my sight in one eye and my hands have become shaky as I have become older.
I was a steward, but now help out when I'm needed. My wife and I were once presented to HRH Princess Anne at the opening of the new boathouse.
You also volunteered for Strathkelvin Talking Newspaper...
Yes, I was a reserve reader for a while, but when my eyes started to go I could no longer manage it.
I was blind for five days when I had my eye operation so I can imagine what it is like for those without sight.
Do you have any other interests?
I'm a patron of Kirkintilloch Players and like to attend their performances. I also support Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir and the Ladies Choir as well as the Kirkintilloch Brass Band.
Getting to know you
First car: Austin A35
First record: Home Town by Flanagan and Allen
Book currently reading: Fateful Choices by Ian Kershaw
Favourite holiday destination: Canada and America
Famous person most like to meet: Saint Paul
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
