John Morrison
THIS week reporter Katy Whitelaw speaks to John Morrison, a retired coal miner.
The 96-year-old, from Chryston, helped with the rescue attempt of trapped miners during the Auchengeich Colliery disaster in 1959.
John is currently writing a book about his life experiences and has had several poems and short stories published.
At what age did you start working in the pits?
I was 13 when I first went to work with my dad and brothers, who were miners.
Where did you work?
Robroyston, pit 11, at Gartshore and Auchengeich.
Were accidents common in pits back then?
Auchengeich was the worst, and the disaster had a huge impact on the community, but accidents were quite common.
On one occasion, a cage full of miners lost control and eight men were killed.
Another time, a young lad was caught in a blast in a hole.
We got him out and I tried to help give him the Sylvester Method - an early version of CPR - but he was dead and parts of his flesh were coming off in my hands. It was awful.
How long did you work in the pits?
It was the only job I ever had and I worked there for 51 years.
Despite the accidents, I loved it. There was a great community spirit, the company was great and there was always good humour.
Did you get called up during the war?
I was involved with the home guard and they were a good crowd. We never had any guns, we used to train with brushes.
I used to sell hooch whisky during the war - I was a bit of a rascal!
What have you done during your retiral?
I saw an advert for an over 50s creative writing course at Strathclyde University and decided to go along.
I was nervous as I had never had a formal education, but they told me I would have had
experiences that those with an education could never have, and I was welcomed to the
class. I've since written lots of
poems and short stories.
Did you ever feel intimidated at university?
Yes, everyone spoke very politely and I felt a bit out of place at first.
I hardly spoke for the first three weeks but one day, I was asked about a poem I had written about mining and I soon became the belle of the ball. Everyone wanted to hear more about the stories down the pit.
I did 18 months of study and greatly enjoyed it.
Have you completed any other courses since then?
I did a computer course in 1995 at the age of 83 and learned how to type my poems and stories and print them out.
Do you have a large family?
I married Mary in 1933 and we had six children. I have nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and seven great, great grandchildren.
Do you have any hobbies?
I used to play football, golf, table tennis and badminton, took part in amateur boxing and was a member of Chryston and Brigend bowling clubs.
I also had a trial for Hearts when I was younger.
What is the secret to a long life?
Good humour and good company. I've enjoyed myself and done everything you are not supposed to do, apart from smoke.
Getting to know you
First record: I can't remember, but the first act I saw was Flory Ford in the Glasgow Pavilion.
First car: I've never driven a car but used to have a motorbike.
Book currently reading: Due to bad eyesight, I don't read much now.
Favourite TV programme: any comedy - I like a laugh.
Favourite holiday destination: Isle of Wight.
Famous person most like to meet: I'm not really into celebrities.
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: West
