23/01/24
Jim Robinson writes:
George Black
I regret that I have to record the death of George Black who had a long association with the club, starting in the 1950s when he was one of ‘Old Malkie’s boys’, the group of young lads that Malcolm took out every Sunday introducing them to the joys of club cycling. Alex Smith and Billy Stupart were also members of that august group.
George was physically gifted and even at the tender age of 19 was part of the club’s winning team in the Scottish Team Pursuit Championships. He went on to race with distinction in all types of events and still holds the club 12-hour record with a distance of 248 miles.
His history of athletic achievements is best told as related here by the man himself. There’s too much for me to recount.
He renewed his Nightingale membership for a few years in his retirement and wore the club colours with distinction. Duathlons (cycling & running) were a particular favourite.
He came to the club’s 80th and 90th celebrations. Indeed, at the 90th he had been competing in an international masters cross-country in Dublin in the afternoon and flew back early to attend our function in the Grosvenor Hotel.
His career in the police put an end to his early cycling career, he move to Leeds and retired to Kingskettle in Fife all the while getting in a fair bit of running.
Over the years many of the members met George at events where he was spectating or competing. He was always keen to make himself known and to talk about his own days as an active member of the club.
Footnote: The club has a record of producing highly successful athletes who gave up cycling for great success in running. Between the wars there was Jimmy Flockhart, a friend of my father, who became a world-class runner. Hugh Mitchell and, of course, George. Jimmy Flockhart was one of the best runners Scotland has produced. One of his greatest victories was winning the 1937 international cross-country championship in Brussels where he was presented with his award by the King of the Belgians. Hughie represented Scotland many times in distance events.
From left; Jimmy Thomson, Tommy Dent, Rickie Pope, John Meggat, George Black, Ernie Scally
18/02/24
Jim Robinson writes:
The Oldies foregathered last Friday in their favourite haunt, The Horseshoe Bar, for one of their regular get-togethers. Eleven in number this time, the conversation covered a lot of ground , from this year’s Highland Fling in Aberfeldy in May, to next year’s club centenary celebrations.
All are in reasonable health although it has to be said that, at one point, the conversation got round to the effectiveness, or otherwise, of hearing aids.
From left: Calum McNeill, Andy Graham, Jim Robinson, Davie Reynolds, Jimmy Wood, Alex Cameron, Alistair McDonald, Alex Horn, Jim Smith, Colin Fraser
Denis Mitchell came in a little later, but better late than never.
Everyone who was at Aberfeldy last year has booked up for May so the Highland Fling is proving as popular as ever. Long may it continue.
26/05/24
Davie Reynolds writes:
The Oldies Aberfeldy 14-16 May 2024
There was surprisingly little prevarication around the choice of venue for our 2024 event. We opted for the remoteness of the Aberfeldy Bunkhouse and the challenge of getting there. This was the venue for our first fling back in 2016. The long rough and winding forestry access road up to the Bunkhouse was found to be unchanged but the oldies seemed to take this in their stride. This was the seventh of our Flings since the inaugural trip to Aberfeldy in 2016. We had 12 participants in 2016, 17 at our peak in 2018 and last year a respectable 14. This year we again had 14 signed up though, sadly, Andy Graham, Alex Horn and Bobby Boyes had to call off due to health and family stuff. So that left Davie Reynolds, Charlie Stewart, Greg MacKenzie, Colin Fraser, Jim Smith, Ian Russell (aka Neil Young ), Alistair MacDonald, Jim Wood, Tam Barr, Alex Cameron and, of course, forever young, Jim Robinson. Of the 11 who turned up seven brought bikes including one e bike rider.
On day one, arriving early at the Aberfeldy Black Watch Bar were Mackenzie, Wood, Fraser, Smith and Mac Donald. Unfortunately their plans for a warm up ride were thwarted by rather damp conditions. However, the weather conditions for the rest of the trip were perfect.
Next day the sun came out for the Oldie bikers first ride, Ian Russell, Greg (Van) MacKenzie, Colin Fraser, Jim Smith, Jim Wood, Tam Barr and Alistair Macdonald set out along the quiet back road to Strathtay and on to Balnaguard where the road was closed to vehicle traffic due to gas main works but open to bikers and pedestrians, yippee! Then on to Birnam and the Chattan tearoom where the Perth United guys meet and sure enough they were there. Needless to say there was a bit of a blether. The return trip was via the Crieff Road and the Loch na Craig taking in the spectacular descent into Aberfeldy. A fine trip in great weather.
The Thursday dawned again with glorious sunshine and a trip up to Bridge of Balgie through Coshieville and Glen Lyon. There was a well earned lunch break at the Cafe where the guys were spoilt for choice on a highly recommended menu. The return was on the same route taking in a photo stop at the Falls of Glen Lyon. There were no takers though for tackling the long climb over Ben Lawers to Loch Tay – perhaps a sign that age is catching up on some of us.
Some things never change and so it was that every night involved the usual banter, fine food, good beer, malt whisky and Ian’s ever expanding repertoire of Dylan and Young classics. On the culinary front of particular note was, on the first night, the now legendary casserole provided by Alistair’s good lady. This was followed by a fine soup donated by Charlie. Jim Wood had brought an excellent Apple Cobbler desert but this had to be saved for another day due to over indulgence on night one.
On the second night we dined at the Ailean Chreggan Hotel, a short trip down the hill to Weem, The food and service was first class. On the last night we returned to the Black Watch where we enjoyed good service and traditional pub fare.
Lastly, as is now custom, Alex Cameron, Charlie Stewart and Davie Reynolds battled out the challenge for the Bert Waugh Oldies golf tankard this is normally held at Aberfeldy Golf Club on the Wednesday but due to renovation work we were diverted to Taymouth golf course in Kenmore. Charlie yet again prevailed and held the tankard.
Heading towards the club centenary year I am confident that the Oldies will reunite again in 2025. There was even talk of returning to the Bunkhouse. Meantime the search to find the perfect venue continues and will no doubt be a topic for debate at the Horseshoe Bar.
L to R: Tam Barr, Alistair Macdonald, Charlie Stewart, Greg Mackenzie, Jim Smith, Colin Fraser, Jim Wood, Jim Robinson, Davie Reynolds, Alex Cameron
L to R: Jim Robinson, Greg Mackenzie, Jim Smith, Alistair Macdonald, Charlie Stewart, Jim Wood, Colin Fraser, Ian Russell
L to R: Greg Mackenzie, Tam Barr, Jim Smith, Jim Wood, Colin Fraser, Ian Russell
(more images to follow)
Glasgow Nightingale Cycling Club 