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Post by Waverley on Aug 18, 2009 18:46:56 GMT 1
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Post by tammccann on Mar 3, 2011 15:07:51 GMT 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAMOUS GALLOWGATE HALL DOOMED But “Ring” May Be Completely Renovated
Old-Time “Geggie,” Pioneer Cinema, And Boxing Mecca
A closing order has been issued for The Ring, Gallowgate, the famous boxing hall. No more contests are to be staged there, and the building may be pulled down within a few months if the order is carried through.
There is regret amongst many East End boxing fans that one of their favourite halls is to be shut down, for The Ring has the rare reputation of always providing a good “bill”.
A Historic Hall The Ring has had an interesting history, closely associated with the fortunes of the Green family, the famous amusement caterers. As a boxing booth it was opened in December 1929, but for some thirty years before that it was about the foremost amusement hall in the East End.
Before the people of Glasgow went “doon the watter” or visited Blackpool or the Isle of Man at the Fair, The Ring was part of Carnival Ground, controlled by the Greens. The Ring was then a “blood” or “geggie” - in other words, it was a variety house - supplying old fashioned dramatic thrillers, with a number of variety turns. Those who appeared in it included names familiar to the older generation - Mrs Ferguson (who starred in “Rob Roy”), Johnnie O’Connor, Burke (a great tragedian of his day), and Mavis Curley and Bob Hill, who also appeared in Green’s building at Bridgeton Cross.
Some years before the War there arose the cinematograph, and, quick to see the possibilities of this new invention, Green’s changed The Ring into a “cine,” and actually made it the second picture house in Scotland. After a number of years The Ring again changed to variety.
This in turn died out, and for some years the building lay empty. In 1929, however, Mr James McOnie, who had been with the Green family for many years and who was manager at the Stadium, suggested that the building could be made suitable for boxing. The proposal was carried out, and Mr McOnie took over control.
During its term as a boxing venue, many top-line boxers have appeared there, including Steve McCall, Jim Maharg, Tommy Spiers, Jack Kilrain, Jim Winters and Bobbie Shields (heavyweight champion of Scotland, who trained at The Ring and was managed by Mr McOnie). Ted (“Kid”) Lewis, former lightweight champion, refereed a fight there two years ago. One of the most fervent supporters of The Ring was Sir Harry Lauder, who was actually present the last night boxing was staged there.
Mr McOnie is one of the personalities of Scottish boxing, but he has also had other interests, notably in the early days of Socialism, when he was an active member of the Catholic Socialist Party. He was an intimate friend of the late Mr Wheatley.
“Ring” May Be Renovated He still holds out hopes that The Ring may reopen for boxing, as he informed a Standard representative this week that plans were being considered to make radical alterations to the building to bring it more into line with the best modern boxing halls.
Glasgow Eastern Standard Saturday, November 11, 1933 A Geggie--Originally a travelling side-show or playlet. Hence 'penny geggie' and thereafter 'shut yer geggie!' (be quiet!)
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Post by palaisgirl on Mar 3, 2011 20:47:01 GMT 1
lindyloo has asked me to post this for her. This is a link about john mcnair who was a scottish champion boxer from Parkhead it also mentions bertie scott another scottish champion both my dads friends. www.heraldscotland.com/john-mcnair-1.854961
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2011 23:52:35 GMT 1
Hi Carol,
Interesting Article.
I knew and liked Bertie Scott for over 40 years and was in his company many times.
Last met him shortly before he took a stroke which subsequently killed him.
Sadly missed.
Andy
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Post by lindyloo22 on Mar 11, 2011 12:46:22 GMT 1
Ma daddy's Pal known tae me as uncle Bertie was Bertie Scott fae Parkhead who was a Scottish amateur title holder at every level from fly weight to heavy weight.There is now the Bertie Scott trophy for best boxer Championship. Bertie ran a club from parkhead bus garage and one at the meat market he also refereed.Bertie was also the security manager in the big Rangers club in the seventies.I got to meet Matt Munro and Lena Martell and wait fur it the Alexander brothers ;D a wis only 14
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Post by pwm437 on Mar 11, 2011 20:49:18 GMT 1
As a boy, I used to go to Joe Aitchisons gym, down in Dalmarnock. Entry was gained by going up a stair then down another stair into the back court where the gym was located.
Wee Joe was a dapper wee man, and knew the game inside out. I used to love the training, and enjoyed the wee bouts as well. Two nights and a Sunday afternoon were the norm, then a 22 or 46 bus up to Bellgrove then a 61 or 62 home to Camlachie.
Really fond memories.
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Post by arty123 on Mar 17, 2011 13:07:04 GMT 1
i trained in wee Joe's from 1952 until 1964 then became club secretary for a few years,and in my opinion Joe was the best trainer in scotland. i knew John and Bertie very well and used to spar with them at the transport gym round the corner from Joe's gym. I lived in dalserf st and i used to walk to the club tues thurs sun would never dream of taking a bus or a caur for such a short journey, couldn't afford it anyway arty123
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2011 15:52:36 GMT 1
any info of big jim lamont i think he won lonsdale belt in the 50s or early60s
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Post by arty123 on Apr 20, 2011 12:08:27 GMT 1
george, i remember jim lamont boxing as an amateur, but not as a pro,so i dont think he won a lonsdale belt arty
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