THE COVENANTER
IN MEMORIAM
To those they leave behind may their memories be happy ones
Cecil Edwin James Bryant (Jim) activities include: Drama Group and the
It is with great sadness that we report the Community Players starring alongside Una
death of Jim Bryant who died on the 16th McLean in a production of “Apron Strings.”
February 2008. and record here the letter Willie’s call to the Ministry began when he
from his sister Ann Storkey –“ Jim served was still a young man sharing and leading
with the Regiment over the period 1942 – at the Larkhall Congregational Church.
1947 and had always wanted to follow in his He preached for the very first time at the
fathers footsteps. His father became RSM and very first Christmas Eve service in Larkhall
served with the Regiment over the period which took place in Trinity Church. His first
1908 – 1921. He and my mother had seven job was as a trainee motor mechanic with
children and I am the youngest at 71 years.. Skelly’s in Motherwell. Moving on Willie
Brother Jim had purchased three tickets for then served his time as an electrician with
the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of Frank Craig’s here in Larkhall. In the middle
the disbandment of the Regiment on 11 May of his career as an electrician Willie served
, he had hoped that together with his wife his country with the RAF in the early 1950’s.
Peggy and me we would be able to attend, Serving as a radio operator and with the
but that was not to be so my son and I will signals at Hednesford, Wattisham, Dumfries
be attending. We are really looking forward and Compton-Bassett. Willie began as a
to the day and hope that perhaps we may Minister in Falkirk and continued to serve
meet some of Jim’s old friends” the community by serving in the following
We send our sincere condolences to his wife organisations: The Citizens Advice Bureau,
Peggy and other members of his family. The Samaritans for 17 years, The peace
initiative in Ireland, The Scottish Pensioners
The Rev William Downie Forum, The Health Council at Argyll and
It is with great sadness that we report the Clyde, The University, Hospital and School
death of Bill Downie who died at home on Chaplaincies, The Bellshill and the Blantyre
the 27th November. Bill had ministered Curling Clubs and the 2000 Scottish Rotary
for thirty years in Falkirk, Dumbarton and Curling team tour of Canada. The Monday
Carluke and had been chaplain to many nights spent with the Carluke Rotary at the
organisations including the Cameronian Cartland Bridge Hotel. One area in which
(Scottish Rifles) and Family members. He Willie maintained a tremendous interest was
was known to the Cameronians (Scottish the support of former service personnel: He
Rifles) and Family Members Organisation has given an enormous amount of his time
as a nephew of a Cameronian who went and effort in supporting; The Royal British
to war in 1942 and never came home. He Legion Scotland, The Cameronians (Scottish
joined the Organisation in January 2001 Rifles) and Family Members Organisation.
offering his ministerial services which were The events surrounding Remembrance
warmly accepted. In 2005 he accepted Sunday both locally and nationally and
nomination for Committee Member. He of course the RAF Regiment Association.
conducted many services on behalf of the During his many services he reflected on
Organisation from marriages, funerals, and his life experiences. Whether it is at the
Memorials he was always willing to oblige. Cameronians Cairn in Douglas Dale or at
At his own service in St Machan’s in Larkhall the Cameronians Memorial at Kelvingrove
and South Lanark Crematorium the tributes his message was always one of sincerity.
were many to Willie the wee man with a big Fittingly at his service one of the hymns
heart! Willie was born and bred in Larkhall. was Psalm 23: “The Lord’s my Shepherd”
His participation and achievements make a a hymn particular to the Cams. Memories
long list which includes the following: Boy remain of the Padre who would travel to
Scout, Sunday school, Bible class, Youth RAF Brize Norton to carry out the solemn
fellowship, keen sportsman, lifelong and task of escorting a war hero’s cortege from
faithful supporter of Larkhall Thistle. More the Lockheed Hercules Transport Plane, the
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