T H E C O V E N A N T E R
Associated, Interested Parties and Persons, if to the Organisation. In 2002 Jim Ballantyne
an Organisation were formed. A Committee learned from his Doctor that he had Prostrate
was selected with Bill Tilley as the first Cancer, was told of the treatments he would
Chairman and a framework set out to be receiving and advised to reduce his
ensure ‘The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) stressful responsibilities and way of living
& Family Members Organisation’ could to best help those treatments succeed and
maintain the function for which it had been prolong his life. Jim took the doctors advice
formed: (a) For the Benefit of it’s Members: changing some things in his life but for two,
(b) To maintain the History and Traditions those he simply could not or would not give
of ‘The Cameronians Scottish Rifles. Jim up one being his smoking of cigarettes, the
Ballantyne was one of the Organisations other his position and responsibilities as
earliest Members and soon became a Welfare Secretary of The Cameronians Scottish Rifles
Assistant with his natural enthusiasm to & Family Members Organisation, to Jim it
serve fellow Cameronians and Members of was not a choice at all, this had now become
the Organisation, but foremost it was his his whole life.
love for ‘The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) On Cameronian Sunday 2005 Jim and
Regiment’ that fuelled the enthusiasm Margaret announced their forthcoming
that was to remain with him for the rest of Marriage, which took place as planned in
his life. At this time Jimalso had his other Edinburgh on lst of July 2005. Despite the
love Margaret Drever at his side, Margaret various treatments Jim’s health continued
the lady who would not only share his to deteriorate, the Cancer now within his
life and the work Jim had taken on, but bones, he received a stroke down one side
would later take up a vacant position as the from which he later only partially recovered
Organisations Treasurer when others were and May 2006 saw a Jimmy Ballantyne held
reticent to step forward, and in doing so has up by will power alone, his body having
proved irreplaceable. In 1999 Jim replaced all but given up the fight, when Jimmy,
Douglas Hall as Secretary making himself Margaret, Tom Winters Andy Anderson
available to Members at any time of the day and myself met the day before Cameronian
or night (now called 24/7), nothing was too Sunday in the Douglas Arms Hotel as we
much trouble for him, if he did not have had every year, Jim decided he wanted us
the answer to an enquiry he would soon all to get a taxi to Colin McCready’s house
ask and find one by consulting with other in Douglas as was our normal practice
Members of the Committee, or seeking and attempt to eat and drink Colin out of
advice from Trustees and Officers of the house and home, something we never had
Regiment with whom he had built a good managed, this year on his first visit we had
rapport and understanding over the years. new gun Colin Blair with us who we hoped
If and when a Cameronian presence at a would give us an edge (he didn’t), Colin as
Parade, Service or Event was requested or usual was ready with a fine buffet prepared
could be seen as a benefit to the Regiments and the door to his private bar opened wide.
memory by attending, Jim would ensure a The seven of us sat talking of this and that
good turn out by making personnel visits or and old friends we hoped to meet again the
spending hours on the telephone mustering next day - Cameronian Sunday, Jim got up
everyone possible from the listing. Parades and went outside for a cigarette, I went too
and Historical Events such as the annual and we just sat quietly in the garden until
Cameronian Sunday Remembrance Jim said he was feeling a little strange and
Service: Lanimer Day Celebrations: wanted to return to the hotel, back outside
Westminster Abbey Remembrance Plot the hotel Jim was by now very poorly and
and Service: R.B.L.S, Veterans Parades and Helen owner of the hotel fetched her car
Services: The Queens Jubilee Parade: Save round and drove Jim. Margaret and myself
Scottish Regiments Parades: Numerous to the Hospital in Douglas, as the hospital
Remembrance Services each year including had no Doctor on duty they transferred
VE/VJ Day Parades, not to mention visits by him to Wishaw hospital later that evening.
Cameronians and their Families from home Cameronian Sunday 14th May 2006 was a
and abroad, and exceptional circumstances success just as Jim had planned it with the
and requests. Each year Jim would ensure that turnout for both Remembrance Service and
‘The Flag’ was flown at Edinburgh Castle by Conventical being larger than in recent
delivering and collecting it again afterwards years, the fine weather adding to the
himself, its safety being taken as a personal atmosphere of excitement and comradeship
responsibility, as was his position as Secretary shared once more, but it was not quite the
0
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