Here’s a great story with a Blantyre person fully deserving of recognition. This photo was exclusively shared to me by good friend, Archie Simm.
Pictured is former High Blantyre Primary and Calder Street Secondary Schools pupil, Morris Buchanan who put Blantyre on the ten pin bowling map when, as the only Scot represented in the finals and came home with a British title to his name!
On July 14 1962, the highly popular entertainer of the era, Frankie Vaughan, presented Morris with the trophy for Class1 BRITISH JUNIOR TEN PIN BOWLING CHAMPION!
Morris, already over 6 foot at the age of 15, fought off the competition that day, leaving others in his wake as second best. Who remembers the 10 pin bowling in Blantyre then? (Previously the Dookit). This article also firms up and corrects the incorrect year of 1963 noted on my website and others. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Morris at a Simm family celebration party evening.
Archie added, “Morris was and is still very humble about his outstanding achievement. He has lived in East Kilbride with his family for many years now and remains my great pal of over 61 years.”
Well done Morris! This narrative and photo, seen here for the first time goes straight into Blantyre Project’s Ultimate Hall of Fame in the “Blantyre People” forthcoming book.
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said:
Joycie Blantyre Auntie Christine Buchanan look at this! X
Christine Buchanan Aw Joyce a blast from the past x
Nancy Sinkinson Just love it. Great to see this piccy again. Thanks to Archie..see you soon Morris Buchanan
Heather Letham Sniegon Ohhhh this is great well done Morris x
Anne Mosley Great story x
Liz Allan Brilliant x
Doreen Williams Bell Well done Morris. What a great read. X
was in his class at Calder St. nicknamed Moses. He sat behind me in the French class and got me into trouble many a time. He would say something to me and I would turn round to speak to him and wee Jeannie ( Miss Jean Davidson ) would start shouting at me. Great memories smashing fellow.
Thanks Tom, sorry for getting you into so much trouble and thanks for your lovely comment but that was what I was best at, getting into trouble myself ;(