Visit to Watt College, Greenock, 2nd December 2014 – The Radio Officers' Association

9n extremely successful visit was made to the College by 18 of the former students on Wednesday 3rd December 2014. We had gathered the previous afternoon and evening at the Tontine Hotel. A few get to know you drinks were followed by an excellent festive dinner provided by the hotel, which was excellent throughout our stay. They had even personalised a menu for us which I thought was a nice touch. The group photo was taken the following morning and I will name the members when I get a bit more time.

Tontine Hotel menu for James Watt College reunion

As fine a bunch of men as you will find outside of Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow, at any time. Group photo, the list is l to r: Willie Williamson, John Chalmers (Lennox Mackenzie behind, face not visible), Bill Waugh’s son in law (not an R/O), Roddy MacDonald, Hamish Taylor, Alan Gilchrist, Bill Waugh & Brian Cotton behind, Douglas Lothian, Brian Carson, Ron Philp, Jack Dowson, Tony Selman, Joe Duffy with Rob Armstrong part hidden, Roger Bentley, John McGinty. Only face not there is photographer Frank Dunn. Click on photo for a larger image

Hamish Taylor, John Chalmers, Lennox Mackenzie’s back (I think) Ron Philp, Roddy MacDonald’s side

The Chairman presents Provost of Inverclyde, Robert Moran, with a highly coveted ROA plaque. Jack Dowson and Rob Armstrong in the background and an out of focus Joe Duffy in the foreground.

This looks serious. Joe Duffy tells Tony Selman and Rob Armstrong one of them needs to buy the next round. Jack Dowson gives Joe the Wishaw to Motherwell ‘cold shoulder’.

A couple of GWZM (Brocklebank) stalwarts. Left is recently retired QSO Design and Layout guru Lennox Mackenzie and to the right former QSO Editor Roger Bentley.

The star of the show. Bill Waugh started his PMG studies at James Watt in 1938, before a lot of ROA members were even born. Bill served throughout WW2 and left the sea in 1947 to join Portishead Radio.

A pair of ‘John’s’. Chalmers on the left and McGinty on the right. Mr McGinty has since purchased an ROA tie so he can be properly dressed at all times.

Three ROA stalwarts. l to r. Former QSO Editor Roger Bentley, Chairman Tony Selman and Archivist Willie Williamson.

One Reply to “Visit to Watt College, Greenock, 2nd December 2014”

Robert Armstrong says:

February 1, 2015 at 3:25 pm

A great reunion and nostalgic tribute to the James Watt College. The photographs illustrate the grand camaraderie generated by our members and our VIP member Bill Waugh. Thanks to Tony and the ROA for making this and the other reunions and events which celebrate our role as Marine Radio Officers possible. My only disappointment lay in my failure to obtain wider merdia coverage, though thanks to the Greenock Telegraph who did us proud.

Rob. Armstrong

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