TIME TICKS ON… 

The presentation and formal acceptance of a historical French marble and slate clock, presented to Govan Fire Superintendent Peter Stirling on his retiral in 1889, took place in front of an invited audience of Senior Fire Brigade Officers and local community representatives including members of Govan Reminiscence Society.
The clock was returned to its ‘spiritual’ home, Govan Fire Station, by Robert Stirling, grandson of the Firemaster, along with portraits of his grandfather and an early photograph of firefighters in steam-driven tenders.
Govan man Robert, who is 81, said; “I’m very pleased the clock is going where it will be appreciated. This fire station is its spiritual home and it certainly didn’t seem right to sell it.
I never expected this kind of ceremony, I should have brought my wife!”
Robert remembers seeing the clock on the mantleshelf of his mother’s home in Rothesay and when it passed through the family and into his hands, he decided to give it to the Govan Fire Station.
Assistant Firemaster, Andrew Shuttleworth, who formally accepted the gifts on behalf of Strathclyde Fire Service, praised the research by Station Officer Andy McCafferty who done a lot of work in his own time to uncover the old minutes of the Burgh of Govan, the nail biting story of Superintendent Peter Stirling’s appointment.
They revealed that on May 10 1886 the Firemaster, David Philip, resigned. The Commissioner of Police convened a special meeting on May 24 1886, to appoint a replacement at an annual salary of £70 plus free house and taxes.
The Town Clerk, Mr A MacDonald, was instructed by Provost Campbell to advertise the post with a closing date of June 10 1886.
At 8pm on June 23, Provost Campbell chaired a meeting of ten dignitaries to discuss the appointment of the new Firemaster.
Three candidates were put forward – James Barclay, Peter Stirling and Alexander Thompson – all Govan men.
A vote was taken with Mr Thompson receiving 4 voted to 3 each for the other two men. A second vote had Peter Stirling pipping James Barclay by 6 votes to 4 so eliminating the latter. A third and final vote saw five votes to each of the remaining rivals.
This meant Provost Campbell held the all-important casting vote and he chose Peter Stirling who was duly appointed Fire Superintendent of Govan Fire Brigade.
He remained in post until his retirement on March 28 1889 when he was presented with the clock which is now in the safe hands of Govan Fire Station.
Members of the Govan Reminiscences Group were delighted to see history being preserved.
“We’re always pleased when that happens” said Rita Young. The group, which meets in the Pearce Institute on Tuesdays from 2pm, invited Mr Stirling to join and are keen to attract more members, including teenagers who have important memories. 

TAKE ME BACK TO THE GOVAN FIRE BRIGADE INDEX PLEASE.
TAKE ME BACK TO THE LANDMARKS INDEX PLEASE 

http://www.sunnygovan.com/PLACES/Places/PeterStirling.html (this link doesn’t work)                       16/02/2012 

Typed from a printout of the page held in SFRS Library, Cambuslang HQ. (28/6/2024)

The Chairman of Strathclyde Regional Council Police and Fire Committee decided that because of the length of time that Govan Fire Station had been operational and the severe cut backs in the Regional budget, to have a simple dedication service, rather than the traditional opening service.
The service will be attended by the Chairman of the Police and Fire Committee, the Vice Chairman, together with the Firemaster, Deputy Firemaster and Brigade Chaplin and the  Local Regional Councillor. The Chairman wants to meet the station personnel and I suggest there is a parade after which a small dedication service. Station personnel are invited to bring their wives or partners if they so desire.
Would you please arrange to have light refreshments at Govan Fire station.
On the 6th of November 1987 the following stations were dedicated :-
Govan                            11-00
Polmadie                        12-30
Cheapside House         14-30
Springburn                    15-30
Time was allowed for lunch at Cheapside House
(from SFB memos in the archives)

This station was officially dedicated on 6/11/1987 after going operational in September 1985.

Each watch has 1 Station Officer, 1 Sub Officer, 3 Leading Firefighters and 18 Firefighters.

23/10/1988 A "Saved" portrait was unveiled on the west wall of the Recreation Room in Govan Fire station by Russell McLean son of  Sub Officer Edward McLean.

If you know of any mistakes or have any additions to this please let me know.

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