Page 14 - GAP 50th Anniversary Book

Celebrating 50 years of GAP /
Gordon and Joyce settled into married life in Gordon’s
childhood home at Viewfield Drive. Maureen was born in
1953, followed by Douglas in 1955 and Iain in 1958.
When the children were still young, the
family moved to High Craigton House in
Milngavie. With three acres of ground to
play with, Gordon was in his element as
he transformed his own ‘building site’ into
a beautiful landscaped garden, complete
with a stunning waterfall and rock pool. It
was here Gordon loved to spend much of
his time and, to his delight, featured in the
BBC’s ‘The Beechgrove Garden’ in 1992.
For Maureen, Douglas and Iain, childhood
memories are very happy ones. Indeed,
all three siblings have friends who still
remember staying at High Craigton, and
how welcoming their parents were.
Dad was of the generation where
the mother stayed at home to look
after the house and children, and the father
went out to work. When Dad worked for SLD
and we still lived in Bishopbriggs, he worked
away a lot. But when he was home or when
we were on holiday, he was fun to be with.
He could be strict - usually when Mum told
him to be! - but we all enjoyed family time.
14
When we were a bit older and living at
High Craigton, Dad was very supportive
of everything we did - even to the extent
of watching us play rugby or hockey on a
Saturday morning, something not many
parents did at that time.”
Douglas
When Gordon set up his business, he had
the full support of his wife. Primarily, Joyce
ensured High Craigton and family life ran
smoothly, so Gordon could concentrate
on the company. However, she was also
more than happy to voice her opinion on
business matters which, by all reports,
Gordon greatly appreciated.
Maureen attended Westbourne School for
Girls and the boys Glasgow Academy. At
weekends, all three were given chores to do.
/ Chapter 02
If you were still in your bed at 8 o’clock
on a Saturday or Sunday morning, there
would be a chap on the door and Father would
come in. He would ask ‘Shall I call a doctor, are
you not well?’ He never raised his voice, never got
angry, but would quietly go away. And you just
knew, that although you might be hungover and
wanted another hour’s sleep, it was time to get
up and cut the grass or wash the car.”
Iain
Mum and Dad had a similar outlook
on life. Dad was more of an extrovert
but they both enjoyed a party, especially at
High Craigton. Mum always said that all Dad
did was party while she did all the work, but I
do remember Dad laboriously washing piles of
glasses after parties!”
Maureen