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From Hamish Telfer:

My first recollection of Bill was as a young athlete in the 1960s. Very much his own man with a clear vision, he developed a string of international as well as good club level athletes. He appeared to me at the then tender age of about 15/16, to be quite a daunting individual with an intense look and very much doing his own thing. What was very clear however was the admiration and respect in which Bill was held by both athletes and coaches. His sessions were well run and he simply got on with the job in hand. A no nonsense approach then. He produced good athletes!

After I left to work in England I next encountered Bill when Scottish Athletics decided to put in place a Scottish Coaches Commission. The Commission was elected by the coaches of Scotland and I, along with about eight to nine othes were duly elected. Bill simply stood out in terms of respect and status as the natural Chair of the Commission. Somewhat reluctantly he agreed to chair the meetings but managed to contain the somewhat bizarre and eclectic minds that made up the Commission. It was during this time that I got to know Bill better and as his Vice-chair we developed a good working relationship.

The Commission from the outset had an uphill task. While we achieved some small gains, we all felt that we were frustrated in our efforts to put coaches and coaching at the forefront of the agenda. With some of the commission more volatile than others (!), Bill was a superb Chair, negotiating his way through some very turbulent meetings with the then CEO, David Joy. What I can remember of those meetings was both a heady mix of strong views amongst the members of the commission as well as some hilarious moments as ten or so egos bounced off each other. Bill’s ability to handle this was outstanding and on some occasions where he felt he wished to make a stronger contribution to the discussion, he would ask me to chair to allow him to advocate on behalf of the issue at hand.

It wasn’t always plain sailing however. On one occasion I remember getting a telephone call to tell me Bill had taken ill while at an athletics meeting in England and since I lived in the Lakes, I was asked to pop in to the hospital and make sure he was ok ‘since I was nearest’. I remember the anxious conversation with his wife on the phone as it seemed it may have been a suspected heart attack. When I arrived however, Bill was sitting up in bed, had his laptop out, his papers all around him on the bed and had the nurses running around after him. I then got a list of things he wanted me to do for him ‘if I got the time’. Just typical of Bill and this typifies his approach to his athletics.

When the commission eventually folded after a mass walk out of coaches after our repeated requests were blocked, Bill remained in essence in post to wind the affairs of the commission down. It had lasted merely a few years. However in those few years of working closely with Bill, I came to see a man of immense talent and vision; of intensely stubborn conviction mixed with a hugely enquiring mind and above all a warm and generous nature once he got to know you.

Bill is an immense talent who has never been fully recognised either in terms of his commitment and contribution to athletes, but also coaches and coaching. I have been lucky in my own coaching having served in a coaching capacity at GB level in three different sports, and seldom if ever have I come across someone for whom I have awe, admiration and respect and can also count as a good close colleague. It is also seldom that I can say that he is one of the most talented coaches I’ve seen. I hope he reads this and believes it, since I know I’m not alone in this view …. and he owes me a lunch anyway!

Hamish Telfer

From Eric Simpson:

Bill Walker is one of the most respected coaches in the country,a man who over the years has consistently produced quality athletes. A man who only last year was given an award for his services to British sprinting. Like many great coaches Bill does not suffer fools gladly and over the years has crossed swords with politicians and sports administrators who have chosen to make decisions detrimental to the sport he loves,athletics.

When I first started coaching I knew of Bill Walker, I had seen him coach and watched his no nonsense approach. It didn’t matter what level you were at Bill was the boss. I had heard him on various coaching courses and knew of his achievements . I had watched the documentary “No Easy Way” and realised that he was indeed a very special guy. I remember early on in my coaching life crossing swords with Bill at Grangemouth and saying that I had an athlete who was going to beat one of his. He expertly shot me down but continued to support my efforts. As the years went by I used Bill as my sounding board along with John Anderson both who gave of their time and knowledge unstintingly. Over the years Bill and I worked in tandem with him having input with Katie Skorupska and Stephen Payton. When I worked in Edinburgh it was just round the corner from Meadowbank and Bill and I would work together at night over quite a few winters. He was the quiet one, me as usual was the loud one. We had a a few years together in a loose partnership till I moved on work wise. I passed athletes on to Bill and he to me. He has always been a part of my coaching and personal life has he has for quite a few people.

 This may come as a shock to his present squad , but he has actually mellowed, though I would advise that you don’t upset him, but definitely mellowed.. Even today Bill has an absolute wealth of knowledge and expertise that few people tap into. I watched him at the Scottish Schools Day recently and was still amazed by his ability to put over his point to a group of young sprinters who he was working with, none of which I suspected had heard of him or knew his pedigree.

 I consider Bill Walker as one of the great coaches that Scotland has produced his knowledge and commitment to athletes and his sport is second to none. Young coaches, sit with Bill have a talk about your aspirations and allow him to help you and your athletes to future success. He’s not so dour when you get to know him.

From Frank Dick:

Through times when sport, and particularly athletics, has been battered by a tsunami of damaging change it is imperative that coaches remain the bastion of values and of professionalism we need them to be. Bill understands this and not only lives highest values personally while instilling them in those whose lives he influences, his coaching professionalism is persistently exemplary. Without coaches like Bill, Scottish athletics would be extinct. He was a key player in my coaching team through Scotland’s golden period.

George Hepburn, the old West of Scotland Harrier, has been winning Olympic trials in Canada, and was to take part in the elimination trials, particulars of which will be to hand in a few days.   Another old “West”! Harrier, H Green, is said to be on his way from Canada.

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HM Macintosh who was running in the Scottish championships at Ibrox on Saturday, has been appointed secretary of Cambridge University AC, and in the ordinary course will be President – a distinction which has not been held by many Scotsmen.

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The Glasgow Police AC are including a race for schoolboys in their programme of the 20th.   As their games are not under SAAA rules, boys who compete at this unregistered meeting will for ever be prevented from running at sports under control of the national Association.   We feel sure the matter only requires to be brought before the notice of the Police Committee to have the event deleted.

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Mr Lawrence Gemson will act as hon. secretary at the Ayr United Football and Athletic Club Sports in place of Mr H Murray who has resigned owing to pressure of business.   Mr Gemson has been well schooled in the intricate working of the position and should be an admirable successor to men like Mr Gavin Stevenson and Mr Murray.   The sports arrangements are well forward and the programme is to be the same as last year’s.

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Clydesdale Harriers, since they have decided to hold a meeting at Clydebank have received every encouragement from those who control football in that district, and it is just possible that the meeting on Saturday may be the forerunner of a long series of amateur gatherings at Clydebank.   Professional sport has had a hold there for years but there is a feeling in favour of a change, and if Clydesdale Harriers succeed in hitting popular taste this week, amateurism will get a footing that the other “ism” will not be able to move.   There is great scope for missionary work in and around Clydebank and Clydesdale Harriers therefore will be watched with interest.

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The London Athletic Club are holding a summer meeting at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening, and no doubt many of those going to the Metropolis for the AAA championships will enter for this function.   The open events are 100 metres and 600 metres scratch, 100 yards handicap, two miles handicap, high jump, broad jump and hop, step and jump.   There is a 50 yards handicap open to members, and sons and brothers of members under 15 years and a relay race – London AC  v  The Rest.

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As far as we can learn TR Nicolson is the only Western amateur who has entered the AAA Championships at Stamford Bridge on Saturday of this week.   He will travel South on Friday morning, returning again on Saturday evening so as to catch the steamer on Sunday for the Kyles.    Nicolson is a familiar figure at the AAA Championships.   His first win was in 1903 with 142′ 7″ and he has the honour four times since – 1904 with 157′ 5 1/2″, 1905 with 155′ 10 1/2″, 1907 with 158′ 9″ and 1909 with 154′ 3″.   In 1903 he also won the 16lb weight with 40′ 7 1/2″.   Nicolson has held the Scottish hammer continuously since 1902, and the weight he held in 1903, 1904, 1905, 1908 and ever since; he has in fact more championship medals than any amateur in Scotland.

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We have just heard of a rare example of “old time” graciousness which is a credit to Scottish athletics.   Before starting for Australia last year, Quinn of the Bellahouston Harriers, who held the SAAA walking championship for several seasons,  sent a letter to the Association stating the great pleasure he had had in competing under their auspices, and thanking them for the many courtesies he had received from the officials and committee from time to time.   And what made the communication so touching, was the simple, yet sincere, language in which it was couched.   Needless to say the Association replied in language that was equally sincere and and appreciative of Mr Quinn’s disinterested efforts in the cause of amateur sport in Scotland.   This is so unusual a proceeding that we think it deserves to be made public as a fine example of the reciprocal good feeling that exists between the Association and its competitors.

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The Territorial Sports at Parkhead tomorrow evening should be interesting from the point of view of variety, while the friendly rivalry between the different Corps should give a spice of excitement to the proceedings.   The “Greys” as they are still called despite modern nomenclature, have been doing a lot of training for the march route, in which it may be remembered they gained a place in the prize list at the Territorial championships in London two years ago.   They were beaten by their old friends the London Scottish and, disappointed as they were on that occasion, they would have felt the reverse keener had it been accomplished by any other corps than the London Scottish between whom and “The Greys” there is a long and cherished friendship.   Perhaps at Edinburgh next month positions will be reversed.   As tomorrow night’s programme is a lengthy one, competitors are requested to be forward in good time.   It is the duty not only of loyal Territorials but also patriotic citizens to support this meeting, the objects of which must appeal to all who have the welfare of their country at heart.

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The Olympic arrangements at Stockholm are well advanced, and it is expected that everything in the stadium will be ready for for the royal visit on Saturday, July 6th, which is to be dedicated to the opening part of the athletics part of the programme, which after all constitutes the prime part of the Games.   The order of events is given below and it will be seen that the Swedes have no Sabbatarian prejudices as on July 7th and 14th – both Sundays – there will be no break in the continuity of the proceedings.   It is surprising that the Olympic Committee at this end consented to such an arrangement.   The English Football Association has set its face against Sunday football on the Continent, and so have the English, Scottish and Welsh Rugby Unions.   It is all very well when in Rome to do as the Romans do, but we now for a fact that there is no universal satisfaction to run on a day which Britons hold as sacred.   The list is not to be regarded as final in every detail.   Second rounds are certain in the 200 and 400 metres and will probably be held on the morning of the finals.   It is also probable that the same need will apply in the 800 metres, in which case the final will be carried over to the Monday which, as will be seen from the following, is clear:-

July 6: 100m flat race heats

July6:   800m flat race heats

July 6: 10000m flat race heats

July 6:   Throwing the javelin (Best Hand)

July 7:   100m flat race heats

July 7:   800m flat race second round

July 7:   10000m flat race Final

July 7:   Running High Jump heats

July 7:   Pentathlon

July 8:   Relay Race, 400m  heats

July 8:   Walking Race 10000m heats

July 8:   Running High Jump  Final

July 8:   Standing Broad Jump

July 9:   1500m flat race heats

July 9:   5000m flat race heats

July 9:   Relay Race 400m Final

July 9:   Throwing the javelin  Right and Left Hands

July 10:  200m flat race heats

July 10:  1500m flat race final

July 10:  5000m flat race final

July 10:  Pole Jump

July 10:  Putting the Weight  Best Hand.

July 11 :  200m flat race final

July 11:  100m hurdles race heats

July 11:  Walking race 10000m final

July 11:  Putting the Weight (right and left hands)

July 12:  400m flat race heats

July 12:  Team race, 3000m heats

July 12:  100m hurdle race final

July 12:  Running Broad Jump

July 13:  400m flat race final

July 13:  Team race 3000m final

July 13:  Standing high jump

July 13:  Throwing the Discus (right and left hand)

July 14:  Marathon Race

July 14:  Relay race 1600m heats

July 14:  Throwing the Hammer

July 14: Decathlon first day

July 15: Relay Race 1600m final

July 15:  Cross-Country Race

July 15:  Hop, Step and Jump

July 15:  Decathlon second day.

The Irish Amateur Championships will be decided at Ball’s Bridge, Dublin, today, and some outstanding performances are expected, as in view of the Olympic Games several of Ireland’s leading amateurs have been assiduously employed in perfecting their form.   The Championships tomorrow are to be regarded as Ireland’s trials for Olympic purposes and that fact endows the meeting with special significance.   Whit Monday is almost universally given up to athletic functions in England, and several Scottish runners have gone South to try their luck.

We understand D Macmillan, the crack Cambridge University sprinter, is coming North for the Scottish championships in June, and as he will be accompanied by HM Macintosh, the old Glenalmond boy who is regarded as “the find of the season” there should be such a display of sprinting as is rarely seen at a meeting in Glasgow.   Macmillan is such  resourceful and powerful sprinter that it is just possible that he may win three events – the 100 yards, 220 yards and 440 yards – in which case his name will  be bracketed in history with AR Downer who had the distinction of winning these races in one day.

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GC Wallach of Glenpark Harriers and JD Murphy of Edinburgh Harriers are among those whom the National Cross-Country Committee have chosen to represent Britain in the cross-country races at Stockholm.   The team is as follows and the names are in the order of merit:-

W Scott  …..Salford Harriers

FN Hibbins ….. Thrapston Harriers

GC Wallach ….. Glenpark Harriers

F O’Neill ….. Connaught Rangers

E Glover ….. Hallamshire Harriers

SC Greenway ….. Banbury Harriers

WJ Tasker ….. Reading Athletic Club

J Murphy ….. Hallamshire Harriers

FC Neaves ….. Surrey Athletic Club

C Vose ….. Warrington Harriers

J Hughes ….. Dundalk Athletic Club

JM Broad ….. Durham City Harriers

JD Hughes ….. Edinburgh Harriers

B Holbrook ….. Warrington Athletic Club

R Stanton ….. Birchfield Harriers

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The conference of athletic bodies held last week at Manchester last week to consider the arrangements for the Olympic Games or, to be more ccurate, to bring under critical review the athletic wealth of Great Britain, was a very harmonious affair, Scotland being represented by Mr T Jack, president of the SAAA; Mr Walter Crichton, vice-president; and Mr DS Duncan, hon secretary.   The list of names published in Friday’s “Herald” is provisional , and therefore subject to revision.   Much may happen between this and the English Championships.   Athletes now in the perfection of form or nearly so, may fall off , while others may improve as the crucial period for final choices draws near.   It has been decided to send a team of 70, though possibly when the time comes for making a final selection that number may even be reduced.   The Scottish representatives are:- RC Duncan (West of Scotland Harriers), J Soutter (Aberdeen University AC), R Burton (Berwick Harriers), WM Crabbie (Edinburgh Academicals), T Jack (Edinburgh Southern Harriers), Dr Campbell (Edinburgh University AC) and TR Nicolson (West of Scotland Harriers); and the Anglo-Scots are:- D McMillan (Cambridge University AC), HM Macintosh (Cambridge University AC), FG Black (Cambridge University AC), GRL Anderson (Oxford University AC), DF McNicol ( Polytechnic and West of Scotland Harriers) and GCL Wallach (Bolton and Glenpark Harriers).

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Glasgow University are holding their annual sports at Anniesland tomorrow afternoon, and the first and second in each event will represent their Alma Mater in the inter-Varsity Games, which take place at St Andrews this season.   Of those who will figure in tomorrow’s sports JB Sweet, the old High School boy, is confidently expected to win honours in the 100 and 220 yards, while George Findlay and T Barrie Erskine, both Clydesdale Harriers running under their Varsity colours, are strong favourites for the distance events.     Neil McLeod and J Warren should do well in the middle distances, if a chill caught during training practice does not prevent the latter from entering, and there is the possibility of seeing Ralph Erskine, the amateur lightweight boxing champion trying his luck at the high jump.   Although the organised systematic training which goes to the making of an efficient athletic team is quite lacking at our university, a good afternoon’s sport, thanks to a few enthusiasts is assured, and at the inter-Varsity Sports by individual efforts a few trophies may fall to Glasgow.   Edinburgh University will bring off its ‘trials’ at Craiglockhart on Saturday and there will be the usual keen competition for the Rosebery Cup, to possess which, even for the limited period of 12 months, is the ambition of every athlete at the metropolitan Varsity.   It is said that there is less outstanding talent at Edinburgh University than there has been for several years but the odd thing is that while we hear the same ‘tale’ every year the Eastern star is very much in the ascendant on the day of the inter-Varsity Sports.

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Allan Glen’s Sports will be held at Hampden Park on June 22nd, the date on which Queen’s Park at one time contemplated holding an athletic function.   The date is later than usual but it synchronises with the closing of the season, and the sports therefore will make a joyous termination to what has been a strenuous educational season.

It is announced that Denis Horgan will take part in the Irish Amateur Championships at Ball’s Bridge, Dublin on Whit Monday, and his re-appearance may be taken as a desire on his part to to represent Britain in the Olympic field events in Stockholm.    With D Horgan for the weights, and JJ Flanagan or TR Nicolson for the hammer Britain should feel pretty confident of gaining some points.

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There is to be  conference of the English, Irish and Scottish Amateur Athletic Associations in Manchester this week to review the arrangements on connection with the Olympic Games.   Messrs T Jack (president), Walter Crichton (vice-president) and DS Duncan (secretary) will be the Scottish delegates and these gentlemen will not be slow in advancing the claims of certain Scottish athletes for representation.   No definite choice, however, will be made until after the English championships on June 22, by which date all the leading British athletes will be at their best and the choice in consequence will be all the more easily made.

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Clydesdale Harriers – the oldest club of the kind in this district – make their annual appeal for support at Ibrox Park on Saturday, and it is to be hoped they will not appeal in vain.   The programme is chiefly made up of flat handicaps the feature of which is, perhaps, a three miles handicap.   Clydesdale have always given prominence to distance running, and it is only right that they should, for they are first and foremost a cross-country club.   There will be a boxing exhibition of the lighter order, and it is just possible that Ralph Erskine will lend his assistance.   No one dignifies the art more than he does and, besides, it is always an education to see him perform.

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Cambridge University will be represented in the mile rely championships which is to be decided at the sports of the Polytechnic Harriers at Stamford Bridge on June 1.   HM Macintosh, the old Glenalmond boy, may be one of the ‘light blues’, though up to the present he has not been known to run the furlong distance.    Mention of Macintosh reminds us that in a trial at Fenners the other day he was credited with ‘evens’ for the 100 yards.   At the inter-varsity sports in March, he ran second to Macmillan, his time being 10 1-5th seconds, so in the interval he has found a couple of yards.   At this rate the old Glenalmond boy must be bracketed with AR Downer as a short distance runner.

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Just as many in the athletic world were beginning to see visions of success in the Olympic hurdle race, word comes to hand that GRL Anderson whose brilliant performance over the flights at the recent London Athletic Club meeting has caused many to change their tune about Britain’s prospects at Stockholm, has had a partial breakdown; at all events the muscles of his legs have given way owing to the strain caused by hurdle racing.   It seems that the rise and fall in the jumping required for the hurdlers efforts have a prejudicial effect upon certain muscles in the legs, which have already been affected, and that any recurrence of hurdle racing  renews or intensifies the damage to the old injury; whilst on the contrary steady exercise on the path for flat racing, such as half a mile, tends to strengthen the muscular action.

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An old Scottish runner in an interesting communication on American athletes to an English paper, supplies the following particulars of the running of John Paul Jones who would seem to be the ‘last word’ in distance racing:

“You have no doubt heard of John Paul Jones of Cornell.   He is all he is cracked up to be and a little bit more.   I have seen him run only once and that was when he beat Billy Paul a grand little runner who did 4:1 4-5th making all the running himself and who should have gone faster the next year if everything had broken right for him.   In the last mile of the four mile relay in Philadelphia last April, Jones  was clocked in 4:22 and had a lot in hand.   He ran in the mile two weeks later in 4:12 4-5th beating Paul out on the home stretch by five yards on the same track.   Then he finished up by winning the Inter-Collegiate mile in 4:15 2-5th.   College runners say he could have run 4:12 if pushed.   I should like to have seen Tincler at his best against him.   I do not say he would have beaten George but he certainly would have given him a great race.   I hope he visits England after the Olympiad, then Englishmen will see some of the best distance running they have ever seen – if the climate agrees with him.   There are several more who can get inside 4:20; I should say about four or five.”

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Thomas Barrie Erskine was the brother of the better known Ralph Erskine who was more successful athletically and was world boxing champion.   Thomas was born in 1890 in Parkhead, Glasgow, son of Captain James Barrie, formally of the 7th Gordon Highlanders and Royal Air Force then latterly an insurance inspector. They lived at 8 Deerpark Gardens in Tollcross, Glasgow.    His father had been a founder member of the Clydesdale Harriers and both boys also joined the club.

Tom took part in many races, sometimes winning a prize in a handicap race but there were not too many of them.   He did serve on the club committee however from 1911/12.   Still living in Deerpark Gardens, he became Joint-Secretary with James Laird that season and also served on the Finance Committee.   Ralph was also on the club general committee and this was the only year that they were both involved in the organisation of the club.   Tom competed in the club Novice Championships that year from Maryhill Baths, and finished third, winning the first handicap prize.   In 1912/13, he remained as one of the Joint-Secretaries with Harold Servant taking Laird’s place.    This year he was also on the Finance Committee and on the Handicapping Committee.   Being ineligible for the Novice Championship by virtue of his medal won the previous year, he participated in the Five Miles Club Championship at Erskine and won second handicap prize.   The two Joint-Secretaries held their posts in 1913/14 with Tom also remaining on the Finance Committee.   His record of a prize a year in club races continued when he was a member of the winning team in the Club Championship and Team Race after finishing 14th, the others in his team were JC Thomson, W Henderson tenth, and A Peterkin eleventh.   The war intervened and the club’s activities were suspended sine die.

A student at the University of Glasgow, in 1912 Erskine entered into his fifth year of study and chose to study Medicine, having previously studied Logic and History in the Arts and Science Faculty.    The outbreak of the First World War interrupted his studies, and he enlisted in 4th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1st Gordon Highlanders regiment.

His regiment saw action on the Western Front throughout 1915, including during the second Battle of Ypres. On 12 July 1915 Captain Barrie ‘a very gallant and capable officer’ was decorated with the Military Cross, the third level military decoration awarded to officers, awarded for ‘gallantry during active operations against the enemy’.   Only eight days after this was awarded, on 20 July 1915, personnel from the 1st Gordons regiment supported the 4th Middlesex Regiment with an assault on Hooge ” 34 men were wounded and 9 men killed, amongst them Thomas Erskine.   Aged 25, he was buried in Brandhoek Military Cemetery, Belgium, and was later posthumously awarded a MA (Hons) degree by the University of Glasgow.

Captain Erskine is listed on the University’s WWI Roll of Honour.

Tom is also listed as a member of the Royal Flying Corps (see  http://www.airhistory.org.uk/rfc/people_indexE.html ).

The excellent results from Summit are coming so frequently that they are not easily assimilated: in addition the sheer number is missed.   This page is an attempt to include the results as they happen from here on in so that the work Jim and Carol are doing is seen and recognised.   First, a summary of the 2015 cross-country season.

The first track results from 2016 are from the Oregon Relays where the teams won from a total of 60 entries, 19 points clear of the second placed team, Grant.    The rules are simple.   Jim explains:

each school is allowed a total entries of 35 which includes boys and girls.   Relays count as 1 entry – if you enter 2 individuals in 800 that counts as 2 entries.   So you have to place your kids where you think where they will score.

Mel Edwards was kind enough to donate copies of some hill running magazines that we were delighted to receive and which we publish here in their entirety.   They were all for the period 1988/1989 and provide a brilliant in depth picture of Scottish hill running of the period.

First of all, the ‘Scottish Hill Runner Magazine, followed by ‘Runaway’:

[ January 1988 ] [ June 1988 ] [ October 1988 ] [ February 1989 ] [ May 1989 ] [ August 1989 ] [ December 1989 ] [ Runaway, January 1988 ]