Billy McNeill memory

Here is one of my favourite memories of Billy McNeill.

As if having Billy McNeill’s home telephone number in my wallet was not enough, the offer to call whenever required had created a special link to Celtic’s greatest captain.

A friend of mine was organising a 50th birthday surprise for one of the guys in his supporters’ club and asked me if I could organise Big Billy to write a special dedication and sign the back of a framed print.

I made the call and Billy invited me to house in Newton Mearns. On arrival, Liz advised Billy was in the back room. Better was still to come as there was Billy and Mike Jackson watching a Uefa Champions League match. Billy gladly fulfilled the request. He and Mike made feel so welcome and I ended up watching most of the match in the company of heroes.

My friend was absolutely delighted to which, he wrote a personal letter to Billy thanking him for his kindness.

Thereafter I kept in touch with Billy and had the pleasure of going back to his home on a few occasions, spending time in his company at functions and simply saying ‘Hello’ when bumping into him and Liz at our local shopping centre.

Great memories of such an approachable man who knew how to put people at ease when in his company. True gent!

Eddy Grady, via email

School car ban

WITH regards to banning cars around primary schools (Evening Times, Tuesday) – they all park on Bemersyde in Bishopbriggs on a daily basis to take their children to St Helen’s Primary.

The police and council do nothing.

John Hunter, posted online

Farewell to Dippy

I WAS sad to read that Dippy’s time at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has come to an end. It was a brilliant exhibit and I loved taking my granddaughter to see it.

GCR, via email