Surprise! Surprise!

Can you imagine the surprise when I entered Leith Library on Saturday morning, Oct 9th, 2010?

Well I wont tell you for I am leaving it to the comments of those present that I have attached below.

The event was to present me with a citation for the ten years I have been responsible for Oldleither.com 

I may tell you I was overwhelmed but very humble at it all.  After all the success of the site has been due to all of you who have been regular contributors and visitors.

Now I would like to take this time to thank those who organised the event;- Graham Whyte from Harrogate, Bob Moffat from Bonnyrigg, Frank Ferri from Newhaven and Jack Mackenzie from New Zealand.

As well as them, Mark Lazarowicz, Leith Westminster MP, Rev Ian Gimour,Minister for South Leith, Lawrie Reilly, former Hibs and Scotland Centre Forward and Mary Moriarty former owner of the Port o` Leith Bar for their attendance.

The Oldleithers who were present as well as my daughters and son who made sure I was there.

Finally but not least, Jill Marples and her staff of Leith Library for laying on refreshments.

Almost forgot.  Thanks to Graham, Frank, Peter and my son Alan for the photographs

Presentation by  Mark Lazarowicz, MP

Karen Stewart, East CalderSaturday, 9/10/10, 9:29 AM

Thank you to all who supported the event organised for John(dad) this morning. He was certainly surprised, shocked and a bit overwhelmed until it dawned on him what was happening. Thanks in particular to the 4 Musketeers and brother Alan for arranging this and Leith library staff for the venue and refreshments. It just occurred to me on the way home (when we passed by Mason`s Bakery) that I could have popped in to there to buy 2 dozen pies for us!

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Bob Moffat, BonnyriggSaturday, 9/10/10, 10:56 AM

Karen it was a pleasure to honour John, in this way, and thanks to everybody for making it special, Mark MP, for presenting John with our certificate, I am glad that Laurie Reilly, and Peter Stubbs, came along, and Karen I hope Graham does not read your comment on masons, as he will be drooling at the mooth,anyway a big Thank You to everybody, and Staff at Leith library for a splendid morning. I believe our distant muskateer Jack Mackenzie from N Z phoned John at the library, thanks for that Jack..and Frank oor other muskateer took a few pics, well we all took a few so no doubt they will be passed on to John, and he may put them on site for all who could not be there to see. and yes Sandra I gave John your letter, Thanks all

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Bill Elliot, LeithSaturday, 9/10/10,

Today at the Leith library I was privelaged to be there to see Our Web Master John presented with his certificate. Over the years I have made pictures in my mind about the people that post on the site some were quite accurate but some were miles out. LOL and Persevere

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Graham Whyte, HarrogateSaturday,9/10/10,

What a day today turned out to be...Your self- styled, Press officer was finally put to bed. This means that from now on the 4 Musketeers are on stream. The ones that should take ALL the plaudits are Bob Moffat, Frank Ferri, Jack Mackenzie ( N.Zealand ). The little bit I did was just to get an idea off the ground. The other 3 MADE IT HAPPEN.

John's surprise award Ceremony/Reunion went like a dream. Just in case anyone doubts how well it went watch this space. The Ceremony was filmed and will be put on You- Tube in the next few days. What made the day so special for me was both seeing John's face when he realised what was happening and, the contributors that attended, proved me right all along. Old Leithers are a special breed. May I also pay tribute to John's Family. They were in on the surprise all along, right up until they entered the Library. Ruth, I have also filmed some of the places that you asked about as well as others.I will need a few day to get them on You-Tube. Lastly, may i ask you all to listen into Zoomer Radio AM 740 IN Canada at 9pm Sunday as another surprise mention will be forthcoming. Denis Snowden has informed me today that the book i sent him has arrived and he will give us a mention. Especially. John's Award Ceremony. THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR MAKING TODAY SPECIAL.

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Alan Stewart, LivingstonSaturday, 9/10/10,

What a brilliant morning in Leith today, I can't begin to tell you all just how much this meant to Dad. Getting a chance to meet all his friends face to face for the first time in most cases was very special. It was lovely seeing the genuine affection, warmth and friendship amongst everybody and goes to show it's more than a website. I want to personally thank Graham, Bob, Frank and Jack for pulling this together against all the odds and even securing an appearance by Dad's life-time idol Laurie Reilly. You nailed it lads. Alan

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Bob Moffat, BonnyriggSaturday, 9/10/10,

Attention don't let our press officer confuse you he had us much to do with this event as much as the other Muskateers, the certificate was made up from Jacks logos, and my Daughter in law Gill's caligraphy and Graham paid for the framing, so let us say it was a joint effort, as my father in law used to say, Just glad it went to plan.

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Bob Moffat, BonnyriggSaturday, 9/10/10,

Ok I am back again I would like to say I forgot to mention our other muskateer Mr Frank Ferri who put in as much effort as any of us, so that it could happen, but you know what its like you are saying to yourself as well as typing and you get ahead of yourself and press the send button before you realize, sorry Frank..

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Norma Ross nee Dorward, LochgilpheadSunday, 10/10/10,

Well done everyone for organising the event to honour John. I have been on holiday so knew nothing about it but am so pleased you were able to get the family and other folk important to John to keep the secret from him until the very last minute. He does a fantastic job keeping this on-line community alive. Best wish John for continued health, happiness and success for the next 30+ years

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Pamela Sutherland, West CalderSunday, 10/10/10,

Hi I'm John's younger daughter and was very privileged to be at Leith Library yesterday to share the pleasure that everyone got when Dad finally realised what was going on. He did not have a clue. He thought he was going to a "wee do" to celebrate my Grannie being the oldest living relative in Leith (I think?). To get him to the Library instead of the Sheltered Housing complex my husband phoned me just before we left and pretended he was my Aunt saying there had been a flood in the home and the ceremony was being transferred to the Library. This meant he was totally in the dark till Frank told him what was going on, when he saw a sea of unknown faces looking at him. Of course he knows everyone by name but not by face. It was a wonderful chance for everyone to finally meet one another.

I would just like to add my thanks to Bob, Graham, Frank & Jack (who surprised Dad with a phone call from New Zealand) for all that they have done. Things like this do not happen by themselves , it is all the organising and work that was done behind the scenes that brought this to a smooth finish. Thanks lads. You have no idea what "Old Leithers" and your friendship really means to my Dad. This has really helped him over the last 10 years. I feel very honoured to have met such lovely people yesterday and can put faces to names now when I read all your comments. Thanks again and heres to the next reunion.

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Bill Macrae, LeithSunday, 10/10/10,

Might as weil kill twa burds wi wan stane, and repeat as others have done before on the site today. And first say what a great day it was to see so many old leithers in one place and to put faces to names that I have read of now over the years. I had met john once before in the pub at the corner of Henderson Street&Gt.Junction Street "Whitson's" at a small reunion of one of the "Wallace" brothers from the New world. And I also knew that football player "what's his name"? who was there and took my banter in good spirit. Well done the Muskateers.

Second point on drinking at an early age as it happened my first landlord was also at the Library Yesterday.the arforementioned Mr.L.Reilly as I and my older brother played in his pub's dart team back in the early to mid fifties. And I then got married and that was the end of pubs and darts for me. But as it happens I had my Stag night in the "Port of Leith" bar and who else was in the library yesterday but Mary Moriarty the owner of of said pub It's a funny old world !!!.

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Moira Boyd (Reid), LeithSunday, 10/10/10,

Can`t top any of the comments re Johns special day I am so glad I was part of it, the look on John`s face when he came in was classic. Thanks to everyone for the welcome. Bob, Im like a bairn wi a new toy, thanks for my keyring.also thanks to Graham for pics.

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Ruth McRobbie McClounnan, Los AngelesSunday, 10/10/10,

Aye, it would be nice to ken who yous are in the photos, Frank Ferri I can recognize, of coarse John, Ian Gilmour I have met him a few times at Church, thats it...From across the pond....Many many more years John on keeping Leith alive in my heart, I have met family, and met a lot of wonderful friends and met my old pals from Johnston Street that we haven't seen each other since 1947 I hope to come over next year and meet them , For the oldleither and the fellas that organized JOHN'S DAY I am very grateful and proud to be a Leither.....Ruthie Three Cheers for John

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Jean (Durie) McFarlane, PaisleySunday, 10/10/10,

Re. John's Day - I missed it - grrrr! All this must have been arranged when we were on holiday but any recognition of John's devotion to Old Leither is well deserved. Long may you have the health, energy and desire to carry on bringing Oldleithers together, John

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Cathy, VancouverSunday, 10/10/10,

Cheers John... Sounds like a wonderful day and another great memory has been made!!! Thanks for the Memories ..

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Bill Macrae, LeithMonday, 11/10/10,

I thought there might be a problem for our overseas members (and some homebased members) knowing who was who in the Camera shots and that'.s why I kept my red scarf on. The library did have there heating on so it wasn't kept on for that reason. And it did help to tease Mr.Riley and our John.

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Frank Ferri, NewhavenMonday, 11/10/10,

I too enjoyed the great turn out fot John on Saturday, it was a joy to see the look of surprise on John's face when then penny droped and also to see some faces I recognised from days gone by....... Just been reading some of your great wee stories and anecdotes of jug bars and first drink in a pub..... sadly when put on Guest Book which in time are erased .... how about writing down these experiences and give them to John so he can collate them and create a permanent record... Keep them coming ...... Fondest Regards to All Frank

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Ruth nee McRobbie McClounnan, Los AngelesMonday, 11/10/10,

I figured out the big red scarf was so you could be identified LOL, didn't know your name until now BILL...I didn't think the library would be that cauld inside that you needed a scarf(wise guy) I just e mailed Graham, said " I wish I could have been a fly on the wall at Leith Library Saturday morning to listen to all of yous" LOL Next time video tape it wi sound.....

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Bob Moffat, BonnyriggMonday, 11/10/10,

Graham thanks for that, I like yourself come up with some daft ideas, like you say even if we get at least one of the ground, thats success, As regards to John's certificate presentation, long before the 10th anniverary I said to Graham why don't we get everybody to put a couple off bob in and send it to John for helping the upkeep of the site, but after a few emails between us the idea was born to present him with a certificate, so we involved Frank and Jack, and eventually between us got it sorted, then we involved John's family what we were doing and they joined in and managed to keep it from John until the big day, all very worthwhile to see John's face on the day. Moira I should have gave you 2 keyrings as you enjoy the one, you could have used them as earings, so the four Muskateer's are Graham Whyte--Frank Ferri Jack Mackenzie--and myself Bob Moffat..

Mary Moriarty, Leith   Monday, 11/10/10 

Was delighted to be there yesterday at the library and see you receive a much deserved award, also so pleased that George and Rena got a chance to meet you face to face. I am sure they will be able to supply lots of info for your we-site, unfortunately neither of them have a computer but will organise that they get a chance to see the photos etc at my house on the computer. Rita Crombie was unable to be at the library but sends her best wishes to you,

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Peter Stubbs, Leith  Monday, 11/10/10

I enjoyed the party at Leith Library, and the opportunity to meet everybody there on Saturday morning.

I now have some photos to pass on to you.

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Norma Ross nee Dorward, LochgilpheadTuesday, 12/10/10,

Loved the photos of your excellent event in Leith Library. It is great to put faces to names. I hope you managed to make a video to show Queen May!

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Sandra Cochrane, Ontario   Tuesday, 12/10/10

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise and Congratulations from the Great White North (Canada that is).

Wish we could all have been there in person to see you receive this this much deserved honour, but since we can`t I just want to add my name to the many, who I am sure, will be toasting you today.

No one is more deserving of this honour and I`d just like to say a big thanks for all your years of toil in bringing this about.

Congratulations again to one helluva web master.  Enjoy your day....told you you`d go down in the history books!!!!!

Sandra.  I`ll hae a wee dram to you.

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Tom Wallace, Pacofica, San FranciscoTuesday, 12/10/10,

John I just finished reading about the ceremony at Leith Library and wished that I could have been there. Congratulations it is well deserved. Also want to compliment the guys that put the event together. You did a great job.

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Magnus Ganson, Kent  Wednesday, 13/10/10

Hello John, haven't been on line too much lately, been in hospital and not very well.  On my feet now and feeling much better. Catching up on the 'site' saw Grahams photographs, so I mailed him and he told me what had been going on.  Well it couldn`'t happen to  a more deserving person, so many congratulations on your award.

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Keith Flocchart, New Zealand,  Thursday, 14-10-10

Congratulations John,

10 years. Your site has brought pleasure to many people, It has rekindled memories, brought about new friendships and also enabled some of us to see our work in print.

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Photos