Author: The Hampden Collection

I have been looking forward to this evening: three Queens Park men dining out in the first city of the Empire with a menu of Glasgow, football and family.  We step out of our carriage into a magnificent square commemorating the Navy’s greatest victory over Napoleon's fleet, off the coast of Cape Trafalgar. Nelson’s column, … Continue reading Chapter 45 – Football Association AGM →

We leave Kennington Oval with an extra bounce in our step. The might of English football quelled by the best Scots players, based in London. We are positive one day a whole team from Scotland will participate in this great fixture. Our sport is growing, for example I recently learned football clubs were established in … Continue reading Chapter 44 – Post Match Celebration →

Development of the railway system inspires all. The world’s first steam railway joined Liverpool with Manchester in 1830 and railway expansion has exploded since. I alight the Great Northern Railway train at London King’s Cross, where Hackney carriages line up providing further convenient transport. London is a truly mesmerising city. I head to George’s apartments, … Continue reading Chapter 43 – England v Scotland →

The hall clock strikes 7 chimes. I head to the kitchen and find the stove already lit by Agnes; our Housekeeper. Our Smith & Phillips range is a workhorse, constantly supplied from the Tradeston Gas Works and exhibits our modern Victorian living.  Today’s destination is the Chambers of Commerce Hall in Virginia Street. The street … Continue reading Chapter 42 – Dean of Guild →

Sunday is a needed day of rest and spending time with the family. We head to the United Presbyterian Church for the Sunday service and sit in our usual pew, located two from the back.  The Thomsons sit in front of us; Alexander and Jane; both devout in their faith. This has been thoroughly tested … Continue reading Chapter 41 – Day of Rest →

Indulgence over the New Year is remedied by our systematic practice. James Smith, our Captain, is resolute in his pursuit of health and leads us to the field. Today’s match is Light v Heavy Weights. I am selected for the Light team. Our membership has swollen to 45 enabling us to play 15-a-side. The South … Continue reading Chapter 40 – Practice Makes Perfect →

I rise early. Clouds of breath skirt across the room. Hat, scarf and gloves, combined with my thickest winter jacket, are essential today. Emelia, Lewis and Adair stand waiting. I ask Emelia "where is Arabella?” She replies "She has a temperature and cough. I will stay and look after her." My eldest is unwell again. … Continue reading Chapter 39 – New Year Dawns →

The cover proclaims the genius, Charles Dickens. Chapman & Hall published this wonder with illustrations from John Leech. This brown covered first edition is a gift beyond words. Inside the cover Robert has written ‘Published on 19 December 1843 and sold out by Christmas Eve. Treasure it forever my friend; as this book holds a … Continue reading Chapter 38 – Hogmanay To Remember →

The orchestra has been exceptional. The evening is closed by our President. He asks the organising committee to stand and our efforts are warmly applauded. The moment strikes me with how much we have learned from preparing this event. My enthusiasm for Queens Park Football Club is refilled. This is more than a football club. … Continue reading Chapter 37 – A Christmas Greeting →

The Great Hall erupts into applause. Our motto translates into 'Play for playing’. Our President explains, “We have demonstrated our simple motto to our footballing brethren. Tonight we celebrate our achievements.” Following a delicious starter, Captain Gardner regales Queens Park's unbeaten 5 wins from 5 games. He commends our goalkeeper, “No one has put one … Continue reading Chapter 36 – Queens Park Coversazione →