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Compiled
by Roger Edwards, Special Projects Officer, Glasgow Zoopark, December
2000
3.
Cutting the first turf, Friday 31st May 1946
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The
'cutting of the first turf' to mark the beginning of the Zoo
development was performed by the wife of the second president, the
Countess of Dumfries.
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The
Countess of Dumfries. |
Joan
Benson, daughter of Sydney Benson, watched by the Society president,
the Earl of Dumfries, presenting a bouquet to the Countess of Dumfries.
In the background is the marquee from Strachan Kerr Limited, Caterers
(see Strachan Kerr in photograph F. below).
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The
Countess of Dumfries with A. McNab Chassels (vice-president).
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The
Society president, the Earl of Dumfries, addressing the gathering.
Seated behind are (from left) Sydney Benson (Society secretary and
now director of the Zoo), unknown, A. McNab Chassels (vice-president),
two unknown, the Lord Provost of Glasgow (Mr Hector McNeil), the
Countess of Dumfries.
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Joan
Benson, daughter of Sydney Benson presenting a bouquet to the Countess
of Dumfries. Seated from right are Dr James Johnstone (vice-president)
and the Earl of Dumfries (president). The man in spectacles is Tom
H. Gillespie, director of Edinburgh Zoo.
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Joan
Benson, daughter of Sydney Benson presenting a bouquet to the Countess
of Dumfries. Between them, smiling, is Strachan Kerr, an original
Council member. To the left are the Lord Provost of Glasgow (Mr
Hector McNeil) and the Earl of Dumfries (president).
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The
front row: the central four from left are the Lord Provost of Glasgow
(Mr Hector McNeil), the Countess of Dumfries, her husband the Society
president, the Earl of Dumfries, and Dr James Johnstone (vice-president).
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The
front row closer: the central four from left are the Lord Provost
of Glasgow (Mr Hector McNeil), the Countess of Dumfries, her husband
the Society president, the Earl of Dumfries, and Dr James Johnstone
(vice-president). Russell's Ice Cream van in the background.
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NOTES : These notes come primarily from a taped
interview with W.R.S. MacKenzie (Society President) and others in
July 1987.
1.
Russell's Ice Cream . Mr Russell was a very keen photographer
(some of these pictures may be his). He was a caterer, and also
ran the catering at Craigend Castle, the zoo at Mugdock, Milngavie.
A lot of other stories.
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