Posted: 05/11/2024 12:34:01
It was with great regret that everyone at the Glenlee learned of the death last week of one of its longest serving and much respected volunteers, Roy Smart, at the grand age of 95.
Roy was an essential part of the volunteer crew from early days in the Glenlee’s previous berth at the Pumphouse. He developed an interest in Clyde ships and their story from his career in Customs and Excise which often took him on board the ships which were moored all along the Clyde, and on his retirement the Glenlee benefited from this interest and from his talent for woodworking. On most Wednesdays, and often on other days too, Roy could be found on board ship or in the workshop, working on his latest project with the meticulous skill for which he was known, often accompanied by his colleagues of many years, Laurie and Cathie. It is virtually impossible to visit the Glenlee today without seeing a product of his handiwork. An early project saw Roy crafting much of the woodwork on Ferry Number 8 which was restored by Clyde Maritime Trust volunteers. When the time came for the move to Riverside, and the restoration of the Captain’s saloon and other areas of the poop cabin, Roy’s beautiful replica of the sideboard from the Pommern, which has pride of place, was admired by all who saw it.
Almost every area of the ship saw his talents. School groups who filled the education room were seated on Roy’s benches and worked at his tables. The busy café soon required Roy’s attention to rebuild the bought in chairs and tables, in order to cope with the numbers of customers! Those who attended lectures and conferences listened to speakers who stood at Roy’s beautiful lectern and visitors to the poop deck admired the signal flags stored in yet another of Roy’s creations.
Members of staff and volunteers always knew that any request for help they made to Roy would seldom be unanswered. When ladies attending functions on the ‘tween deck found that their heels and the spaces between the planks of the deck were not a happy mix, Roy and his team were to be found patiently inserting splines to prevent further incidents (Roy’s opinion of the high heels is not recorded). The problem of restricting visitor access to areas of the poop cabin while allowing access for cleaning seemed insoluble, until Roy turned his woodworking talents to that too, with a result both practical and decorative.
Always interested and concerned with the future of the Glenlee, Roy was always present at volunteer meetings and meeting of the Friends of the Glenlee (Clydebuilt). However, ever practical, Roy set about raising funds and was a highlight of Christmas Fairs and other fundraising events, selling his beautiful handmade toys, and attired in a top hat and waistcoat!
No one who visits the Glenlee leaves without benefiting from Roy’s dedication, and he will much missed.