A lost bunnet didn’t stop Buddie getting out of the Glen Cinema as disaster struck

Dec 31 2009 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

A lost bunnet didn’t stop Buddie getting out of the Glen Cinema as disaster struck

JIM McCallum was a regular at the Glen Cinema and took his usual place in the auditorium on the afternoon of that tragic day.

The five-year-old Buddie was with his two brothers, Sandy, who was older, and younger brother, David.

As usual they were looking forward to their lunchtime treat of cowboys and indians.

Retired joiner, Jim, who now lives in Glenburn, remembers: “Because it was Hogmanay there were probably more kids there than normal, as all the adults were getting their houses ready for the Bells.

“There was the usual buzz inside the picture house and when the film started everyone was excited.

“All of a sudden someone shouted that there was a fire and everyone made for the exit doors.

“There seemed to be some sort of problem there.

“But I noticed that someone had managed to prize one of the windows open.

“It led out onto the lane at the side of the building, and down to the River Cart.

“I ‘patiently’ waited my turn and got outside eventually.”

Jim added: “David had a new bunnet and it got lost in the commotion. He was really upset but we’d had a good look around before making our escape.

“When you put things into perspective, a bunnet was nothing but when you’re just five-years-old you don’t really understand the danger you’re in.”

In the ensuing years, Jim worked at his trade all over the United Kingdom but swears he’ll never forget the Glen Cinema disaster.

And he was delighted when told that a film dedicated to those who lost their lives was to be made.

Jim, now 85, said: “I think the film is a great idea.

“It’s important to remember those that perished in the cinema that day.

“It was such a tragedy that not only the whole of Paisley felt it, but it went further than that.

“We had the exhibition five years ago and now this DVD is a timely reminder once again of the dreadful scale of the tragedy.

“It’s certainly something I will never forget.”