When Renfrew Roared

FOOTBALL fans from Renfrew can relive the glory days of their local club with a new film they can watch online. With the help of Renfrewshire Leisure, notably Film Project Producer Richard Weeks, filmmaker Paul Russell has produced a documentary movie about the day in May 1962 when Renfrew Juniors reached the final of the Scottish Junior Cup, at Hampden Park.

Paul made the film after the popular 'Renfrew on Film' event -which is held as part of Renfrew Gala Week - was postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The film, called 'When Renfrew Roared', features footage of the final and interviews with Renfrew Juniors legendary centre forward, Jimmy Rundell, and fan, Campbell McGregor.

There were 49,000 fans at Hampden on May 19 1962, for the final between Renfrew and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy. The match ended a 1-1 draw, but unfortunately, Renfrew lost 1-0 in the replay, which was also staged at the national stadium.

Paul explains:

“There’s a risk a lot of people may feel isolated at a time like this, but things like film of local history events can provide a distraction and a conversation piece.

The Renfrew on Film event always gets a fantastic reaction, but if people can’t come to it, we’ll do our best to take it to them.

In 1962, when Renfrew Juniors reached the cup final there was a real community spirit with people putting aside their usual football allegiances to support the local lads.”

Renfrewshire Leisure Film Project Manager Richard Weeks digitised 16mm film footage of the cup final and locals heading to Hampden, so Paul could use that material to produce the film.

Paul adds: “The big history will always be told via Pathe or BBC archives and the like, but of equal importance locally is this kind of local history, that is at greater risk of being lost.

This high quality 16mm film.. and in colour.. is such a gift. It's like a time capsule.

It really brings that time back to life. “It's brilliant to be given archive material of this quality to work with, and it was a joy to be able to talk to Jimmy Rundell and Campbell McGregor to give it that personal first hand context, with warmth and humour”. “Thanks should also go to Eric Welsh, who once again has really helped to pull everything together, with his community contacts and local historical knowledge..You couldn't ask for anybody better in your corner when making something like this.”

Chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said:

“We’re determined to bring back some good memories for local folk – something to bring a bit of cheer. I'm sure the film will be very popular, and I can't wait to see it myself. I wonder how many Renfrew folk who were there on the day will see themselves in it." The film can be viewed below: