7 March 2020 – the last day fans gathered at Celtic Park to see their team in action. You don’t need to attend games to be a committed Celtic fan, many live far from Glasgow and others cannot get to games for a variety of reasons, but thousands of us will not have gone so long without seeing Celtic in the flesh since infancy. We are now all armchair fans.
There are parallels in our personal lives; we are armchair sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and parents, work from home colleagues. We are not all sociable creatures; I know some who are quite happy in their cocoon, but for many, this has been a trying time in their personal lives, even more so without the ceremonies of supporting Celtic.
For me, that means getting together with three generations of the family, it gives us a common currency we can spend in each other’s market. Truth is, nothing else allows us to bond in the same way. It is not the same by text, not even close.
The family thing is all good and well, but why do you and I bond, when do we bond as the Celtic Movement? For some, Celtic speaks to our ancestry, but that’s an influence that is significantly less than when I first stood at Celtic Park. I know there are some who found us through the Lisbon Lions all those years ago. This month I met a Syrian fan. He had worked various grounds as a steward and found a home for his sporting heart in the process. I also know a born contrarian, who from the age of 7 decided the team her (cherished) father despised was the one she would follow all her life.
Whatever brought you to Celtic, Celtic has an influence on our world view, almost without exception. We are a community, formed to help the starving. The more fans you meet, the more influenced you become in adopting this core value. There is not another club in the world (unless some outfit from Gibraltar claims otherwise) that has a call to action as noble as this.
In March, Celtic FC Foundation launched its Football for Good Fund. The world changed, which had two consequences for your Foundation, there would be no badge day, no bucket collection, no mountain top huddle or arctic trek, but the needy, the lonely, the isolated and the vulnerable would multiple.
The Fund raised over £1m, £250k of which came during the Christmas Appeal phase, how this was achieved in these circumstances is difficult to comprehend, unless you consider the values of those who cherish it.
Where was the money spent? You know the kids whose parents do not have a spare penny? 2,272 of them received Christmas gifts for their children and another 376 vulnerable families received ‘an envelope’ to help them through. Another £30k was distributed through 10 children and family charities.
11 homeless charities, four refugee charities, and three women’s aid charities were also given cash. Hampers were given to vulnerable elderly and families, and toys given to organisations who know where to find kids who go without.
The Welfare State is over 70 years old but like any massive apparatus, there are cracks and limits through which thousands fall. You need to be on the ground to find those who cannot be found by policy. The Celtic FC Foundation is a chain linking those of us who have with those who have not. It is relentless in pursuing the values we were founded upon. Staffed by people who endure the delight and turmoil of supporting Celtic, but who know too well the consequences when our community cannot gather, for those who count on us for a Christmas toy.
You can be proud of these values and the community you have fortified. It will outlast all of us and will benefit more lives than you will ever know. But next year, champions again or not, those of us who have, need to do more, because the metrics are not getting better.
With or without your loved ones, take care and have a happy Christmas.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKILk4k3xvkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKILk4k3xvkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKILk4k3xvkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKILk4k3xvkv
DELANEYS DUNKY on 24TH DECEMBER 2020 2:36 PM
Spikeys
Have always hated panto. Went to one when I was 6 and hated it. Never watched another one.
_______________________
My sympathies.
Went to one in Glasgow at that age. Vic Oliver was the star turn. Embarrassed my father no end. Whenever a new member of cast appeared on stage, apparently, I piped up, ‘Daddy is that man a Catholic?’
Timhorton
A few gin and tonics would have gone down well – I must have drank above 10 pints of water yesterday.
First meal today was a bacon roll from the cafe in the hospital mmmmm
Best wishes to you and your family
Glory days well they’ll pass you by
Glory days in the wink of a young girl’s eye
Glory days, glory days
For all the people who cant look on the bright side of life.
Do you remember singing? I know I do.
Hail hail
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross missed a key Covid-19 lockdown meeting because he was working as an assistant referee at Rangers’ 3-1 win against Motherwell.
The Daily Record revealed that Tory leader was unable to attend a party leaders’ summit, in which former party leader Ruth Davidson stood in place, to discuss the Scottish Government’s response to a new strain of coronavirus as he was running the line at Ibrox.
However, a spokesman for Mr Ross said that the Moray MP was only alerted to the meeting at half-time during the Premiership clash.
READ MORE: Five things you need to know about new potential Scottish Tory leader
Glasgow Times: Undated handout file photo of Conservative MP Douglas Ross who has apologised for saying his priority as prime minister would be to bring in ”tougher enforcement against gypsy travellers”. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday Augu
The spokesman added: “Douglas received an email from the First Minister’s office at 1.52pm and a call at 3.27pm. He was already preparing for the game and he was alerted to the messages at half-time.
“Nobody expects him to carry a mobile every minute of the day.
“By any reasonable assessment, Ruth Davidson is more than a capable replacement, given that she led the party for the best part of a decade and still leads the Scottish Conservative group at Holyrood.
“Weaponising Covid solely to score cheap political points is low.”
The Scottish Tory leader was also criticised in August for missing a VJ Day service to work as a linesman but he subsequently donated his fee to charity.
Scottish Labour leader called out the Tory leader: “This is another case of double jobbing by Douglas Ross.
READ MORE: Boxing Day Covid restrictions: What are the new Level 4 rules in Scotland?
Glasgow Times:
“His unavailability is another example of why he should give it up and why the practice of second jobs should be outlawed.”
A Scottish Greens spokesperson said: “Douglas Ross needs to understand that politics is not a game played out in public statements.
“The country faces unprecedented challenges, which impact our most vulnerable citizens, and as a party leader he has a duty to stay informed and work constructively where necessary for the collective good.”
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First things first get them huns over the line.
VP
There’s a clue in the word Mobile – as you said he’s making sure the Huns get over the line.
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 24TH DECEMBER 2020 4:04 PM
I see little Tommy Tickle has been sacked at PSG and is due to be replaced by Maurice Tiny Pockets.
Bielsa is under criticism at Leeds too.
Seems it’s not just the dinosaurs that get sacked by dissatisfied fans
Are you related to tontine tim.
From last week “the man who’s birthday is a week on friday”
GENE
You get to your bed ! HH
To all the guys I’ve disagreed with over the season – have a Great Christmas but please don’t get too drunk:
To all the guys I’ve agreed with over the season – have a Great Christmas and drink as much as you like:
All the very best to Paul 67 – thanks for a great Blog🍀🍀🍀🍀
VP
Mass at 6.30 first – I might even have a couple of beers afterwards. 🍻
To fellow Tims across the World.
Have a safe , pleasant Happy Christmas, and remember those less fortunate.
Be kind to each other and be kind to all animals.
Above all , just be good people and help anyone you can.
SCHUMMI
FU
“Are you related to tontine tim.”
FU
I’d love to have been related to a story teller like that.
Some of us just hate writing in straight lines. I was raised on Casey, Synge and Behan, so I like to have a wee bit of fun with words (I blame the Irish in me).
If you genuinely didn’t understand what I was saying, I’m happy to explain.
I can read and get 90% of Tontine’s references and I enjoy being made to work hard and exercise grey matter to work out the rest
If you want simple declarative sentences read Hemingway or Hugh Keevins.
GENE on 24TH DECEMBER 2020 5:34 PM
VP
Mass at 6.30 first – I might even have a couple of beers afterwards. 🍻
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Good Lhad ,take care :O)
All the best to you and yours bhoys
Just logging back in after a wee siesta. Shut my eyes for 40 winks and woke up two hours later 😧
Thanks for your kind wishes. I felt a bit silly after posting it when I realised I’m telling a load of people I’ve never met about something they have no need to know about. I know all of you will have your own worries and problems to deal with, and for sure many will be a lot more serious than mine.
I’ll keep it to the football from now on and be on here on Saturday commenting on the game!
Hail Hail everyone, off to help my son get the Whisky, shortbread and carrots sorted.
💚💚💚💚💚
Deniabhoy
Whisky , shortbread and carrots?
I would recommend you try it with just a splash of water.
DENIABHOY
Good health to you and family.
Gene have a merry Christmas and roll on 2021 glad to see the back of 20.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1342000124197744640
A radical message to the masses, give us this day our daily bread. Fine sentiments Paul67.
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Enjoyed the pictures from the Passport last night. The woah, check it out! moment for me was 28mins, our defence held a line and big Stewart was flagged offside. Counted three so hoping for at least four on Saturday, not that I’ll see them.
Best wishes at Christmas to CQN
Lost Glasgow
@LostGlasgow
· Dec 21
Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, during the long and bitter winter of 1947. The game goes on.
Hope those wee pre-fabs were well insulated. Brrr!
Picture: Newsquest
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpwwE0rXMAABtAC?format=jpg&name=900×900
Deniabhoy
`A Place in the Sun` is on at 7pm tonight. It is from Denia. Is this the episode that was filmed from your place?
The couple are looking for a 125,000 pounds property if that helps.
Hot Smoked – no idea.
If it’s Danni Menzies then there should be a bit from our place if it wasn’t cut out in editing.
I am not in it, but our Cafe should be.
What Channel is that in Uk? I’ll tell my mum to have a look.
Wether Sevco drop points or not ,we Celtic have blown in big time,so watching Celtic last night I still don’t have much confidence in this team or coaching staff winning the league.
Deniabhoy,
I am glad you are both relatively fine. I would wager we would all be shocked if we knew just how many people have actually had this virus.
From one former positive to another, best wishes and stay well.
My most recent test was negative and God willing I’m sure this will be the case for the two of you in the near future.
May the odds be forever in your favour.
Cheers and HH.
DB- HGTV Sky 158
We’re not out the running yet, win the next three and it’s game on.
Invincible season we beat them at mordor 2-1, a short time after ‘only’ beating Ross county 2 nil.
We beat tfod 5-1 later in the season, after drawing two each with the same ross county, the week before.
Still got hope in my heart.
Happy Xmas to all
Deniabhoy
Channel 42. HGTV.
I don`t know if Ms Menzies is presenting.
Hot Smoked – I think that is one from a couple of years ago with Jean Johansson. They were going to film in the Cafe then decided to do it on the beach. I think I was on camera for about 10 seconds . . .
“SHUGGYS36GOALS on 24TH DECEMBER 2020 6:36 PM
We’re not out the running yet,”
I agree. Obviously Sevco are hot favourites at the momen tbut I don`t think they are quite as good as many are saying.
As I commented on last night, too many of our players are making basic errors. I cannot put that down to a sudden departure of talent; more a loss of confidence which can come back with a few good results. We had many good chances last night. A confident Celtic would have won by five or six.Let`s see how the next couple of games go.
Deniabhoy
Not Danni girl. A woman named Scarlette Douglas.
I agree with the positive comments…………and I’m sure those that are more cautious know more about the game than I do.
I would say tho’ that – for being so apparently poor ( and there has been lots of evidence), we’re not that far behind thems…………
The question is, will they have a run of bad luck? Injuries? Covid-related issues……..?
As a unit they have enough to beat everyone else in the league I think, and their stand-oooot player will only falter if he suddenly gets fewer penalties………….which is unlikely unless Son-Of-Dallas remains indisposed.
Momentum is currantly with thems and I’d be lying if I said I was confident we can catch and ultimately overtake them but I certainly haven’t given up hope…………..
( I have had a bottle of Dada “Chocolat” tho which is colouring my mood wonderfully)
HH and a Merry Christmas To All Tims In This Dear Green Place.
HS,looks a nice wee spot
Bada
Indeed it does ! I`ve never been there , though.
I usually, pre;Pandemic, go to San Pedro de Alcantara on the Costa del Sol.
Bankiebhoy:
` I’d be lying if I said I was confident we can catch and ultimately overtake them but I certainly haven’t given up hope…………..`
That`s about the strength of it for me, too and, sport being sport, I could cope with not doing the Ten were it not for my lack of faith in the integrity of the powers that be in Scotland.It is for that reason, too that I am disappointed in those posters who ALWAYS go with the negatives. I feel we need to counteract the MSSM and The Establisment on places such as CQN.
HS…..yeah…..remember holidays… hopefully in a few months 🤞🤞
Hot Smoked
Spent many a Happy summer holiday down by San Pedro de Alcantara
Nice part of the world
Hotsmoked,
Before you deal with the external enemy you need to weed out the enemy within —- Lawwell.
He has done more to help newco than any referee and he has downsized for his own financial benefit weakening the team —-more than any referee can do with cards.
Dealing with the external headwinds ( SFA) is straightforward with the right CEO—- the elephant in the room is Lawwell.
LC,
Paul67 will you delete this message as well — you are far too sensitive old chap.
WITS
Too hot for me in the summer but I thorougly enjoyed visits between October an May.
Anyway, Christmas Eve is a quiet affair for me this year but I think I`ll sign off now and have a wee dram
I hope those who are unwell improve and those who have lost loved ones receive enough support to cope.
Cheerio to all .