History
The Glasgow Humane Society is a unique charitable Institution.
James Coulter, a wealthy Glasgow Merchant left a sum of £200 in his Will to help found a Humane Society within Glasgow.
Similar Societies were being set up all over the world. In London, Paris, Venice Amsterdam, New York, Hamburg and many other mostly European Cities.
On August 16th 1790 the inaugural meeting was held in the Tontine Hotel.
Gilbert Hamilton, ex Dean of Guild was elected President, and Robert Cleghorn, of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, Secretary.
The object of the society was "to recover those who are apparently dead, from having been sometime under water, from being exposed to intense cold, or to other causes capable of suspending life without destroying it".
In 1790 a great deal of Glasgow's life was centered on it's shallow River which frequently flooded up to the Cross and on it's Green, much of which was peat bog and hummocky terrain with streams running through it.
Drownings were frequent.
Apparatus was kept at locations near to the River, for example the Washing House on Glasgow Green.
Money was paid and medals were given to those who helped in rescue or ran for assistance.
In 1815 this expenditure amounted to £49.15.
Various persons were Society Officers during the first 50 years.
Among those were the following, Robert Jones, John Wiseman, Robert Duncan, James Baird, Duncan Downie, John McLean, James Geddes and John Geddes.
The first House was erected on the Green in 1795.
1859 George Geddes I became Officer until he passed away in 1889.
Bronze Medal of the Royal London Humane Society
Gold Medal of the Glasgow Humane Society.
1889 George's son also named George (II) was appointed officer.
1878 - Glasgow Humane Society Hon Certificate for Meritorious Conduct (Aged 14)
1928 George Geddes II became very ill and was hospitalised.
Silver Medal of the Royal Humane Society.
1900 - Gold Medal at the World Lifesaving Championships, Paris.
(George Geddes II's son also called George drowned while attempting a rescue 11th November 1928)
1928 Benjamin Parsonage was appointed officer in conjunction with George Geddes II.
George Geddes II subsequently died in 1932.
1932 Ben Parsonage took sole charge until his death in 1979
1932 - Bravery Medal from Anchor Line.
1936 - Glasgow Corporation Bravery Medal.
1953 - Bar to the above.
1955 - Second Bar to the above.
1971 - British Empire Medal (B.M.E.)
George Parsonage is the most decorated Humane Society Officer ever.
1971 - Glasgow Corporation Bravery Medal.
1971 - Royal Humane Society Honorary Testimonial on Parchment.
1978 - Strathclyde Region Medal and Bar.
1978 - Mountbatten Medal R.L.S.S.
1983 - Royal Humane Society Honorary Testimonial on Parchment.
1998 - St Mungo Medal.
1999 - Member British Empire (M.B.E.)
2002 - Queens Golden Jubilee Medal
2004 - Honorary Testimonial of the Royal Humane Society
2005 - Royal Humane Society Special Silver Medal.
1996 - Sarah Parsonage (Ben's wife) awarded Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police Commendation.
On the 11th August 2003, assistant Officer Mark Gash was appointed to work in partnership with George Parsonage.
Superficially there appears to be less activity on and about the River nowadays but "the City Fathers" are endeavouring to make it the most attractive feature of the City.
Development along its banks is being encouraged and pleasant Riverside walkways created.
Water has an awesome fascination.
People still attempt suicide by drowning, others fall in accidentally.
Dealing with this, the original object of the Society remains a major task.
The River and its banks are also a convenient dumping ground for many people.
Officers spend a lot of time removing dangerous flotsam and other objects from the banks that might attract children to the water edge, such as balls and plastic toys.
The Rivers numerous lifebelts need constant retrieval and replacement.
Advice is given to River users of when it is safe or not safe to go out on the water.
There can still be up to 300 boats per day at weekends using the stretch of water between the Tidal Weir at Glasgow Green and Westhorn.
The implications of neglecting the Clyde are obvious and ominous for authorities and Riverside developer alike.
More money and manpower are needed.
Many thousands of citizens have been rescued thanks to the efforts of the Glasgow Humane Society, many thousands owe their lives to the prevention work carried out.
Many hundreds of families give thanks to the Glasgow Humane Society for the recovery of their loved ones remains.
In April 2005, due to family commitments, Mark had to return to Ireland and left the Society.
Effective as of April 2005, responsibility for all rescue and recovery operations on the River Clyde and local waterways are being carried out solely under the instruction of Strathclyde Police & Strathclyde Fire Brigade.
All 999 emergency calls now received by Strathclyde Police, will be actioned by the above, and not through the Glasgow Humane Society as previously carried out for the past 200 years.
Due to the above change, the Glasgow Humane Society are currently not performing any rescue and recovery operations.
At present, the role of the Glasgow Humane Society is under review.