Although not the best quality, it’s worth posting this here just in case anybody remembers and can add some detail or recognise anybody. This is May 1977 and the kids are from David Livingstone Memorial Primary School. From their ages, I’d say the children would now be in their early 50’s. The kids played to […]
Fireball over Kirkton, 1977
It was great balls of fire at the Blue Star Filling Station, High Blantyre in May 1977. On the afternoon of the first Wednesday of that month, a large fireball fell from the sky and ignited some petrol beside the garage buildings! One eye witness, Mr Nicholas Kelly of Hunthill Road said, “It was during […]
Impact of the Miners Strike, 1894
By the end of August 1894, the Scottish Coal Miners strike was by then into its 9th week. I hope you find my research into this difficult time as interesting and thought provoking as I did. Its estimated over 70,000 men had been idle in resistance by collective Coalmasters proposals to reduce their earnings by […]
Joiners Excursion to Ayr, 1894 (Part 2 of 2)
Continuing the article from yesterday when Blantyre Joiners went on a day trip to Ayrshire on Saturday 18th August 1894. Using actual photos of the event, I’ve been researching some details around what was clearly a great, memorable day out. A good read, continued from yesterday…. “On leaving the hotel [in Ayr] the party proceeded […]
Joiners Excursion to Ayr, 1894 (Part 1 of 2)
I recently posted that on Wednesday 6th March 1895, Mr William F Hendrie, an early photographer in Blantyre gave a wonderful limelight lantern view showing for the public. Featuring his own photographs on the Homes, Haunts & Lyrics of poet, Rabbie Burns. I’ve now researched this further and pleased to put detail on how he […]
Police Charge on Miners, 1894
This next little known story took place at the exact location pictured. Today, the road leading out of Blantyre towards Halfway, right at the exact turn off for Bardykes Chemicals. However, the story is not a modern one, but took place in Summer 1894, some 130 years ago. On Tuesday 28th August 1894, at this […]
1970’s Matts Bar
Today’s picture is Matts Bar. Shared here by Stephen Kelly who told me, “I’m thinking it’s the 70s judging by the haircuts. I know some of the faces. Middle row second from the left is my Great Grandfather George “Geordie” Gillian. Front row second from the right is John MacKenna. Right at the back in […]