Blantyre Four in Hand Club existed at least from 1903 until the first World War.
Groups of passengers would be pulled in a vehicle by four horses on day excursions. Seasonal trips from April to September took place departing from Mrs Rae’s at Stonefield Tavern on Glasgow Road. Destinations included Strathaven. The driver as pictured was Sandy McKechnie. A bugler accompanied them usually, a favourite being John Donnelly and Charlie Gibson.
The “Four in Hand” refers to the reins, with such vehicles usually pulled by four horses. There was a tradition to this with the coachman always dressed in utmost finery, providing the most comfortable and efficient service he could for all the passengers. This was a treat, an experience for men and women for a day out. With lunch and refreshments at destinations, the excursions weren’t always for children.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 3rd June 1903, the members of the Four In Hand Club had their monthly drive, the destination being Paisley. The company, which was the largest which had yet taken advantage of an evening drive left the Toll Bar (Stonefield Tavern) at 4 o clock and called at Shanks pub in High Blantyre, where the High Blantyre contingent was picked up. Resuming, the road was taken to Kilbride and on to Busby, where the company was photographed in a leafy dell by Mr Thomas Robertson of High Blantyre. Thornliewood was thence passed and on to Paisley, the company having supper in the Globe Hotel. Here two hours were spent and humorous songs were given by Mr Gilchrist. The company left for home at 9.30pm and came back by way of Glasgow, calling in at the Club Bar, Paisley Road where they were entertained by Mr Donnelly. Blantyre was reached shortly after 11pm and the drive was a most enjoyable one. Accompanying on this trip was a piper, George MacDonald, and Bugler John Rae and as usual the ribbons were in the hands of coachman Jamie Donald, who ably controlled a pair of bays and a pair of greys, belonging to Messrs D.P McMillan of Uddingston. Needless to say, the turnout was the cause of much favourable comment on the route.
The Blantyre Four in Hand club are pictured on another excursion although I have to admit not knowing where this location is pictured. The topography of hills in the background and buildings suggest a small, low lying town in a very rural setting and the abutments may be a bridge over a river?
I have details of another excursion.
On the last Thursday in April 1909, the club members (both male and female) met at the Stonefield Tavern, Glasgow Road, Blantyre and boarded the horse drawn vehicle travelling to Hamilton, Larkhall then Blackwood, arriving at Lesmahagow at 5.30pm. This was to be the first trip of the season for the “Blantyre Four in Hand Club”. Fine, dry days were perhaps chosen for such trips, as the party would have had to stop to take cover in showers. On that particular day, the party had an excellent supper in the Commercial Hotel in Lesmahagow before the return journey took them back to Blantyre for 10.30pm. As in previous years, the vehicle was provided by William Wallace of Hamilton and led by four spirited bays, smartly handled by the club’s driver. Bob Stevenson and John Donnelly, buglers entertained the company with some playing en route.
I’ve suggested some connections associated with this club. Mr Thomas Rae, owner of Stonefield Tavern at the time was also the President of the Hamilton Four in Hand Club. Mr Rae, upon selling his hotels went into the business of manufacturing aerated water. In other photos of the Four in Hand Club, the McLean aerated manufacturer business owners are on the carriages, perhaps business acquaintances of Mr Rae? Additionally, in other photos shared to Blantyre Project by Alex Bowie, the Craig family from Bellsfield Farm are on the carriages and perhaps it was them or the McLeans who provided the horses on such occasions? I can’t find reference to this club after WW1, perhaps the club, like so many others being a ‘home casualty’ of war itself.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
John Ronald Is there any information available on Joseph Potts of Bellshill providing similar transport for these outings ?
Janet Pilling So interesting. There are still a few Four in Hand Clubs up and down the country and the Coaching Club maintains the interest in these beautiful old vehicles. Thanks for sharing.
Patricia Craig Interesting read
Rab Moore William Dool you driving that horse?
Jim Gerrards The Boy Racers of the 1900,s?
Ann Durie Millions of horses were requisitioned for WW1. Millions of them died on the battlefield and of those that survived the war, millions were left behind to be slaughtered to feed the people of those countries. Very few were brought back to UK & those that were has to be paid for.
June Taylor Dexter Love pieces like this great pics thank you
Agnes Vorsterman Great photos of a bygone time. Think they had more fun than we do now
Cath Mcinally So interesting