Exploring a now defunct former Blantyre Club. The “Blantyre Socialist Field Club” went from being an idea in early 1895, to a fully fledged club by that summer.
On Sunday 30th June 1895, the Blantyre members had their first ramble, a collective walk to the countryside. The official name was “Blantyre & District Socialist Field Club” and they met on that day at 7am at a chosen rendezvous point in High Blantyre. A beautiful Summers morning, they took to the upper fields and wandered to Calderwood.
Once there, the group comprising of men and women split up into their various hobbies, each person taking off in a direction to suit their own desires. Some looked for the botany of the Glen, some explored the geology of the rocks exposed by the low river, whilst those interested in photography, “captured” the landscape.
On reassembling afterwards , notes were taken and compared and a general discussion took place. All were pleased with the outing, a good omen for the future of the club. The motive for the existence of the club was explained that day. By the study of nature of the sum of its parts, the members may be awakened to a realisation of its profundity; and that they are only atoms, and cannot divorce themselves from the glorious whole of nature. To be in harmony with the natural elements was the objective.
The rambles were fixed for July and any person socially inclined was encouraged to contact the Secretary Miss Elizabeth Waddell of Boathouse, Uddingston or the President Mr William B Small, Olivia Cottage, Forrest Street, Blantyre.
I have a great photo of a Blantyre “ramble”, taken by local photographer David Ritchie, from this era. Courtesy of Alex Bowie and previously unseen online, the negative plate provides fine detail and able to zoom in on features, clothes and faces. Some other photos in this series are clearly of Calderwood. Wouldn’t it be amazing if this was the ‘ramble’ described.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Tanya Michell Do you know who they are? Looking a bit like Campbell family, especial the gentleman with the moustache.
David McQueen Interesting bunch of folk, would love to know more about what motivated them.
Christine Forrest Love the hats worn so smart
Chris Ladds The character of the rock is quite distinct. Judging by the relative tone, the shape and the apparent texture of the rock, and the way the moss is tufted into the fissures on the left of the view, I would say this is something like greywacke. It is not an appearance associated with rock outcrops in Calderglen. Thr Falls of Clyde and parts of the Avon Gorge have rock like this on the exposed parts of the riverbed. There are other places too. Another candidate for most of the parameters would be water-worn trap, but it is too light in tone to be local material. Some stone like this is also known over towards Eaglesham.
Agnes Vorsterman Really good photo
Betty McLean So well dressed
Carol King A great photo! And history – I wonder if their descendants are around!