On Tuesday 2nd July 1895, the school holidays had just started and the young children of the Sabbath Schools of both Stonefield Church and the EU Church were looking forward to an annual trip.
County Councillor John Craig invited the children up to play on his fields at Birdsfield, High Blantyre. However, the day was very unpleasant, owing to a severe, prolonged thunder storm, accompanied by heavy rains. The band of the E.U accompanied the soaked children.
Outdoor proceedings were abandoned and as the rain fell incessantly and wind picked up, the children retreated to Mr Craig’s barn to dry off , where they had their milk and buns out of the weather, supplied by Mr Craig himself. The various races which did manage to take place earlier were well supported.
The whole company arrived back at their homes just after 8pm, after a somewhat dreary day. AI imagines the scene for illustration only.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Stephen Kelly I live in Meadow Avenue. Was that not Birdsfield farm? Or was it Bellsfield farm?
Blantyre Project Your location would be in what was Bellsfield Farm. Birdsfield however, was right next to it, but more towards where the roundabout is now at Auchinriath, towards the end of Kirkton Avenue.