On Tuesday 25th April 1893, the Employees of Blantyre joinery firm Messrs Warnock and Walker were treated to a ‘drive’ to Lanark on occasion of the marriage of Mr Walker, which took place at Stranraer that day.
Whilst Mr Walker was being married, his employees given the day off left High Blantyre in 3 brakes around 8am. After reaching Hamilton, they were joined by a fourth brake and the whole of the employees, their wives (and sweethearts) then proceeded to Lanark. Favoured with magnificent weather, the view along the whole way was very beautiful , fruit trees on both sides of the road at the Clyde and trees almost in full bloom.
The company adjourned to the Victoria Hotel, where an excellent dinner was provided, where 93 people sat down and did ample justice to! Mr William Bell presided and at the close made a few remarks asking the company to drink to the health of Mr and Mrs Walker with best wishes extended to the happy couple.
Before separating, Mr Stevenson was presented with a silver walking stick with a suitable inscription on account of him leaving employment. Mrs Stevenson received a ladies handbag. At this stage a telegram was received from Stranraer letting everybody know how the wedding was going and one was sent back wishing the couple the best.
Then the company split up and some went to the see the Falls, whilst others visit the RC Convent and other places of interest in the town. Some of the younger folk stayed behind in the hotel and took the chance to use the empty hall for an in promptu dance, with every minute used up until their time of departure.
Returning to their brakes at 6.30pm, with the bell ringing out, the company left Lanark and reached High Blantyre again at 10pm. Credit was given to Mr Lighbody the cashier and Mr Bell for organising the entire outing.
Pictured by David Ritchie (himself at one time, an employee of Warnock and Walker) is one such outing from High Blantyre, though I cannot be certain it is this exact one in the article.
