In August 1903 Mr James Brown Junior, an accomplished bowler from Blantyre won the Scottish Championships. The bowling championship category was won single handed and as you would imagine when word spread of his achievement, the community wanted to do something in recognition. James was one of the youngest bowlers ever seen in Blantyre, which […]
Outdoor bowling next behind the Miners Welfare. Gerry Kelly messaged with these photos adding, “My granda Charlie McAlinden top right and (possibly) my granda Kelly below him front right . If I was to hazard a guess I’d say mid to late 50’s . The old Calder Street school in background.” Also pictured is a […]
With thanks to Marion Brownlie for sharing these photos of Blantyre Miners Welfare Bowling Club. The dates are unknown, but posted here to see if you recognise anybody.
Looking at this 1859 map of the Auchinraith House estate grounds, theres a small Bowling green located on the Hamilton side of the Parkburn River. Two sets of steps led down from steep slopes and paths, to a flattened area below. An icehouse nearby suggests, it may have been a place for curling in winter, […]
Nathaniel Mains contacted me in September 2015, sharing these photos and adding, “My Grandfather William Mains playing bowls with the then Queen Elizabeth at Blantyre Miners Welfare circa 1945” I’ve seen one of the photos before but only in a poor resolution newspaper report. Nathaniel actually having the photos ensured they’re shared here in better […]
There’s no doubt about it, the second world war years must have been tough on the people of Blantyre. So, what better way to lift morale and community spirit by having none other than the King and Queen visit Blantyre in 1942. We would know her as the current Queen’s mother. King George VI and […]