Jim Rochead is pictured at The Garden Fete at Crossbasket 1950s. The large tent providing some rain protection. I didn’t realise Crossbasket had been whitewashed in the mid 20th Century, previously thinking the render had always been grey. The render was an important part of waterproofing the building, protecting the rough stonework from the elements. […]
The Rev Dr Donald Caskie opened a May fete at Crossbasket House, High Blantyre in 1967. He was better known as “the Tartan Pimpernel” for his exploits in helping servicemen escape from France in the war. He opened the fete at the James Little Training College in the grounds of Crossbasket in aid of […]
An extract from my book “History of Crossbasket Castle” With surplus space in the Castle, the “James Little Training College” was established and became an education centre for various trades and hobbies, operating alongside the day to day business of the Roosevelt Memorial Fund’s work with disadvantaged children. The idea was to attract local youth, […]
Taking you back now to Saturday 10th August 1985. Just 4 weeks after Live Aid was screened all over the world, and at a time when Madonna’s “Into the Groove” was number 1 in the UK charts, Blantyre was hosting a fete. For once, the sun actually shone as crowds descended upon David Livingstone […]
This printed flyer has some interesting information on the outside and inside, relating to the intended construction of the 1892 Church Halls in High Blantyre. The flyer sought to inform people that a “Bazaar” (late Victorian fete) was to take place, to raise money for the construction of the halls. The outside cover tells local […]
The Hamilton Advertiser reported when wounded WW1 soldiers were brought to Auchentibber and entertained, with local business owners presenting them with gifts and honours for their bravery. The report on Saturday 2nd September 1916 told: “The military age portion of the village Auchentibber have done nobly in this war, as witness the Roll of Honour which […]
During the Summer of 1965 at Crossbasket Castle, the “James Little Training College” was established and became an education centre for various trades and hobbies, operating alongside the day to day business of the Roosevelt Memorial Fund’s work with disadvantaged children. James Little was a former owner of Crossbasket who left his fortune to a […]