First talk of new session - Tuesday 5th October 2021

Apologies for the fairly short notice, but it has been an interesting journey trying to secure a venue for us to hold our first lecture where we can meet up in person since March 2020. We have been working with our friends at CentreStage and will be using their new facility at the old Kilmarnock Academy campus for the timebeing. (KA1 3AE for SatNav)

Whilst the use of Zoom enabled us to 'meet' last session, we are keen to get back to as close to normal as we can, therefore. our first talk will be delivered by Bill Fitzpatrick - The Railway Companies' Race To Open Up The North. 7.30pm start, although we do appreciate it may take a few minutes to have everyone settled into an unfamiliar venue. We will have the room from 7pm onwards.

For those who know the academy building, the entrance is situated in what was the connecting corridor between the old building and the newer 1960s style building. There is a reception there and we will be kept right as to where to go. It is straightforward and the accessibility in the building is excellent. There is a Cafe Bar which is presently open until 7pm should you wish to arrive early for a refreshment. Our understanding is that this may open later on occasions once everything has settled down. There is also parking available in old playground and on Elmbank Drive. 

The committee appreciate that some of you may not be comfortable meeting in public presently. Please be assure that the venue is COVID compliant and every effort will be made to ensure the safety of everyone in the building, including in our meeting room. We do, however, respect anybody's concerns.

CentreStage's website is https://www.centrestagemt.org.uk/ for those wishing to have a look.

We do have a full programme of talks in place which will be published in the near future. Membership cards will be produced in the next couple of weeks.

Regards subscriptions - these are set at £20 for the session and will be collected in the near future. There has been quite a bit of uncertainty over the last few weeks so we are a bit behind where we would normally like to be so it is best that we don't add to any stress levels next Tuesday by collecting these. Please bear with us.

Can we ask that if you know anyone who does not usually receive e-mails or uses the internet that you let them know we are back up and running. We will write to them in due course. Thank-you.

Glencairn Aisle, Kilmaurs - Open to public on Saturday 4th September

 

THE GLENCAIRN AISLE WILL BE OPEN

THIS SATURDAY 4th Sept 11am - 3pm

It is situated behind the church in Kilmaurs

 

COME AND SEE

 

 

It contains a wonderful monument sculpted in the year 1600

It shows the Earl of Glencairn and his family

He is wearing a suit of armour with his helmet beside him

The sculpture of his wife includes intricately carved lace

There is no entrance fee, but we are raising money for the preservation of the monument, so donations will be gratefully received.

 

 

Tea and biscuits will be available in the churchyard.

 

Johnnie Walker in 1940s & 1950s - can you help?

 Chris Ford from Ireland has been in touch as follows;

I am trying to find out about the corporate history of Johnnie Walker in the 1940s and 1950s . My Grandfather Albert Green was Director of Sales then Managing Director about this time and I wanted to know the history since I never met him. The history of the great race to sell whisky to neighbouring countries following American's Prohibition is particularly interesting. I recently attended a talk in a Dublin Distillery about this and realized my Grandfather was part of this historic race. I have many items that he acquired or was given during his career including a Remington saleman's typewriter and Kilmarnock Grandfather clock.

 If you can help Chris please make contact at  cford@tcd.ie

Kilwinning Heritage talks in June 2021

 Our friends at Kilwinning Heritage advise of two upcoming talks;

8th June 7pm - 3D Tower Scan Launch 

This will be the first time we have shown our 3D scan of the inside of the tower to the public and will also discuss how to go about doing it yourself.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/156339514697 

22nd June 7pm - Scottish Weapons by Dr David Caldwell

This talk will be delivered by Dr David Caldwell on Scottish Weapons, many of which are held in the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock. 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/156336722345 

You can register via the links above and find out more at https://www.facebook.com/Kilwinning-Heritage-178749765498636

Stirling to Essen by Roger Leivers

 Roger Leivers has been in touch with us as follows;

..just wondering if your members might be interested in the book I published in 2017 called 'Stirling to Essen', the story of a Short Stirling bomber that crashed coming back from a raid on the 11th April 1942. The book tells the story of the crew, and its central character Squadron Leader Matthew Drummond Henderson Wilson. Drummond as he was known was born in Kilmarnock, he was a major force in the setting up of the Caledonian Motor Club (he was a rally driver pre-war). An excellent pilot he flew 47 different aircraft before joining XV Squadron at nearby RAF Alconbury.

It sold out two hardback editions but is now available in paperback, signed and dedicated by me if required for £12.99 + £4 secure P&P. ALL the money goes towards my next book. Stirling to Essen (over 2000 sold) has helped me raise £18k which has been donated to local and national charities over the last six years. If anyone would like a copy for themselves, or as a present, they can email me.

Telephone: 07926329970

 Email: rogerleivers@yahoo.co.uk

 

Troon and The Great War by Gordon Hunter

Keen amateur historian Gordon Hunter has published what he describes as 'a weekly account of Troon during WW1, with everything from the weekly casualty lists, the huge amount of voluntary work, launches at the shipyard and rationing. I have also added some golf, bowling and football scores..'

Gordon includes items of interest such as adverts for films and concerts which he has found during his research in the Troon Herald, Troon & Prestwick Advertiser and Ayrshire Post. He has also researched Troon Burgh Minutes, Troon Dean of Guild Records, Valuation Rolls and Admiralty Records to produce his record of his home town during The Great War.

The book is available in Kindle for £7.99. If you go to either Kindle or Amazon and search for Gordon Hunter - Troon in The Great War you will find it should you be interested. You can have a free preview read !

Mayflower talk by George English - Friday 12th March

KDHG member George English, who spoke to us in March 2020, will deliver a talk on Friday 12 March at 6pm on '1620 - The Mayflower Journey: Who went, where from, and why did they go?'

The European Society of Mayflower Descendants have organised this. Details can be found on the Research Through People Facebook page or click here to register for the event: http://bit.ly/2LVft6r.

Fund raising campaign

Thanks for opening this article.

One matter we discussed at our recent AGM was the fact that we have not collected any subscriptions this session and are therefore going to post a deficit for y/e 31 January 2021. However, we continue to incur unavoidable cost such as hosting the website, Zoom membership and payment of speakers. It was therefore agreed that we should, as a group, invite members and friends to consider making a donation to help mitigate our costs and reduce the amount of our reserve funds we require to spend just now. A Go Fund Me page has been set up by me for this purpose. This will ensure that anyone wishing to help out can donate securely and with confidence. 

The page can be found HERE

Any donations are gratefully received and will help ensure we can continue with our aims.

Notice of AGM - Tuesday 9th February 2021

Members will have received notification of  the AGM which was delayed in 2020. This will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th February via the Zoom platform.

Members who have not received a notification or who would like to dial in via telephone should contact us via info@kilmarnockhistory.co.uk