tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15143556118838935172024-03-29T03:28:04.091+00:00Kilmarnock and District History GroupKilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-20505477632265627072024-03-28T14:57:00.005+00:002024-03-28T14:57:53.103+00:00Whisky, tractors, carpets and shoes: Kilmarnock in the 1950s (link to BBC article)<p> An interesting article appeared on the BBC News website this week. It will certainly take many of you back to more prosperous times in Kilmarnock !</p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg3kdvyvzplo">Whisky, tractors, carpets and shoes: Kilmarnock in the 1950s</a><br /></p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-8210909855293238562024-01-09T16:10:00.002+00:002024-01-09T16:10:14.463+00:00First talk of 2024 - Thursday 11th January <p>Our first meeting of 2024 sees KDHG welcome Yvonne McFadden who will talk about Lost Mining Villages of Ayrshire.</p><p>Open Space at Ayrshire College, Hill Street, Kilmarnock at 7.30pm.</p><p>Visitors welcome (we usually ask for a £3 donation)</p><p>click <a href="https://www.kilmarnockhistory.co.uk/en/Lecture-Programme/" target="_blank">KDHG lectures</a> for additional information<br /></p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-56529411398204215962023-08-01T17:08:00.003+01:002023-08-01T17:08:40.167+01:00Bicket Family Reunion - 5th -7th August 2023 - not just for Bickets !<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bicket
Reunion in Kilmarnock 5-7 August 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Centrestage<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Long-standing readers of the Kilmarnock Standard may
remember articles about the Bicket family tree appearing first in 1969, and
then again in 1981. Since then ork on the family tree has continued, and as a
result there will be a family tree reunion at CentreStage in Kilmarnock on 5-7
August 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The organizers would be happy to welcome
others who are interested in attending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please check with </span></i></b><a href="mailto:bicket@one-name.org"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">bicket@one-name.org</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Saturday 5 August will be the main day, when group
photos will be taken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stuart Wilson, a local historian, will be giving a
couple of talks during the reunion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
Saturday 5 August he will be talking on ‘Why your ancestors left
Scotland’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will also be short overviews
of many of the branches by their members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is planned to visit local places associated with
various ancestors on Sunday and Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There have been a few well-known Bickets from this
Ayrshire tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of them, Sir Alexander Bicket (1853-1931), worked
for the Kilmarnock Standard in 1870 when he was 17, before heading to Liverpool
and making his name in the tugboat business there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His great-grandson is Harry Bicket OBE, the
conductor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thomas Walter Bickett
(1869-1921) was governor of the state of North Carolina in the USA from 1917
through 1921.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welton David Becket
(1902-1969) founded one of America’s largest architectural firms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there are still many descendant Bickets,
Bicketts, Beckets, Becketts and Bichans in Ayrshire, throughout Scotland, and
throughout the world, including Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bicket family tree research started using deep DNA
testing in 2018.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result has been the
identification of 27 different branches of this tree which originated in Ayrshire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21 of these branches all descended from a
single individual born around 1400. There are five genetic branches which can
only trace themselves back to the north of Ireland (Antrim, Down, Sligo, and
Mayo), but they are genetically clearly part of the Ayrshire tree.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is more information about the family on </span><a href="https://bicket.one-name.net/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://bicket.one-name.net</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-7344173111086111182023-05-09T11:57:00.002+01:002023-05-09T11:57:29.450+01:00From Kilmarnock to Formosa - Thursday 1st June 2023<p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Kay Park Church extends an invitation to anyone who is interested in little known aspects of
Kilmarnock's history to attend a very special event. Dr David Liu, will travel from Taiwan to
tell the story of "Kilmarnock to Formosa (Taiwan)". The connecting
link between these two places was Dr David Landsborough III, who was related to
a former minister of the then Henderson Church (now Kay Park Church). In 1896
Dr Landsborough established Changhua Christian Hospital in Formosa. This link
with Kilmarnock is very precious to Taiwanese people who continue his work to
this day.</span></span></p>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Thursday, 1 June, at 7 p.m. you can meet
Dr Liu at Kay Park Church and be inspired by the mission outreach of our
Kilmarnock fore-fathers.</span></span><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-91568690664285236362023-03-20T09:14:00.000+00:002023-03-20T09:14:01.044+00:00Last talk of 2022-23 session and AGM<p> The last talk of this session will take place on Thursday 23 March at 7.30pm when Ian Matheson will be in attendance. Ayrshire College Kilmarnock Campus as usual.</p><p>The AGM will take place at the start of the meeting.</p><p><a href="https://www.kilmarnockhistory.co.uk/en/Lecture-Programme/" target="_blank">https://www.kilmarnockhistory.co.uk/en/Lecture-Programme/</a><br /></p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-49022056434853750502023-01-17T15:23:00.003+00:002023-01-24T14:17:00.112+00:00KDHG mentioned in a motion in Scottish Parliament<p>Following on from our work to help get the Red Wheel installed at Troon Harbour, the group has been mentioned in a <a href="https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-07480">Motion</a> in The Scottish Parliament this week.</p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-14212790941908773262022-12-22T15:08:00.000+00:002022-12-22T15:08:15.520+00:00National Transport Trust Red Wheel at Troon<p>The latest National Transport Trust Red Wheel Heritage Site was unveiled at Troon on 19th December. KDHG President Gary Torbett and Troon born and bred Olympian Brian Whittle MSP undertook the honours overseen by John Yellowlees, Honorary Railway Ambassador for ScotRail.</p><p>A healthy group of just under 20 attended the brief ceremony and enjoyed light refreshments in the <a href="https://www.harbourbartroon.co.uk/map.php">Harbour Bar</a> on whose wall the plaque is mounted. From the site you can see over the harbour and appreciate its size before walking down past the marina to the area still actively used by the fishing fleet and some cargo vessels. The Arran ferry will decant to Troon for 2 years from June 2023 which makes the recognition of this site quite timely.</p><p>The plaque reads; 'TROON HARBOUR - Opened in 1812 as the terminus of the Kilmarnock & Troon Railway - a coal carrying plateway that was the first in Scotland to use steam locomotives and to carry passengers.'</p><p>The Red Wheel which was unveiled at Kilmarnock station on November 2021 reads; ' KILMARNOCK & TROON RAILWAY - Opened 1812 as a horse drawn, 4ft gauge plateway - the first in Scotland to carry passengers. Converted 1846 to a contemporary railway'</p><p>Both ends of this historically important railway are now commemorated in some style. </p><p>More information on Red Wheels can be found <a href="https://www.nationaltransporttrust.org.uk/red-wheels/red-wheel-sites" target="_blank">HERE</a> and on the Kilmarnock & Troon Railway <a href="https://www.kilmarnockhistory.co.uk/en/Railway-Town/" target="_blank">HERE</a></p><p>Thanks to all members of KDHG who contributed to this project, as well as those who contributed via article on Facebook and LinkedIn. Thanks to the Mortons at The Harbour Bar who kindly agreed to have the plaque on their wall and for seeing to the installation as well as provision of refreshments.</p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPB1T6N6nmEh4RdGFZ_awzex_bXJ6FVwuPCXSqDerIykhDtKWkuyE71vtUC4UfL47Euw_k62dnyQbtHxE2QlDXUcvi5HQnXQiioWzXs4Rm1k38zYYwqcCiAzCHoaV3Zf5WrrM3QAM_X_8NJ_6mm_C3VE0I18hrFkTPt3UZtDtqQJOuvOMG0w808mn/s1672/19Dec22(05).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="1254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPB1T6N6nmEh4RdGFZ_awzex_bXJ6FVwuPCXSqDerIykhDtKWkuyE71vtUC4UfL47Euw_k62dnyQbtHxE2QlDXUcvi5HQnXQiioWzXs4Rm1k38zYYwqcCiAzCHoaV3Zf5WrrM3QAM_X_8NJ_6mm_C3VE0I18hrFkTPt3UZtDtqQJOuvOMG0w808mn/s320/19Dec22(05).jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp75gnsD1-NrRqeJJvDppo5ayovMZ7EpBdpyw3RWiIvw2PNuadxFqTlTpgSz3uKWyEQh4D-tMEgMgZxzxmf4zHvtlc19N5IO2JqpNEyECCFLAVa61cC082-XWlC4rfw-ZsotJMytR1aBGTchXJgyeDYBT2wj3WiApzYarcjbXuj_NCDbo4KvbTrlm/s1672/19Dec22(07).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="1254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp75gnsD1-NrRqeJJvDppo5ayovMZ7EpBdpyw3RWiIvw2PNuadxFqTlTpgSz3uKWyEQh4D-tMEgMgZxzxmf4zHvtlc19N5IO2JqpNEyECCFLAVa61cC082-XWlC4rfw-ZsotJMytR1aBGTchXJgyeDYBT2wj3WiApzYarcjbXuj_NCDbo4KvbTrlm/s320/19Dec22(07).jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SzN6WSQdvCzJLksHUWRDjnaMYhei_jEOZmtZH-6gSAhzZKivz30gol18MSgjRAudIXEmadx2XDZiPT23z8i-4vCFFo9Ea7I9hY89OpogVsTF39zvrprQTJNFNKwxq5njXYkAX3jKxZQ_clpyTrhYx1GV39kMeU7Kfw1AU3mNMQOhXm60JvaXEvK-/s591/19Dec22(02).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="591" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SzN6WSQdvCzJLksHUWRDjnaMYhei_jEOZmtZH-6gSAhzZKivz30gol18MSgjRAudIXEmadx2XDZiPT23z8i-4vCFFo9Ea7I9hY89OpogVsTF39zvrprQTJNFNKwxq5njXYkAX3jKxZQ_clpyTrhYx1GV39kMeU7Kfw1AU3mNMQOhXm60JvaXEvK-/s320/19Dec22(02).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC681zsFRVdXwSX6mNfKBBW5nN7s0Y3le7lx_4lWZ4H0_BLYzISg0cEvi4kJWOxO5RCw5-fS1zq5-KcuO8sy16LLzhwbcoUX61NQzmJpRdV4nlnOHJWVsTSm4WQeisPmqtObvi8VLU9BJA6w5hsF2qgd7kmycuVe8ENpd53H_npRB3ju6svSgMHsbN/s1672/19Dec22(01).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="1254" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC681zsFRVdXwSX6mNfKBBW5nN7s0Y3le7lx_4lWZ4H0_BLYzISg0cEvi4kJWOxO5RCw5-fS1zq5-KcuO8sy16LLzhwbcoUX61NQzmJpRdV4nlnOHJWVsTSm4WQeisPmqtObvi8VLU9BJA6w5hsF2qgd7kmycuVe8ENpd53H_npRB3ju6svSgMHsbN/s320/19Dec22(01).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-40368991543249116092022-12-22T14:40:00.002+00:002022-12-22T14:40:56.630+00:00Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023<p>Merry Christmas to all our members and friends. Hopefully 2023 will be a happy and peaceful time for you and your families. </p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-43651307558239140382022-09-22T16:26:00.000+01:002022-09-22T16:26:13.599+01:00The Rise and Fall of Kilmarnock by Eddy Burns<p> An interesting video has appeared in the Ed Explores Scotland series on YouTube in which Eddy Burns travels to Kilmarnock - not too happy with Scotrail- and offers some thoughts on the 1970s redevelopment of the town centre, a topic we will explore on our first talk on 6th October. Grab a coffee and have a watch (link below). Hopefully it will inspire you to come along to our meeting !</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/hNbRggTiRq0">The Rise and Fall of Kilmarnock</a><br /></p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-53591943292880455392022-09-12T11:25:00.000+01:002022-09-12T11:25:26.920+01:00HM Queen Elizabeth II<p>Kilmarnock & District History Group is saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8th September 2022. </p><p>As historians we have a sense of loss but, at the same time, a feeling of change as one era moves to another. To many of us The Queen has been the only Monarch we have known and her reign of 70 years must surely have seen more advancement in technology, science, medicine than any other. A truly remarkable period to reflect upon. </p><p>We will watch this and next week's historic moments unfold before like no other generation has been able to witness and we will all have our own particular memories of The Queen and her family to remember at this sad time. May she rest in peace.</p><p>God Save The King</p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-81949634472974898232022-09-02T14:05:00.002+01:002022-09-02T14:05:14.075+01:002022-23 Talks<p> Please note that we have finalised our talks for 2022-23 - apart from some exact titles- and details can be found <a href="https://www.kilmarnockhistory.co.uk/en/Lecture-Programme/" target="_blank">HERE</a> . Meetings will take place on a Thursday evening this session</p><p>We will meet at Ayrshire College, Hill Street Kilmarnock except Thursday 20 October when we will meet in the Laigh Kirk.</p>Kilmarnock and District History Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00699250362298670061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-72647094694133478682022-03-10T17:13:00.003+00:002022-03-10T17:13:29.776+00:00Notice of 2022 AGM<p> Members will have received an e-mail today advising if the agenda for our forthcoming AGM at 7.30pn on 22 March 2022.</p><p>Please direct any queries to Gary Torbett</p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-61018540726229463742022-01-24T08:29:00.002+00:002022-01-24T08:29:37.295+00:00Talk scheduled for 25th January will go ahead<p> We are pleased to advise that our talk on the history of Kilwinning Abbey will go ahead thisTuesday at 7.30pm in Kay Park Church hall, London Road, Kilmarnock</p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-55002898092765559992022-01-10T09:45:00.003+00:002022-01-10T09:45:32.973+00:00Cancellation of talk - Tuesday 11th January 2022<p> Unfortunately we have had to cancel our talk on Tuesday 11th January. We hope to reschedule this in due course. </p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-41102264451163791932021-09-28T17:57:00.002+01:002021-09-28T17:57:49.006+01:00First talk of new session - Tuesday 5th October 2021<p>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)</p><div><br /></div><div>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 - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Railway Companies' Race To Open Up The North. </span>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>CentreStage's website is <a href="https://www.centrestagemt.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #48a199;" target="_blank">https://www.centrestagemt.org.uk/</a> for those wishing to have a look.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></div>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-48016016979093751222021-09-02T08:27:00.001+01:002021-09-02T08:28:18.760+01:00Glencairn Aisle, Kilmaurs - Open to public on Saturday 4th September<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">THE GLENCAIRN AISLE WILL BE
OPEN <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">THIS SATURDAY 4th Sept 11am -
3pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">It is situated behind the
church in Kilmaurs<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">COME AND SEE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">It contains a wonderful
monument sculpted in the year 1600<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">It shows the Earl of
Glencairn and his family<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">He is wearing a suit of
armour with his helmet beside him<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">The sculpture of his wife
includes intricately carved lace<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-themecolor: text1;">There
is no entrance fee, but we are raising money for the preservation of the
monument, so donations will be gratefully received.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Tea and biscuits will be
available in the churchyard.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-36558025069811559882021-06-01T14:33:00.003+01:002021-06-01T14:33:46.132+01:00Johnnie Walker in 1940s & 1950s - can you help?<p> Chris
Ford from Ireland has been in touch as follows;</p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i>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</i>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p>If you can help Chris please make contact at <a href="mailto:cford@tcd.ie">cford@tcd.ie</a></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-66110211222645727042021-06-01T14:24:00.003+01:002021-06-01T14:25:09.472+01:00Kilwinning Heritage talks in June 2021<p> Our friends at Kilwinning Heritage advise of two upcoming talks;</p><p><b>8th
June 7pm - 3D Tower Scan Launch </b></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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</span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a data-ogsc="" href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2Fe%2F156339514697&data=04%7C01%7CGary.Torbett%40scotent.co.uk%7C2db378830a6b459a2cce08d91fb7828e%7C50374495fdde4d04bc5c574982680e19%7C0%7C1%7C637575695305292071%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&sdata=MNt1%2BNqve1jTtlqC4ndmBxNIPF54SopQCiL17QAYgSY%3D&reserved=0">https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/156339514697</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">22nd
June 7pm - Scottish Weapons by Dr David Caldwell<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
talk will be delivered by Dr David Caldwell on Scottish Weapons, many of which
are held in the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a data-ogsc="" href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2Fe%2F156336722345&data=04%7C01%7CGary.Torbett%40scotent.co.uk%7C2db378830a6b459a2cce08d91fb7828e%7C50374495fdde4d04bc5c574982680e19%7C0%7C1%7C637575695305302025%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&sdata=CEi2prHWGannguW9l5OF83muc%2BX3kT4v6isVbVK23SA%3D&reserved=0">https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/156336722345</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can register via the links above and find out more at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kilwinning-Heritage-178749765498636">https://www.facebook.com/Kilwinning-Heritage-178749765498636</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><br /><p></p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-72879146226378535942021-04-28T13:45:00.001+01:002021-04-28T13:45:30.182+01:00Stirling to Essen by Roger Leivers<p> Roger Leivers has been in touch with us as follows;</p><p>..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.</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText">Telephone: 07926329970</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p>Email: <a href="mailto:rogerleivers@yahoo.co.uk">rogerleivers@yahoo.co.uk</a></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><br /></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-23582911946862590662021-03-29T16:53:00.004+01:002021-03-29T16:53:41.279+01:00Troon and The Great War by Gordon Hunter<p>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..'</p><p>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.</p><p>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 !</p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-44796035907033682012021-02-26T14:06:00.004+00:002021-02-26T14:07:19.018+00:00Mayflower talk by George English - Friday 12th March<p>KDHG member George English, who spoke to us in March 2020, will deliver a talk <span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">on Friday 12 March at 6pm on '</span></span><span style="color: #1e0a3c; letter-spacing: 0.4pt;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);">1620 - The Mayflower Journey: Who went, where from, and
why did they go?'</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The European Society of Mayflower Descendants have organised this. Details can be found on the </span></span><b><span style="color: #050505;">Research Through
People </span></b><span style="color: #050505;">Facebook page<b> </b>or c</span></span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">lick here to register for the event:</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2LVft6r%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1cnkuivbpGCPnN1NFBW67oKoI19YcX4sNMVLNkfGjMUnRmSbSYPkfC0Z8&data=04%7C01%7CGary.Torbett%40scotent.co.uk%7C81c17f996bde4a2ee24e08d8d818ab2f%7C50374495fdde4d04bc5c574982680e19%7C0%7C0%7C637496947747239194%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=vzHFXLRLRtYzvYecPMxYzP70POFMfF%2BMLgeerBKrwx0%3D&reserved=0" style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 18pt; outline: none; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">http://bit.ly/2LVft6r</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 18pt;">.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-38134476004265684922021-02-10T10:30:00.004+00:002021-02-10T10:30:50.593+00:00Fund raising campaign <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for opening this article.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #403f42;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #403f42;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The page can be found </span></span><a href="http://gf.me/u/zifhtn">HERE</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Any donations are gratefully received and will help ensure we can continue with our aims.</p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-25186959326151680182021-02-01T09:17:00.001+00:002021-02-01T09:17:14.385+00:00Notice of AGM - Tuesday 9th February 2021<p>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.</p><p>Members who have not received a notification or who would like to dial in via telephone should contact us via <a href="info@kilmarnockhistory.co.uk ">info@kilmarnockhistory.co.uk</a> </p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-61249056981969618302020-12-27T10:23:00.001+00:002020-12-27T10:23:05.695+00:00Alexander Brown Robertson (1884-1939) - can you help?<p> We have received the following e-mail;</p><p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><i>Hello. I am an amateur historian based in Cambridge,
Massachusetts. </i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i>I’m looking for a photograph of Alexander Brown
Robertson, a noted mechanical engineer, who was born in Kilmarnock on 29
December, 1884. His parents were Andrew Robertson and Isabella Elizabeth
Macalister. He attended Kilmarnock Academy from 1889 to 1900. </i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i>Any leads for advice would be most welcome. Thanks<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><i><o:p> </o:p>Best wishes,</i></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<i>Kevin Burke</i> kburke9@mac.com<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Please contact Kevin directly if you can help him out - thanks.</p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514355611883893517.post-64351281946140269042020-12-21T16:57:00.001+00:002020-12-21T16:57:10.080+00:00Merry Christmas <p>Merry Christmas to all or members and friends.</p><p>It has been an interesting, challenging and extremely strange year. Hopefully everyone is in good health, good spirits and looking forward to a return to some sort of normality in 2021.</p><p>We will hold a series of lectures via the Zoom platform in 2021 and will keep you up to date on this.</p><p>Best wishes from all at KDHG !</p><p>🎄🎅</p>Gary Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10667323239078839769noreply@blogger.com0