A series of exclusive extracts from Strathaven historian Bob Currie's new book, 'Strathaven Home Front News 1914-1918', which delves into the archives of the Hamilton Advertiser to uncover some fascinating stories from Strathaven during the first world war.

The book is now on sale priced £12 from the Computer Shop and Craigs Newsagents in aid of the 'Help for Heroes' and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

Hamilton Advertiser - Issue Saturday, 22nd August, 1914.

War Relief Fund:
Attention is directed to the first list of subscriptions to this fund - amounting to £426.8s.8d - advertised on page 7. The committee are to be congratulated on the result, as well as on the splendid manner in which all their schemes have been organised. During the coming week collectors will be at work in the various districts throughout the parish, and it is hoped that everyone will do what they can to help, according to their means.

Red Cross Week:
In response to an intimation read from the church pulpits, and published throughout the town, a large gathering of ladies took place in the Parish Church Hall on Tuesday, 16th inst., at 2.30pm. Mrs. Lee Dykes of East Overton, presided, and gave out a large quantity of wool and flannel, etc., to be converted into socks, bed jackets and night shirts for our troops in the field. So eager and hearty was the response to the intimation that the supplies had to be renewed, and in the evening at 7pm. quite as big a gathering again assembled, clamouring to be supplied with material. The committee of the local war relief fund at their meeting on Monday co-opted Mrs Lee Dykes, Miss Greenshields Leadbetter, Mrs Alan Watt, and Miss Jane Whyte Cochran as members of the executive.


Volunteer Company Raised:
In response to an invitation convened through our advertising columns, and by bills, a large number of men assembled in the Public Hall on Monday evening for the purpose of enrolling in a Volunteer Company to prepare drafts for the Territorials and train for home defence.

Mr James Cameron, C.C., who presided, explained that there was no intention of interfering with Lord Kitchener's plans in the formation of this company; as a matter of fact they considered his Lordship's appeal as of first importance, and urged all men with the specified ages to join the regular army for a period of three years or during the duration of the war.

Rev. John Muirhead, B.D., followed with a vigorous speech, in which he expressed the hope that the company would be successfully formed so that even at this late hour the men of Avondale might do something to put themselves in a state of preparedness to do their share of the nation's work. Sergeant-Major Jennings, W.O., and Mr T. Greenshields Leadbetter, J.P., having explained what provision would be made for the dependents of those joining the colours, enrolments were invited. Three volunteered for the front, and were attested in the Parish Council Offices, The remainder marched to the John Hastie Park, where four squads were formed under the instructorship of No.1 Squad, Col-Sergt. Hugh Ritchie; No.2 Squad, Sergt. James M. Bryson; No. 3 Squad, Sergt. David McKay; No.4 Squad, Corporal Robert Downie; No.5 Squad, Cadet John Wilson. Colour Sergt. Instructor J. Kennedy takes each of the five sections alternately in the Academy Hall for gymnastics.

The first drill took place on Tuesday evening in the John Hastie Public Park, when the muster amounted to over one hundred - Sergeant-Major Jennings supervising the instruction given by the section commanders. On Wednesday evening the National Reservists of the district paraded. The Manager of the local Picture House has risen to the occasion, and intimates that National Reservists and Volunteers will be admitted to the pictures at half-price.

 

Issue Saturday, 22nd August, 1914.

Handy Boy Scouts:
Following an offer made to the Chief Constable of Lanarkshire, the local patrol of Boy Scouts have this week been employed to distribute to every house in Avondale and Stonehouse parishes and in the village of Sandford, war fund leaflets issued by the County Committee. The police bear testimony to the eager and efficient manner in which the boys have carried out their work.

Suspected Fire Raising:
On Tuesday of last week an outbreak of fire occurred about 3.30 o'clock in the afternoon at the farm of Hareshawhead, tenanted by Mr A. Rankin. A visitor at the farm, in the person of Mr Graham, schoolmaster, Motherwell, mounted his bicycle and riding to Bonanhill, the residence of Mr Alex. Ross, writer, there summoned by telephone the County Fire Brigade from Larkhall, which, on arrival, was successful in confining the fire to the barn in which it had originated.

The damage done, however, was considerable. There was no one working about the farm steading on the two following days, all the men being out at the shooting. On Friday morning, when the girl went out to bring in the cows, she discovered the hay shed to be on fire. Mr Graham again cycled to Bonanhill and summoned the fire brigades from Lanark and Larkhall. They arrived within three quarters of an hour of the alarm being given. The fire spread from the hay shed to two byres, cheese house, boiler house and scullery.

A large quantity of hay was destroyed, together with some valuable farm implements, and a pony trap. The loss to the farmer, unfortunately, is not covered by insurance. The dwelling-house was saved almost by a miracle, the morning being very calm. Had there been a breeze, the dwelling-house must have been also burned. Two detective officers have been making searching inquiries during the week into the occurrence which is suspected to be a case of fire raising.

Issue: Saturday, 29th August, 1914.

National Farmers' Union of Scotland Evening:
A meeting of the local branch, which embraces Avondale, Stonehouse, and Glassford Parishes, was held in the Auction Mart on Tuesday afternoon to consider what steps should be taken in view of the shortage of men and horses for the gathering of the harvest.

There was a good attendance. It was intimated that Mr Alex Wilson had offered to establish a free registry at the Parish Council office, where names could be received of farmers requiring help, and workers willing to assist at the harvest. The offer was cordially accepted, and the secretary was instructed to advertise the fact in the Hamilton Advertiser and by bill. Mr J. Montgomarie Pierson presided.

Issue: Saturday, 26th September, 1914.

Baptismal Ceremony at Dungavel:
On Tuesday last, the 15th September, the infant daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton was baptised in the private chapel at Dungavel in the presence of a large gathering of friends and tenantry.

The name given is Mairi Nina, after her Majesty the Queen and the Duchess - Mairi being the Gaelic form of Mary. The service was conducted by the Rev. John Muirhead, B.D., minister of Avendale, and after the benediction the National Anthem was sung. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Duke and Duchess entertained the company in the billiard room, and there also were to be seen some beautiful presents bestowed upon Lady Mairi, the most beautiful being that of Queen Mary to her godchild - a lovely sapphire pendant. The Rev. Mr Muirhead proposed the health of the Duke and Duchess of Hamilton and Lady Mairi.

It was, he said, a great joy and pleasure to them all to see the Duke and Duchess and family going out and in amongst them and taking such an active and foremost part in every good work. He thanked Their Graces for their kindness in inviting them to be present on that interesting occasion, and said that they were all proud of them and of their splendid family. Three hearty cheers were given for the Duke and Duchess and family, and the proceedings ended with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."

Issue: Saturday, 3 October, 1914.

Belgian Flag Day:
Today the ladies of the town will be collecting for the Belgian Relief Fund in the town whilst the Boy Scouts will visit the farms and outlying districts. Each distributor will receive a flag. It is hoped the people of Avondale will rise to the occasion with their usual generosity.

Local Soldier Wounded:
News has been received here with regret that Lieut. J.F.R. Gebbie of the Regiment South Lancashire, son of Mr. James Gebbie of Netherfield has been severely wounded on the 19th ult., and as a result has had his leg amputated. The latest report is that he is now doing well. Private Wright of the Seaforth Highlanders has also had his leg amputated and has also received nasty wounds to the hand and the chest.

Accident:
On Wednesday afternoon a boy named William Craig, residing in Castle Street, was cycling down Kirk Street and lost control of the machine at the cross. Unable to stop either to left or right he dashed into the window of Messrs. R & J. Orr's, Bakers, and sustained nasty cuts on the face and hands besides being rendered unconscious - On Thursday evening, a lad named John Stewart had his arm broken whilst gathering branches from trees at the Braes.

 

Shocking Accident:
On Thursday a boy named McLeavy residing in North Street fell down between the Crown Hall and the Gospel Hall and was impaled on a railing spike. The spike speared into his stomach seriously injuring him and his recovery is doubtful. It appears that there is a regular practice amongst youngsters of frequenting this place in the hope of picking up scraps of films discarded in the Picture House and this was the lad's intention. He was removed to the infirmary.

Issue: Saturday, 27th March, 1915.
Proceeds of Pageant:
From the patriotic pageant "The Allies" which was produced at Strathaven on March 4th, Mrs. Dey has been able to hand over a sum of £13.10s to the Treasurer of the War Relief Fund. The pageant will be repeated in Stonehouse on Friday, 2nd April.

St. Patrick's Congregational Gathering:
A social in honour of St.Patrick was held in the hall of St. Patrick's Chapel on the evening of Friday last. Rev. Father O'Leary presided, supported by Messrs. Mulligan and McLeavy. After an enjoyable tea purveyed by Mr Taylor, a grand programme was sustained by the more musically inclined of the congregation. The entertainment itself was quite a 'surprise packet' the manner in which the various artistes comported themselves being almost equal to that of professionals. The audience was the largest for quite a long time, owing among other things, to the presence of several Belgian refugees who were the guests of the evening. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed to the harmony of the evening:- Messrs. Dempsey, Horan, Cytha, Casey and Mademoiselles Rothern, and Vanderheyden. Messrs. McLeavy, Mulligan, Cassidy, Campbell, Dempsey and the harmony of the gathering - the evening concluded with votes of thanks and the singing of "God Save Ireland."

Issue: Saturday, 17th April, 1915.
Scottish Patriots Concert:
We are pleased to notice from advertisement that the clever Scottish composer Mr. Robert Machardy is to give a concert in the Public Hall on Monday evening. On former occasions we have endeavoured to draw attention to the claims of this native musical genius, but fear that he has to a great extent experienced the truth of the scriptures in that 'a prophet hath not honour in his own land'. Recent events, however, seem to have put a different complexion on many things, and it is to be hoped that this extends to things musical and that the easy-going British public is now to make amends for its worshipping at the shrine of the foreign musicians by paying a little more attention to native talent. Dr. Machardy has collected a galaxy of talent for Monday evening's concert and we feel sure that those who attend are in for a treat. In honour of our brave sons who have gone to the front at this time, Dr. Machardy has composed a military march "Heroes of Avondale" and with the assistance of an orchestra this piece will be given at concert.

Issue: Saturday, 22nd May, 1915.
Prisoner of War:
Mrs Coats, Crosshill Farm, has received a postcard from her son Private Robert Coats, 48th Highlanders of Canada, in which he states that he is wounded and a prisoner of war. The post-card is marked Kniegdaz, but it is not known whether he is imprisoned there or posted the card as he passed through. The nature of the wound is not stated but he mentions that he is "getting on all right."
Issue: Saturday, 29th May, 1915.

Help Gallant Little Serbia:
Today, in common with most places in the district, Strathaven is having a Flag Day on behalf of Serbia. We commend the effort to the sympathetic support of the public. The part that Serbia has played in the present great crisis has to a considerable extent been overshadowed by the records of the deeds of and suffering of nations nearer home, but it is nevertheless quite as valuable. Chosen by Austria-Hungary as the object of her wrath over the murder of the Prince Francis Ferdinand. the invasion of Serbia became the 'casus belle' of the European conflict and the peculiar turn of events and combination of opposing forces worked out in such a manner that this country was probably saved from a future war of single combat with Germany - a contingent she would probably have been unable to face. A result of the war has been the wholesale spread of disease in Serbia, the ravishes of which, owing to lack of hospital accommodation etc., are inestimable and the proceeds of today's Flag Day will be used to relieve this distress. It will be remembered that a former Strathaven District Nurse - Nurse Jordan - has already laid down her life in Serbia in helping to fight the fell diseases which have arisen. Another member of the brave band of nurses writes 'he was passionately devoted to her work and was loved very dearly by all those in our party.'It is hoped that the Strathaven Flag Day will be a worthy tribute to her memory.

Issue: Saturday, 26th June, 1915.
Promotion:
Congratulations to our townsman, Mr David McKay, on his promotion to Sergeant Major of 3/6th Scottish Rifles. He was on duty with the recruiting party in the G.A.P.P. on Saturday.

British Women's Temperance Association:
At the Cattle Show on June 9th, the members of the British Women's Temperance Association ran a most successful tea tent. During the whole of the day, the tent with its flags and motto, its flowers, its beautifully set tables, and excellent service was a centre of attraction for visitors who several times tested its capacity to overflowing. After paying all accounts the ladies have had the pleasure of handing a donation of £2 to the secretary of the local Belgian Relief Fund.

University Success:

Miss Annie B. Henderson, Bank of Scotland House, has passed the final examination for the degree of B.Sc., Glasgow University. Miss Henderson is probably the first lady student from Strathaven who has obtained this important degree in science.

 

Issue: Saturday, 20th November, 1915.

Honour to Strathaven Officer:

Strathaven learned with pride on Saturday, that the French Legion of Honour had been conferred on Captain James Lusk, Dunavon, for conspicuous bravery along the advance of the 6th Scottish Rifles at Festubert in June.

Issue: Saturday, 1st January, 1916. A Brave Cameron:

Mrs Hendry, 189 Bellfield Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow, has received the following letter announcing that her son, Alexander, who unfortunately died on 10th May, had been mentioned in dispatches - "War Office, November 29, 1915 - Madam, I have it in command from His Majesty the King to inform you that your son, the late Private Alex Hendry (9377) 2nd Cameron Highlanders, was mentioned in a dispatch from Field-Marshall Sir John French, dated May 31st, 1915 and published in the 'London Gazette' dated June 22nd, for gallant and distinguished service in the field. His Majesty desires to condole with you on the loss you have sustained and to express his high appreciation of the service of the late Alexander Hendry. - I have the honour to be your obedient servant, Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Military Secretary."

Issue: Saturday, 28th July, 1917.

Law:
Mr Robert Wilson Park, apprentice with Messrs. Gebbie and Wilson, writers, has been successful in passing his second examination in general knowledge of the recent law agents' examination held in Glasgow.

Issue: Saturday, 19th January, 1918. Meatless Day:
From advert it will be seen that the local butchers have agreed to close every Wednesday as a meatless day. It is hoped the public will assist them as far as possible in not taking extra supply of meat on Tuesdays or other days.

Issue: Saturday, 20th April, 1918. Strathaven Academy - War Weapons Week:
The amount subscribed by the pupils of Strathaven Academy reached the sum of £242. 6s.6d which is sufficient to purchase 3 machine guns. The total now collected by the School War Savings Association is £1243.

Issue: Saturday, 9th November, 1918.

Grateful Belgians:

"Madame De Moor and myself wish to thank the Belgian Committee and the many friends for the kindness and hospitality which we have received since, as refugees, we arrived in Strathaven. In returning to Belgium we will always cherish the memory of our stay here, and will always remember with deep gratitude the kindness, consideration and sympathy received at the hands of the Strathaven people. - Cyril De Moor."