Past comes to life at exhibition
Cambuslang history in spotlight
Cambuslang’s proud history is being brought to vivid life this weekend with a special exhibition in the town’s Institute.
Following the success of the partnership between South Lanarkshire Council and the Friends of Cambuslang Park in securing the renovation of the park, the Friends group was again approached by the council with a view to forming a further partnership with a local history project being undertaken in conjunction with the renovation of Cambuslang Institute.
An application to the Heritage Lottery for a grant was successful, with an award of £56,000, to create the Cambuslang Heritage Group.
Their work will be presented to the public on Saturday, May 16, from 1–5pm in the Cambuslang Institute.
Norman Rae, who has been heavily involved with the study, said: “The two-year project started in March 2013 and the project focused on the period covered by three donated maps dating from 1895, 1913 and 1938.
“The aim was to study these maps, have them framed and relate the maps to local history and life during the 43 year period they covered. There was also to be a study of the background to the Cambuslang Wark of 1742.
“The work on the project will end with an exhibition presenting the findings.
“It was decided to concentrate the study on eight subject areas.
“As well as the wark, these were housing, education, shopping, industry and work, health and environment, recreation and entertainment and social issues and living standards.
“The group studied background material about life in and around Cambuslang.
“Newspapers, annual reports and various statistical returns were also studied.”
Pictured here are three of the rare images from the 1890s and early 1900s, which were found as part of a discovery of 150 privately taken photographs, held by the photographer’s grandson. Organisers are unable to show all of the images, with the Reformer being given exclusive access to some of those which aren’t going to be displayed
Norman explained: “A further stroke of luck arose through one of our members, who, via a contact, helped to secure a partnership arrangement between the group and Glasgow Kelvin College.
“The students are producing eight short videos covering the eight subjects, with interviews using members of the group, and visual material. They will form part of the exhibition.
“The college students are also constructing eight display units for the presentation of the material. Finally, students from the photography course will be keeping a record of the event.”
The whole project comes under the Friends of Cambuslang Park banner.
Norman added: “As before, a hallmark has been the partnership arrangements which link the local community to the council and to the world of further education. Hopefully in the end everyone wins.”
The event has free entry, and there will also be a free tearoom running throughout the day.