Village life returning to normal

Villagers in Buchlyvie were more than happy to be ‘returning to normal’ following war regulations which had impacted on daily life.

The lifting of laws regarding the display of lights meant blinds were ‘not drawn so early nor so closely’.

Remarking on the extra light from homes and shops, the Observer correspondent in the area said: ‘In these days of inky darkness it has been possible to get about the streets less risk of embracing one’s worst enemy.’

However, although more light was displayed from properties, street lamps were still out of operation and unlikely to be turned on for another 12 months.

On the plus side, the village clock was restored to ‘pre-war striking order’ and was sounding the hours and half hours once more. And adjustments had been made to ensure all four faces told the same time.

Much of the credit for this was afforded to a Mr Fisher of Ballamenoch who procured and presented to the village new wires to replace those within the clock which has rusted and no longer worked during the war years when the timepiece was silent.

A Mr Alex Harrison, responsible for the smooth running of the clock, was able to fit the new wires.

The correspondent also noted that, following the signing of the Armistice, there were signs ‘oldwith time village activities’ were coming to life again.

Notices of meetings of organisations such as the Burns Club were beginning to appear and there had been a gathering of citizens to discuss the possibility of laying on a treat for children of the village.

‘These are healthy signs and when peace is established, if we can devise means that will bring us more into social contact with one another, it will be distinctly to out benefit,” added the Observer.