Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
History group unites community
A creative organisation has united the community during the coronavirus restrictions through its connection on social media.
Gartcosh local history group has engaged with villagers online via the We Are Gartcosh community Facebook group by posting items of historical interest and local history about the village, which has proved popular with both new and existing residents.
History group chair, Liz Ward, told the Advertiser: “These were extremely popular and gave a focus for villagers out on their daily exercise.
“There are many new residents in Gartcosh and these posts were extremely well received and, we hope, helped them find out more about our lovely village.”
During lockdown, members helped out on the North Corridor Click and Collect community group by delivering essentials to vulnerable and elderly people and assisting with collections for foodbanks in Monklands.
And to keep youngsters engaged, the committee recently organised a “Design a Logo” competition for its website, with Gartcosh Primary School pupil Beth Slater, 10, chosen as the winning entry and fellow pupils Sofia Bird and Callum Macdonald, both eight, as runners-up.
The organisation, which was founded in 2009, has been unable to hold its regular meetings since March but despite the challenges has continued to reach out virtually to its members and the local community.
Liz added: “The one positive thing has been that it has brought the village together.”
For more information about the history group, email gartcoshhistory@googlemail. com or visit We Are Gartcosh on Facebook.
There are many new residents in Gartcosh and these posts were extremely well received Liz Ward