Auld Earlston Show Proved a Popular Draw

Auld Earlston's recent exhibition and slide show at the Church Hall has been voted a great success by organisers of the local heritage group.

The exhibition theme of "Earlston in War and Peace:  1914-1949"   drew a large audience throughout the two days.   Visitors had the chance to browse through information panels  vintage photographs, memories and memorabilia of  life in the first half of the 20th century. Among topics featured were Earlston soldiers, prisoners of war, the German air crash of 1943, Polish troops in the village,  and the sterling efforts of the community to raise money for both national causes and local war comfort charities.  Drawing particular  interest was a table of the weekly rations available for one person in 1942. 

As a contrast, the displays on the inter-war years focused on Earlston at work and leisure, including a look at housing, wages and prices, and  the Ercildoune Pageant  held at Carolside in 1934.  

Throughout the event, four slide shows attracted capacity audiences who enjoyed a tour  around Earlston's people and places, with the history and anecdotal  commentary  sparking lively discussion. The programme ended with a unique short film of Earlston in the 1930's, showing rural life, school sports, a  hunt meeting in the Square and a society wedding at the Parish Church. 

Chairman David Lothian said "We were very delighted by the many positive comments we received and would like to thank everyone involved who contributed material to help our group keep Earlston's past alive for future generations". 

 For further information 
telephone: 01896 848240 or e-mail: auldearlston@aol.com 

 **********************

AULD EARLSTON ON SHOW

We are  holding our  two day annual exhibition with slide shows on:

Saturday October 20th (10am-4pm)  

Sunday October 21st (12 noon-4pn)

in the Church Hall, High Street, and Earlston. 

                Entry £3 incl. tea/coffee. Children free.

              The focus of the exhibition this year is:
            "Earlston at War and Peace, 1914-1949"
with displays of vintage photographs, and memorabilia on wartime and life in the inter-war years, with much of the arterial not previously shown. Also  featured will be the recollections  of  older residents who  have  shared their memories on what it was like growing up in the village during the Second World War. 

 Four popular hour long slide shows

will be held over the two days, 

          to include a short film of Earlston in the 1930’s 
                            Saturday at 11am & 2pm
                             Sunday 1pm & 2.30pm.

You also have the chance to share your own memories and chat over tea/coffee with members of the Auld Earlston Group.  

Do come along and find out what your local heritage group is doing to keep Earlston's past alive for future generations. 

For further informaiton

Tel. 01896 848240

E-Mail: auldearlsotn@aol.com 

 

 A colourful patriotic certificate from World War One,

Mary Queen of Scots and her retinue, arriving at the Ercildoune Pageant of 1934  which was a celebration of local history and will form a major part of the exhibition on the inter-war years. 

********************

Early News of our Next Exhibition - Earlston in War and Peace 1914-1949

"Earlston in War and Peace 1914-1949" is the theme of the next Auld Earlston Exhibition and Slide Show to be held in the Church Hall on  October 20th and 21st 2018. 

Auld Earlston Chairman,  David Lothian,  said “November 11th 1918 marks the end of the First World War and we thought it appropriate to look at what life was like in Earlston around the time of the two world wars, also in the inter-war years and the  aftermath in the late1940's.  most noted locally for the harsh winter and Berwickshire floods.  

Much of  the material on show we have not displayed before and we anticipate  it will be of interest to our visitors, who have given us  great support to our previous events."

Complementing the Exhibition will be the popular slide shows,   with the key feature this year  a fascinating old cine film, now digitised, of Earlston in the 1930’s and 1940’s".

We would welcome your help!  

Do you have any photographs, postcards, memories and memorabilia  of this period?   

If so, we would be pleased to hear from you, with a view to it being featured in the exhibition.  Items  can be copied and returned to you, or can be  donated to the Auld Earlston Collection.  

For further information contact:

Tel. 01896 848240:  E-mail auldearlston@aol.com 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank You  

****************

Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses from the First World War  outside the  Manse, Earlston.   

Can anyone identify the nurses? 

 

This colourful patriotic certificate was issued to schoolchildren during the First World War, often at Christmas, or a variation of it on Empire Day   

This was the first time that the whole nation had been mobilised to play a part in the war effort, and here young Mary Denham, mother of David Lothian, was commended for helping  " to send some comforts and happiness  to the Brave Men who are Fighting to  uphold the Freedom of our Glorious Empire". 

*************

Have you an Interesting Story on Earlston - We Would Like to Hear From You

Our  Auld Earlston blog aims to give its readers a variety of short items, photographs on a theme and longer articles on the village's past.  It  features:

• Life in all its aspects  in Earlston down the centuries, both at work and at leisure.
• Profiles of Local People who have made their mark at home and abroad.
• Personal Memories of more recent times.

We would very much like to include  more items from  readers.
Have you come across an interesting story from the past 
that can be shared with others? 

Contact us at:     auldearlston@aol.com 

*************

82, 895 page-views have been recorded since the blog was first launched in March 2015.  So in case you missed first time round, here are six more popular posts from the past three years. 

Click on the headline to read  the full article with  images from the Auld Earlston collection and the local press. 

Earlston - the First with an Aerodrome. 
In 1931  local papers (plus The Scotsman) reported that Earlston had become the first place in Berwickshire to have an aerodrome  where

"A large number of Earlstonians were entertained to a succession of thrills by the advent of an aeroplane, the property of Messrs W. Rodger  & Sons which gave several aerial exhibitions at a newly constructed aerodrome at Purveshaugh, Earlston".

Dr. Young (1859-1934) - Serving Earlston for over 50 years
Dr. Young was a colourful character, who was widely remembered for his warm, if sometimes irascible personality. His work was his life and he had few hobbies apart from his horses.  His sudden death in September 1934 received wide tributes

Shopping in Earlston in an Earlier Era
A nostalgic look at Shops in Earlston in the early 20th century, Slater's Directory of Berwickshire for 1903 noted that the population of Earlston was 1677 (as per 1901 census), and shops  in the village included:
6 grocers/spirit dealers/ironmongers
5 tailor/drapers/ clothiers
3 butchers 
3 watchmakers/clockmakers/jeweller
3 dressmakers/milliner 
2 bakers
1 confectioner
1 chemist 
1 fish man & earthenware dealer. 

 

Sharing Memories of the Spittal Trip 
A colourful account  from the 1920's of the annual trip by train to the seaside at Spittal. 

 

Two trains in Earlston station
Copyright © A R Edwards and Son,  Selkirk.    (Cathy Chick Collection).   
All Rights Reserved

Isabella Wallace - Earlston's Friend and Benefactor
Two plaques in the village,  at the Mill Meadow Gate and in the gardens in the Square,  give testimony to Isabella Wallace, who in her will left money for the benefit of her local community,  




 

Earlston on the Dance Floor 

Dances were a regular feature of social life in Earlston in the 20th century  and the local press give many accounts of the events  involving the Bachelors' Ball, Earlston Jazz Band, the Earlston Rhythm Band, an Ankle Competition and a "Spectacular Rumba Competition". An entertaining read!

 

Taking a break from the dance floor 

**********************

Note: 

Press Cuttings Source - Newspaper Archives Online at www.findmypast.co.uk 

Looking Back on 3 Years of the Auld Earlston Blog

This month marks three years since the Auld Earlston blog was launched in 2015 - so in  the first of two posts, a look back at some of the most popular topics featured. To read more, click on the titles below. 

EARLSTON READING ROOM
A look  at the past   - and the future - for the Earlston Reading Room which dates from 1852.   It was a  symbol of  Victorian self-help and the  desire for education.  The rules and regulations make entertaining reading. 

 The Reading room on the left to next to the Corn Exchange with its belfry tower. 

The photograph pre-dates 1921 when the pump tower on the right was demolished to make way for the war memorial.  

THE WHALE SISTERS - MANUFACTURERS OF EARLSTON GINGHAMS

A profile of Christian and Marion Whale, who in the first half of the 19th century had a national reputation as producers  of Earlston ginghams, at a time  when few women showed such enterprising spirit to head successful businesses.  
 

 Two surviving examples of the Earlston Gingham. 

REMEMBERING EARLSTON'S RAILWAY, 1863-1965

A photographic account of the history of the railway through Earlston  from its low key opening to its equally  low key closure  over a 100 years later.

 

 The last train through Earlston Station - July 1965.

WARTIME AIR CRASH OVER EARLSTON
An account of the air crash of 1943 when a German bomber came down near the village, killing all four members of the crew.  In 2015 the daughter and grandson  of the pilot made a moving visit to  Earlston to commemorate this war time tragedy.   

The unveiling of a memorial to the German crew

 EARLSTON KIRK SESSION RECORDS - CHARITY AND CENSURE
The records  provide us with a unique  social commentary on life in the village at the time. as the church provided help to the poor and needy, but censure to those involved in what was regarded as moral turpitude. 

 As late as 14th October 1901,  a woman was brought before the Kirk Session  to be questioned on her "sin of fornication and having a child out of wedlock"

EARLSTON ON PARADE
To mark Civic Week 2016,  parades of the past and photographs of Earlston people having fun! 

 

**************

Thank you to everyone who has contributed 

 information, photographs and memories to Auld Earlston 

E-Mail:  auldearlston@aol.com

Auld Earlston Show Proved a Popular Draw

Auld Earlston's recent exhibition and slide show at the Church Hall has been voted a great success by organisers of the local heritage group. 

The theme of "Horses to Horse-Power" looked at travel around Earlston in times past and drew a large audience throughout the two days.   Visitors had the chance to browse through information panels and vintage photographs of  horses, bicycles, motor bikes, cars, vans, buses, trains, vehicles in industry and farming, roads, bridges and even planes,  plus read some travellers' tales and see further material from the Auld Earlston collection. .

Throughout the event, four slide shows were held and  attracted capacity audiences who enjoyed a tour around "Earlston West to East", with the history and anecdotes  commentary  sparking lively discussion. 

Chairman David Lothian said "We were very encouraged by the favorable comments we received. Many people stayed several hours looking around, spotting relatives and friends in the photographs and exchanging reminiscences. We would like to thank everyone involved for helping our group keep Earlston's past alive for future generations".

 

 For further information 
telephone: 01896 848240 or e-mail: auldearlston@aol.com 

 **********************

Auld Earlston On Show in October - A Date For Your Diary

Dates for Your Diary 

AULD  EARLSTON

Valuing the History of our Village for Future Generations

 

YOUR COMMUNITY HERITAGE GROUP
is holding 

Open Days in October on the theme

"HORSES TO HORSE-POWER"

An Exhibition on Travel around Earlston in Times Past 
Saturday Oct.21st, 10am-3pm
Sunday Oct. 22nd, 12noon-4pm

in the Church Hall, High Street, Earlston

New Slide Show - "Earlston West to East"

 Sat. 11am & 1.30am.     Sun. 1pm & 2.30pm

 

Admission £2, Children Free.  Including Tea/Coffee

ALL WELCOME

For further information telephone:

Tel:  01896 948240 or E-mail: auldearlston@aol.com 

                                

                                        *********

 "Horses to Horse-Power" - Travel in Times Past" is the theme of this year's exhibition,   with displays of vintage photographs on all forms of getting about the village - horses, bicycles, motor bikes, cars, vans, buses, trains, vehicles in industry and farming, roads, bridges and even planes, plus tales of journeys from days gone by. 

Earlston Parish Church Choir Outing to Morebattle in June 1906 - 

A 20 mile hilly journey on a crowded wagonette, 
with no protection against the elements!

Throughout the two days, an hour-long new slide show will be looking at  "Earlston from West to East" - Saturday at 11am and 2pm; Sunday at 1pm and 2.30pm 

 A vintage  car on Thorn Street at the west end of the village, c.1920's.

You also have the chance to share your own memories of village life and chat over tea/coffee with members of the Auld Earlston Group.

Do come along to our event and see what our group is doing 

to keep Earlston's past alive for future generations.

                                                              ************

                                       Visitors browsing last year's exhibition 

*************** 

A Look Around the Earlston Archives

 AULD  EARLSTON

Valuing the History of our Village
for Future Generations

 Since the start of the Auld Earlston Group in 2012, local people have been generous in  their  donations of photographs, postcards and other documents relating to the village's past.   

So take this look around our collections to date. We use the resources in our slide shows, exhibitions and displays, in answering the steady flow of enquiries and in providing inspiration for the Auld Earlston blog.  

************

PHOTOGRAPHS, POSTCARDS & SLIDES 
The foundation of Auld Earlston activities with nearly 2000 items in this collection alone,   covering all aspects of life in the village, past and present, including street views, country views, churches, events, entertainment, schools, sports, societies, transport, VIP visits, farming, working lives, wartime and weddings.

PRESS  CUTTINGS 
Since 2012, Albums have been compiled of reports  in the local newspapers relating to Earlston.

Below are some of the other documents 
in our archive collection. 

CHURCHES

• The Church in Earlston, 600AD-1992,   a short history by the Rev. John Duncan.
• Earlston Church Choir Trips, 1908 and 1936 - notes and photographs.
• Earlston Parish Church Foundation Stone Service, 1891 - service sheet.
• Earlston Parish Church - photographs of the pewter plate and men working on the building.  
• Earlston Secession Church Soiree, 1843 - poster.
  
• Ercildoune Church - notice on rental of seats. 
• Press cuttings of ministers and church events, 1940's-50's. 
  
• St. John 's Church - list of members, 1948. 
• Four boxes of slides by Mary Duncan, mainly of church events, 1950's-70's. 
  

 Church Trip to Yarrow Manse, 1908

EARLSTON WORTHIES 

• Christian Whale (1792-1862) and Marion Whale, Gingham Manufacturers - research papers, including a copy of Christian's 29-page will. 
• David Swanston (1816-1874),  Earlston post-runner - research notes 
• George Graham, postman - A list of subscribers to a gift  on the occasion of his marriage, 1911.
  
• Isabella Wallace (c.1854-1920)  - Earlston's Friend and Benefactor - with a copy of her will, leaving money to the benefit of  the village.  
• James MacKenzie, (1846-1898), Banker and Man of Many Roles - research notes
• John Redpath, (1796-1869),  Canadian industrialist  and donor of the village clock - research notes.
• Mary Mather, postie - press cutting and photographs 
• Rev. William Crockett (1866-1945) - research papers, magazine articles, press cuttings.
• Robert Carter (1807-1875), New York bookseller & publisher - biography, obituary & research notes. 
• Thomas Gray (1796-1884),  known as  Gingham Tam   - research notes
• Thomas the Rhymer & Mikhail Lermontov - leaflets from Friends of Thomas the Rhymer Group.
  
  

Inscription in the biography of Robert Carter, 
presented to Earlston Reading Room by his daughter, in 1892.

"The Southern Reporter" of 3rd September 1868

EVENTS

• Earlston Civic Week - programmes  from 1973.
• Masonic Bazaar, 1928  - 9 page programme of patrons, committee and stall holders 
• Ercildoune Pageant, 1934   - souvenir programme, photograph album, notes and script. 
• Guild Concert, 1911 - programme 
• Prime Minister Asquith Visit, 1908 - research notes. 
• A Welcome Home Dinner for returning serviceman and women, 1920 - programme  
• What's On in Earlston, 1994 booklet.  
• Border Common Riding 1952 - press cuttings, when local historian John Weatherly was Lauder Cornet. 
• Auld Earlston "Remembering Earlston's Railway" Exhibition, Feb. 2016 - photographs, fact sheets, publicity, community liaison, survey, grant applications.
• Auld Earlston "Earlston At Work and Play" Exhibition, Oct. 2016 - photographs, fact sheets, publicity, survey.
•  
  
  
  
  
  

GENERAL HISTORY

• An Historical Tour of Earlston, by John D. Smith, 1996
• Border Warfare - HMSO booklet, 1973, 
• Chronology of Earlston History, by John Weatherly 
• Earlston Comet - photocopy of newspaper, 1891 
• Earlston News - four copies of community newsletter, 1989. 
• Earlston Examples of Census Returns, Old Parish Records and Kirk Session Records.
• Framed in time - photographs of Auld Earlston.  In Border Life Magazine: Issue 19, Spring 1999.
• A3 laminated Ordnance Survey Map of Earlston, 1855. 
  
  

            Entry in Earlston Kirk Session Records, 1901.  (www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk) 

LEISURE  TIME

• Histories of the:  Chess Club, Curling Club, Golf Club,  and Horticultural Society.
• Earlston Reading Room  - history, rules & regulations, minute book 1911-1950, centenary celebration in 1952, correspondence and finance papers, 1962-2002,
• Two Cinema Programmes from the 1950's-60s.

 

Minutes of the meeting in 1906, with "20 gentlemen present", to set up Earlston Golf Club.  The Rev. Mr  N.C. Keith  was in the chair, with Mr Geo L. McDonald appointed  clerk. 

Curtain Down on Earlston Amateur Dramatic Society, 1991. 

MEMORIES

• Growing up in the West End, by Sheila  McKay 
• The Spittal Trip by Train - memories of Inez Polson
• Memories of Earlston, by Inez Polson - in Border Life Magazine:  Issue 1, May 1996
• Transcript of talks with Earlston residents,  sharing their memories on growing up in the village. 

SCHOOLS

• Opening of Earlston Junior Secondary School, 1962  - programme  
• Ten boxes of slides by Mary Weatherly, nee Rodger, mainly of the primary school from 1960.   

WARTIME

• Christmas cards from Earlston to serving soldiers in the First World War. 
• Darlingfield Air Crash of German bomber, 1943 - research notes
• Unveiling of the War Memorial, 1921 - research notes. 
• Ercildoune Recipes and Healthy  Hints,  c.1940
  
  

WORKING LIVES

• Blacksmiths of Earlston, including the Brotherston family, Scott family and many more names   - research notes, fact sheets  and photographs.
• Earlston entries in Slater's Trade Directory for Berwickshire, 1882 and 1903.
• Red Lion Hotel - building plans of 1871, property documents 1814-1881,  census returns and photographs. 
• Three centuries of Earlston Doctors, written by Dr. John Burns
• Examples of Earlston Gingham

Testament of Blacksmith, Alexander Scott, with a list of 
those who owed his estate money.  (www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk)


******************

                  Auld Earlston welcomes all contributions on the village's past  -

Please contact us on  auldearlston@aol.com  


We are very grateful to Earlston Primary School 
for providing secure storage for our collections.

THANK YOU