Discussion Pages from 2012

On these pages we will post comments and information that we receive from you about the Vale or anything included in the website. Links to previous year's discussions are at the bottom of the page.

Please note that this is not a forum and it is not intended to be updated on a daily basis but if you have any points to make, anecdotes or stories about the Vale we would very much welcome your contributions. EMAIL them to us and we will publish them here.

(Most recent first)

24 February 2012

Hi Bryan

Just another wee note to congratulate you on the website. 

I was in the Edinburgh Familysearch centre recently and checked a birth record of one of my cousins, and discovered she had been born in 'Tullichewan Camp' in 1948, and when I googled the term up came your Vale website (again) - great, well-researched article on the camp.

Jimmy

(James Dunn)

5 February 2012

I refer to your discussion forum.

I was a member of 1st Vale of Leven (Balloch) Scout Troop from around 1962 until the mid seventies. The troop originally met in the church hall adjacent to Jamestown Church on the main street however the committee purchased or leased a derelict building opposite Levenbank Terrace, A two story house, I assume originally part of the factory which had been demolished, was partially demolished and a hall developed built on to a small section of the original building. All age groups relocated to the new hall along with brownies and a few community groups.

In the late 60s the Scouts organised a weekly disco, known as the Lindella club as the membership cards were "acquired" from a club in Glasgow of the same name. Local bands also appeared from time to time and the disco was a huge success with minimal problems despite being at a time of gangs and local territorial problems. Attendance at the disco went through the roof and "bouncers" were deployed to turn away disappointed attendees every week.

Other "attractions" were a weekly Bingo and Beetle drive and regular jumble sales where the scouts targetted the "bought" hooses in Balloch and the Vale. The troop had high attendance levels throughout its lifetime, its catchment area was Haldane, Bonhill and Jamestown and was non denominational which I believe was the reason why events such as the disco passed without major trauma.

The troop had a camp ground in Boturich Estate on the banks of Loch Lomond and regular weekend camps were held along with summer camps to places such as Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Edinburgh and the Isle of Man.

Sadly the troop disintegrated in the mid to late 70s, the hall was demolished around the same time as Levenbank Terrace, the entrance to the hall still exists opposite the new Levenbank Terrace development.

Brian Coles
Former Scout

3 January 2012

Hello,

Youth Organisations within the Vale of Leven.

Some information about the Boys Brigade movement within the Vale.

The Boys Brigade movement was founded by William Smith in Glasgow in 1883.  Some three years later the first Boys Brigade Company was formed by a Mr A Smollett Young in Bonhill. (October 1886)    This company was the 1st Bonhill Company.  I have enclosed a copy of a letter sent by William Smith to Mr Smollett Young confirming the formation of the company ( dated 22nd October 1886. )  A copy of this letter was published in the Boys Brigade Jubilee Book in 1933. More than 30000 officers and boys attended the Jubilee review in Queen's Park, Glasgow. Over 50000 spectators were present to watch the review.

During the peak years of the Boys Brigade within the Vale seven companies were formed.  1st Alexandria, 2nd Alexandria, 3rd Alexandria, 1st Bonhill, 2nd Bonhill, 1st Jamestown and 1st Renton.   Unfortunately, only one company remains at this time.    

In 2001 only three companies were still operating. (1st Bonhill, 1st Jamestown and 1st Renton.)  Due to lack of leaders it was decided to merage the three companies into one new company. (1st Vale of Leven) This new company was formed on 1st September 2001. The 1st Vale of Leven has over 80 members at this time.

Unfortunately, I was the last Captain of the 1st Bonhill.   However, I am the first Captain of the 1st Vale of Leven

Regards

Hugh Hutchinson (Captain)

1st Vale of Leven

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