Bo'ness Girs, gundies an' gullane sand
4 Jan 2008
G'day and congratulations on this new(?) web page. I've just discovered it, by accident, but I believe it's a great idea and has the potential to generate interest from and for residents of the town as well as exiles like me.
I hope I'm not usurping the intention of this web page by posing the following questions.
I want to kick off by picking the brains and testing the memories of the participants to this web-site. I'm currently writing a book on life in the town around the 30s, 40s and 50s, with the title as above - Girs etc. In the book, which will be in the form of a memoir of the town, I intend covering the life-style, the language, the food we ate, the games we played, customs and superstitions etc. all of which have changed so dramatically since that time.
At this time I'd appreciate any information on the Bo'ness PSA Orchestra. They would have performed around the the late 30s I'd guess so I'm really pushing the memories a bit. My grandfather played the double bass in this orchestra. From memory the orchestra played in Bo'ness Town Hall on Sundays, hence the name, PSA, Pleasant Sunday Afternoon.
I'd like to push my luck just a wee bit more and ask your readers to really test their memories. Who can remember a fish and chip shop on North street near where McFarlane and Bell's shop is (or was)? It was called The Cosy Corner and would have operated in the mid to late 30s I think.
That's all for now. Thank you in anticipation of your help.
By the way, my name is Laurie Anderson. I left for Australia in 1971 but have been back a few times to see the old place. My email address is : 0228charlie@gmx.net
13 Jan 2009 | 7:28:24
Helen Jeffery says
I am working with a group called the Bo'ness Fair History Project.
Working with Workers Educational Association, Scottish Screen Archive and Pilton Video to produce a compilation [archive and present] Bo'ness Fair film due out this Spring.
In the process, we have collected some Bo'ness Fair memories from group members and interviewees and will be producing a booklet which may be of some interest to you.
I'll keep you informed and will ask group members for information regarding your questions.