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http://www.cumbernauld-news.co.uk/news/ ... 3969943.jp

New society saves town's historic mail box

IT WAS a red letter day last week for a new historical organisation in Kilsyth – as they have given a disused post box a new lease of life.
Pictured here is high grade postman William Johnstone with David Cant and William Chalmers who are two founder members of the Kilsyth Historic and Watch Group Society.

Mr Chalmers explains the history of the post box, saying that he wrote to Kilsyth post manager Charles Douglas on October 10 last year, when it became clear that Wilson and Garden's workshop at Newtown Street was to be demolished, to ask if he could get the street's old post box.

After a few weeks the Royal Mail rang to say that not only would they give the decommissioned box to the newly-formed society – but they would also bring it to Kilsyth.

"The historic importance of the old box dates back to 1901," explains Mr Chalmers, "and generations of the town's folk had used the post box in times of joy and sadness.

"It has seen out the mining strikes of 1921, again in 1926, a time when the UK was under siege to the captains of industry, and the turmoil and tragedy of the 1914-18 war, when soldiers of the Scottish regiments drilled on Newtown Street within touching distance of this old post box.

"It was this same old box that was to carry the written word to the four corners of the earth. The 5th Battalion Highland Light Infantry (HLI), the Canadian soldiers most of whom perished on the field of battle, never to see their loved ones again.

"The importance of the little post box embedded in the wall was for many of the soldiers the last communication point between them and their loved ones. It will now be part of our historic past and preserved for unborn generations of our towns and villages."

Kilsyth Post Office took delivery of the decommissioned box last Wednesday, and the following day it was presented along with the keys to Mr Chalmers and Mr Cant, both of Kilsyth.

The new Kilsyth Historic and Watch Group Society serves the villages of Kelvinhead, Banton, Queenzieburn and Twechar, and it held its first meeting on Wednesday, March 20, and the four founding members were present – including Isabel Bankier of Banton and James Bingham of Queenzieburn.

The group would like to thank Mrs Mathie for providing them with a storage room for historical pieces belonging to Kilsyth and the above villages.

At the first meeting it was decided that Kilsyth needs to be more aware of what is happening to it, for example the changing face of buildings and historically-important pieces that are fast disappearing.

"It was felt that something had to be done to leave in place a historical starting
point for future generations," Mr Chalmers added. "At our next meeting it is intended to have in place a written constitution."

The group's concerns include the issue of change for example constantly-changing political boundaries, and historical pieces being given to the governing local authority only to never be seen again.

"The most disturbing case was the temporary disappearance of a medal belonging to a Kilsyth soldier who lost his life during the First World War. His son Alex began enquiries which led to the return of his father's medals and gold watch.

"They are now safely on display in Kilsyth, and it is along these lines regarding Kilsyth and villages that we intend to follow."

The society would like to thank the Royal Mail, in particular Kilsyth sorting office post manager Mr Douglas, as without this help they say that the whole venture would not have taken place.