The last meeting of the Stewarton & District Historical Society was addressed by Mr R. Laird, who was a lecturer at Auchincruive College for almost 40 years, as was his father before him. His family used to own East Bloakhillhead Farm for many years, as well as Lawthorn Farm at Irvine. He also traced his links to Auchenharvie Farm, and to Dunlops, and to other well known local families.

When Lawthorn was being developed as part of Irvine New Town, Mr Laird uncovered a mass of historical papers, which he is still working his way through. The papers gave a fascinating insight into farming in the area in the 19th century, and included such items as invitations to the opening of Irvine Town House and dinner at Eglinton Castle. There were also more everyday and personal items such as farm bills and rental agreements and even a honeymoon hotel receipt. Many of the most important records have been passed to the Ayrshire Archives, which have, by coincidence, recently been moved to Auchincruive.

The next meeting of the Society will be on Monday November 2nd in John Knox Church Hall at 7.30 as usual. The speakers will be Mr & Mrs Watt from John Knox Church. Again the Society are trying to maintain a local theme, as their topic will be John Knox Church and the history of its Bell. This rather unusual topic is the outcome of new research which they have carried out, which has uncovered some interesting new evidence about the bell. As always, anyone interested will be most welcome.

Can you Help?

An enquiry has come to the Society regarding a Mr John Browning who was a baker and lived in Dean Street, Stewarton, about 70 years ago. He served in the RAF during World War Two. An item belonging to this gentleman has been found, and the finder would like it to be passed on to the family. Anyone who can help should please phone 01563 524748 or email ianhmac@aol.com.

The Society have also been in touch with a recent visitor to Ayrshire who turned out to be descended from the sister of Robert Burness who died in Stewarton. He was a fifth generation descendant of a nephew of the poet's Uncle Robert, and has kindly provided the Society with a Family Tree.