fire Closes Archie's for Christmas and Beyond, 11 December 2023
A fryer fire took hold so fast on the morning of Monday 11 December that, by the time firefighters arrived from Cowcaddens and Cumbernauld to put it out, vital community shop Archie's had sustained serious damage.
This event has shocked shopkeeper Lisa, assistant Brooke and the whole Giffen family to the core and temporarily deprived Lisa and Brooke of their jobs. It has also left Waterside and neighbourhood with no shop within easy reach.
Wishing Lisa, Brooke and Archie's a very speedy recovery and a fast return to business.
This event has shocked shopkeeper Lisa, assistant Brooke and the whole Giffen family to the core and temporarily deprived Lisa and Brooke of their jobs. It has also left Waterside and neighbourhood with no shop within easy reach.
Wishing Lisa, Brooke and Archie's a very speedy recovery and a fast return to business.
Halloween: From pumpkins to Watermelon! Waterside, 30 October 2023
Sunday 29th October was a 'no ghost' due to torrential rain, so it wasn't until 30th that witches and Batman flew in to Waterside to be reunited with vampires, ghouls and all manner of frightening figures.
With them came pumpkins, so many generously donated by Tesco and Lidl, Kirkintilloch, and creatively brought to life by families all around. The costumes were splendid too, as were the guising routines performed on mic by the bravest: 'Why did the ghost give up his day job?' 'Because he didn't like the graveyard shift!' Boom boom! Perhaps even braver was the only youngster to put his hand in the cauldron of mysteries, a witch's brew where he would be handling only the finest ingredients: eyeballs, worms and spiders!
Thanks are due to Waterside Community Council and Waterside Miners Charitable Society for putting on and sponsoring the event; to Lisa at Archie's for filling everyone with delicious mashmallow-sweetened hot chocolate, and providing the perfect haunt for all things Halloween; and to Edward Z. Smith for capturing these images and lending a mic. Thank you too to everyone who joined in the fun.
With them came pumpkins, so many generously donated by Tesco and Lidl, Kirkintilloch, and creatively brought to life by families all around. The costumes were splendid too, as were the guising routines performed on mic by the bravest: 'Why did the ghost give up his day job?' 'Because he didn't like the graveyard shift!' Boom boom! Perhaps even braver was the only youngster to put his hand in the cauldron of mysteries, a witch's brew where he would be handling only the finest ingredients: eyeballs, worms and spiders!
Thanks are due to Waterside Community Council and Waterside Miners Charitable Society for putting on and sponsoring the event; to Lisa at Archie's for filling everyone with delicious mashmallow-sweetened hot chocolate, and providing the perfect haunt for all things Halloween; and to Edward Z. Smith for capturing these images and lending a mic. Thank you too to everyone who joined in the fun.
Kirkintilloch High School Art students Show off Logo Entries, 28 September 2023
As Waterside Miners Charitable Society (WMCS) continued its quest for a logo, Kirkintilloch High School art students immersed themselves in all things Waterside and created striking designs inspired by the tales told by local historian Edward Z. Smith.
Huge thanks to Kirkintilloch High School, its talented art students and Principal Teacher of Art and Design Mrs Skelton for getting involved in this exciting project, as well as to Edward Z. Smith for once again presenting the colourful story of our village and the area round about.
Although only one winner (congratulations, Lana Wallace!) received the £25 prize, elements of any or all entries may well end up as part of the eventual logo, so thank you, everyone!
Huge thanks to Kirkintilloch High School, its talented art students and Principal Teacher of Art and Design Mrs Skelton for getting involved in this exciting project, as well as to Edward Z. Smith for once again presenting the colourful story of our village and the area round about.
Although only one winner (congratulations, Lana Wallace!) received the £25 prize, elements of any or all entries may well end up as part of the eventual logo, so thank you, everyone!
Waterside Miners Charitable Society Car Boot Sale, 10 September 2023
A huge, exciting tombola really drew the crowds thanks to the hard work of Heather and Morag and very generous donations
A car boot sale in aid of Waterside Miners Charitable Society and its community hub project took place at Waterside Miners Club car park on Sunday 10 September. It raised £800 for the charity thanks to the amazing efforts of the fantastic volunteers and the incredible generosity of local people. The charity is extremely grateful to everyone who made it such a successful day.
Taking a stand at the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, 27 August 2023
At a busy Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, members of Waterside Miners Charitable Society (WMCS) showed off images of their proposed Waterside Community Hub from the feasibility study carried out by CD Architects.
The Waterside Community Hub feasibility study was funded by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT), an organization on which a number of Waterside groups have come to rely over recent years. Thank you, CRT.
WMCS's next event (a fundraising one) will be a car boot sale at the Waterside Miners Club car park on 10 September (10am-2pm).
The Waterside Community Hub feasibility study was funded by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT), an organization on which a number of Waterside groups have come to rely over recent years. Thank you, CRT.
WMCS's next event (a fundraising one) will be a car boot sale at the Waterside Miners Club car park on 10 September (10am-2pm).
The 1st Day of the 1st Term at Woodland View School, Waterside, 18 August 2023
In Woodland View School, former Campsie View and Merkland students and staff have gained the kind of state-of-the-art educational establishment they have needed for a very long time. Wishing them every possible success and happiness as they start their new school life here in Waterside.
For more information see https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/news/doors-open-woodland-view-school.
For more information see https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/news/doors-open-woodland-view-school.
Turning Back to Nature, July 2023
Waterside turning circle is once again a delight to behold, while the glorious wild flowers provided by EDC's Streetscene are a source of food and shelter for bees, butterflies and other insects.
Human activity and land use are threatening vital pollinators and other insect life everywhere, but hosting wild flowers is one small way we can help.
Human activity and land use are threatening vital pollinators and other insect life everywhere, but hosting wild flowers is one small way we can help.
Hats off to Gartconner students! (26 April 2023)
Youngsters at Gartconner were recently set a challenge to design a logo for the revived Waterside Miners’ Charitable Society (WMCS), whose aim is to build a community hub for Waterside, Woodilee and area.
As preparation, retired aerial photographer and local historian Edward Z. Smith talked to the children about the history of Waterside and surrounds, from flax production and linen weaving to coal mining, crop milling and the manufacture of spades and shovels.
From the students’ very creative artworks, packed with details showing how well they had listened, two finalists and a winner were chosen, though the charity hopes the final logo will be inspired by all the pictures.
If you would like to become a member of WMCS and help with the community hub project, please contact the secretary either at [email protected] or c/o Archie’s, 1 Old Duntiblae Road, Kirkintilloch G66 3LG.
As preparation, retired aerial photographer and local historian Edward Z. Smith talked to the children about the history of Waterside and surrounds, from flax production and linen weaving to coal mining, crop milling and the manufacture of spades and shovels.
From the students’ very creative artworks, packed with details showing how well they had listened, two finalists and a winner were chosen, though the charity hopes the final logo will be inspired by all the pictures.
If you would like to become a member of WMCS and help with the community hub project, please contact the secretary either at [email protected] or c/o Archie’s, 1 Old Duntiblae Road, Kirkintilloch G66 3LG.
Patsy came Home! (20 & 22 April 2023)
When Patsy the Patterdale terrier vanished without a trace on Thursday 6 April while accompanying her human mum and brother on a wander round the bing, half Waterside, Fauldhead, Woodilee and Luggiewatch pulled out all stops to search for her, but to no avail. Her family were distraught. Doors were left open at all times and smell trails laid in the hope she'd follow her nose home. Hazel Muzzle Mutts and sniffer dog Thor, from Livingston, joined the search, going out night after night until the early hours, with Thor even sustaining an injury. They picked up Patsy's scent by a rabbit warren beside the railway line but still no Patsy. Hazel's advice was not to give up hope for at least fourteen days, and she and her canine co-worker kept up their search.
Having lost 3 kg (half her body weight), chewed herself out of her harness and escaped whatever burrow or hole she was trapped in, a filthy, skin-and-bone Patsy toddled into Waterside on the morning of Thursday 20 April, and was tended to first by a kind Taig Road resident before being spotted by a family friend, who carried her home to her incredulous but overjoyed family.
At the veterinary hospital, Patsy's survival was initially put at 50-50, but after drips, kidney and liver function tests, as well as treatment for her ulcerated eyes, she was finally allowed home on Saturday 22 April, where she is recovering, putting on weight and displaying her usual feisty spirit. What a girl!
Having lost 3 kg (half her body weight), chewed herself out of her harness and escaped whatever burrow or hole she was trapped in, a filthy, skin-and-bone Patsy toddled into Waterside on the morning of Thursday 20 April, and was tended to first by a kind Taig Road resident before being spotted by a family friend, who carried her home to her incredulous but overjoyed family.
At the veterinary hospital, Patsy's survival was initially put at 50-50, but after drips, kidney and liver function tests, as well as treatment for her ulcerated eyes, she was finally allowed home on Saturday 22 April, where she is recovering, putting on weight and displaying her usual feisty spirit. What a girl!
Patsy sleeping off her adventures on her first night home, 22 April
Patsy at hospital visiting time on 20 April
Waterside Easter Duck Race 2023
What a turnout for the 2023 Waterside Easter Duck Race, held on Monday 10 April and run for the first time by the recently revived Waterside Miners' Charitable Society (WMCS).
Above: The first duck crosses the line in the first WMCS Easter Duck Race.
The winners were as follows:
1st place 582, Greg Todd
2nd place 35, Linda
3rd place 241, Victoria Bell
The winners were as follows:
1st place 582, Greg Todd
2nd place 35, Linda
3rd place 241, Victoria Bell
Above: With the identification numbers of the winning ducks recorded, it's time to capture ducks intent on freedom. Even the Easter Bunny is here to help.
Besides the duck race, there had been a lot more going on for this first significant event by Waterside Miners' Charitable Society: an egg hunt, orienteering, face painting, an Easter bonnet competition, a very big raffle, and also American Cornhole, courtesy of the the Woodilee Bowling Club.
Huge thanks to everyone who made this day possible, including Lisa Giffen of Archie's and Cat Monaghan, the dynamic duo driving this event on behalf of Waterside Miners' Charitable Society; Caroline Notman for organizing the orienteering; Lynn McDonnell for face painting; Woodilee Bowling Club for putting on their exciting game for us; Alex Strawhorn and Ronny Martin for providing music; Jennie Brodie of CPR Healthcare for training up first aiders; all those who cleaned the river or the area, put up nets, laid out the egg hunt, duck-whacked or helped in other ways (Steven Moffat, Fiona Gilmour, Cordy Lilly, Stephen Swan, Carole Willson, Danny McFadden, Margaret Todd, Duncan Malcolm, Janice Whyte); June Carrigan, Karen Chesney-Bathie, Fiona Gilmour, Elaine Robertson and everyone else who sold raffles or cards; everyone who contributed duck race prizes (Davy Telfer Milk, LA Travel and Derek Wright Travel); eggs (Beattie Demolition, Luggiewatch, Waterside Community Council, Paul and Cat Monaghan) or raffle prizes (lots of you, including mass contributors June Carrigan and Hugh Comerford); Edward Z. Smith for capturing the above lovely pictures; and Paul and Cat Monaghan for the ones below.
All proceeds from the day will go to Waterside Miners' Charitable Society and its community hub project. They put WMCS a little nearer its goal to "build a state-of-the-art-new community hub in Waterside, run by the community for the community."
Huge thanks to everyone who made this day possible, including Lisa Giffen of Archie's and Cat Monaghan, the dynamic duo driving this event on behalf of Waterside Miners' Charitable Society; Caroline Notman for organizing the orienteering; Lynn McDonnell for face painting; Woodilee Bowling Club for putting on their exciting game for us; Alex Strawhorn and Ronny Martin for providing music; Jennie Brodie of CPR Healthcare for training up first aiders; all those who cleaned the river or the area, put up nets, laid out the egg hunt, duck-whacked or helped in other ways (Steven Moffat, Fiona Gilmour, Cordy Lilly, Stephen Swan, Carole Willson, Danny McFadden, Margaret Todd, Duncan Malcolm, Janice Whyte); June Carrigan, Karen Chesney-Bathie, Fiona Gilmour, Elaine Robertson and everyone else who sold raffles or cards; everyone who contributed duck race prizes (Davy Telfer Milk, LA Travel and Derek Wright Travel); eggs (Beattie Demolition, Luggiewatch, Waterside Community Council, Paul and Cat Monaghan) or raffle prizes (lots of you, including mass contributors June Carrigan and Hugh Comerford); Edward Z. Smith for capturing the above lovely pictures; and Paul and Cat Monaghan for the ones below.
All proceeds from the day will go to Waterside Miners' Charitable Society and its community hub project. They put WMCS a little nearer its goal to "build a state-of-the-art-new community hub in Waterside, run by the community for the community."
For orienteering results, please see below:
And here are the prizewinners in the Easter bonnet competition. Aren't they beautiful!
The selection process was extremely difficult because all the entries were wonderfully creative and lovely. So it's a very well done to everyone who took part.
Huge thanks to Waterside Community Council secretary Janice Whyte for judging.
The selection process was extremely difficult because all the entries were wonderfully creative and lovely. So it's a very well done to everyone who took part.
Huge thanks to Waterside Community Council secretary Janice Whyte for judging.
And enormous thanks are due to the photographers who captured the following fabulous images of the day (mainly Paul and Cat Monaghan). The first ones really were taken on the same day as the others.
Waterside Community Hub Survey Results, March 2023
Waterside Miners' Charitable Society was delighted with the response to its recent survey. Three hundred and eighteen surveys were completed, with 97.8 per cent in favour of having a community hub.
Currently a feasibility study (funded by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust) is being carried out by CD Architects. The aim is to build a flexible but manageable centre on the site of the former Waterside Miners Club that could potentially be extended in response to community needs.
Waterside Miners' Charitable Society is looking for new members (from anywhere in the area round about) as well as fresh ideas, so If you'd be interested in joining (or helping out in any way), please contact the secretary at [email protected]. Members can be involved as much or as little as they like.
Waterside Miners' Charitable Society is looking for new members (from anywhere in the area round about) as well as fresh ideas, so If you'd be interested in joining (or helping out in any way), please contact the secretary at [email protected]. Members can be involved as much or as little as they like.
A Community Hub for the Waterside/Woodilee area? (February 2023)
Facilities we've lost in recent years
In January and February leaflets and surveys went out to Waterside, Woodilee, Duntiblae, Fauldhead and area. The subject? A proposal by the revived Waterside Miners' Charitable Society to demolish the now derelict Waterside Miners Club and build a community hub for everyone in the area.
If you'd be interested in becoming a member of Waterside Miners Charitable Society or helping out in any way, you can contact the secretary at [email protected].
If you'd be interested in becoming a member of Waterside Miners Charitable Society or helping out in any way, you can contact the secretary at [email protected].