A history lesson for all to enjoy

Dec 18 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

A STRATHAVEN man is enjoying a double celebration this week after he launched a DVD on town history and received a Diploma in Classical Studies from the Open University.

Bob Currie (71) who has lived in Strathaven for 45 years, has always been interested in documenting historical facts and taking pictures of the town as it changes.

He retired eight years ago, after 23 years service as an arts development officer with South Lanarkshire Council.

He immediately began studying with the Open University, and last year graduated with a BA (Hons) in Humanities with Religious Studies in a ceremony held in the Palais des Congres, Versailles.

He has been interested in history all his life and is an avid collector of memorabilia of all sorts.

Bob told the Advertiser that Strathaven is steeped in the history of the Covenanters and weaving, and in the principles of justice and reform for which the town’s John ‘Purlie’ Wilson was martyred in 1820.

Bob began working on the DVD in October after finishing his most recent Open University exam in Classical Studies.

He said: “After eight years consecutive study, one would imagine that I would want to put my feet up.

“However, the rhythm of study and the commitment that goes along with that just seems to spur me on to do other things, and at my age there is no time to procrastinate.”

“I produced the disc to make use of all the old photos, facts and memorabilia that I had collected before I plan to hand it into the Strathaven Library, which I plan to do soon, which will allow others to enjoy it too.”

Bob was born and bred in Bridgeton, Glasgow.

He attended John Street Senior Secondary School which, according to Bob, had then a very good reputation for turning out youngsters with a sound educational background.

Bob said: “Strathaven has brought me so much personal fulfilment so much so that I wanted to give something back to the area.”

Rev Alan Gibson, past-minister of Avendale Old Parish Church, said: "This is an excellent production and it will be viewed many times more - it gives me many happy memories of Strathaven."

Bob added: “Another viewer told me that it is not only a historical record but could be very useful for research and as an educational tool in the classroom to promote an interest in local history projects.

“The contents will appeal to the organisations in the town many of which are included on the disc.”

The disc comprises 580 images, which includes a visual history of the town, fashion, clothing, transport, buildings, street layouts and churches, and sporting pursuits.

It comes with full musical accompaniment.

The disc costs £10, £1 of which will be donated to any organisation in Strathaven who promote and sell the disc.

The disc called ‘Strathaven in Pictures - Past and Present’, is available from Strathaven Echoes and the Strathaven Computer Shop, Barn Street, and Craig’s Newsagents, Common Green.

Orders may be placed directly with Bob by calling 01357 522394, or by e-mail: robert.currie3@btopenworld.com.