MAY 2019
falkirk
A HISTORY OF
FALKIRK’S
WATER SUPPLY
“NO-ONE KNOWS THE RIVER LIKE ITS ANGLERS”
PLUS: LOCAL HISTORY, HEALTH & BEAUTY, CLUBS & CLASSES, and MUCH more inside! The bi-monthly community magazine for Falkirk, Lionthorn and Larbert
to the first issue of a new community magazine, the Konect magazine for Falkirk. We’ve been producing this magazine in neighbouring communities for some years where it’s become a favourite in local households, with specially-written articles on local people and history, as well as regular columns by local writers on food, homes, health, businesses and more. The aim is to celebrate all things local and to provide a platform for charities and community groups to publicise themselves. We find the positive stories to share because positive doesn’t get enough airtime elsewhere. We’ve also put together a page of what’s on and a list of clubs and classes in the area. I’m sure there’s more going on than we’ve listed so if you have an event on this summer that you would like to promote or you’re involved in a community club, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next issue. Konect will be delivered to you free of charge every second month. We hope you find the magazine informative and entertaining. If you’ve got something interesting and different going on that you’d like to share with the local community, do get in touch and we may be able to feature your story in an upcoming issue. Thanks for reading!
THIS ISSUE
P18 Local History: “It is not every one who liked
tadpoles in his tea”......................................... 8 Health: Weight loss with Nutriclub............14 Community: Hidden Heritage at
Kinneil............................................................16 Local People: “No-one knows the river like
its anglers”....................................................18 What’s On......................................................20
Puzzles..........................................................21
Clubs & Classes..........................................22
Index of Advertisers....................................22
COVER IMAGE: A history of Falkirk’s water supply, see P8-9.
Konect is delivered to 7500 households in central Falkirk, Lionthorn and Larbert. Copies are also left at libraries, community centres and other locations throughout Falkirk.
HELEN-JANE SHEARER
CHARLENE GAFFNEY
E: editor@konect.scot
M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot
Editor
@KonectMagazines
Account Manager
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(weekly cleans)
Email: falkirk@timeforyou.co.uk www.timeforyou.cleaning/Falkirk
find us on facebook Time For You FK
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LOCAL HISTORY
“IT IS NOT EVERY ONE WHO LIKED TADPOLES EITHER IN HIS TEA OR GROG”
A HISTORY OF FALKIRK’S WATER SUPPLY
We barely glance twice at the stone lion on the High Street; it’s part of the furniture of the street, so to speak. But when it was installed to embellish a communal well, exactly 337 years ago, it marked a hugely exciting and transformative moment in the town’s history. The lion has been looking out on the High Street since “Fountain Day,” 29th May 1682. A devastating drought in 1681 prompted Alexander Livingston, Earl of Callendar, to dig into his pockets and have water piped through hollowed logs from a spring in Callendar Wood on his estate, to a new stone cistern built underground near the market cross on the High Street, the centre of town life (near where the steeple is today). A hand pump lever in a square stone column completed the works, and it was embellished on top with our lion, facing west - painted red, wearing the Earl’s gold coronet and holding in its paws a shield bearing his coat of arms; there was to be no doubt as to who had supplied the well. Set into the front of the column there was a matching demi-lion, with a lead pipe protruding from its mouth from which the water gushed. The red lion was later adopted
The Cross Well in 1800. Illustration with permission of Falkirk Museum Services. 8 | FALKIRK
as the town’s emblem, and it may be the pipe that is depicted on Falkirk’s old coat-of-arms as the lion’s blue tongue. Even as late as the 1940s the Falkirk hockey team took the red lion as its emblem.
It would be hard to over emphasise the importance of the new Cross Well. It was the only public well, and people were still using local streams. Its use had to be regulated to protect the quality of the water, and a month or so after its installation the local barony court passed an act prohibiting people from taking a wash at the well; nor were they “to wash any fish clouts or any oyr thing that is discharged be former acts and yt under the pain of tuentie shillings Scots and with power to the officers to poynd for the same they being apprehendit in doing thereof qch fine is to be exacted toties quoties for ilk failzie and qlk is applayed for the use of the well.” Penalties for misuse and funds to be spent on the maintenance of the well - this was the formation of the Stentmasters in Falkirk, the body responsible for raising and spending taxes for common services. Over time the Cross Well underwent several changes in structure and location and was the subject of much discussion and political manoeuvrings, such was its significance. At one point it was enlarged with a new pump, easier to use, installed in smaller square column. A basin was added to reduce spillage, and a horse drinking trough was installed between the two pump columns. @KonectMagazines
When the High Street was first cobbled in early 1800s, the level of the street was lowered to even out the road’s contours, leaving the well standing at an impractical height. It was also right in the middle of what was becoming a busy turnpike road, and as part of the road improvements the Stentmasters decided to move the well to the north side of the street, in front of the steeple, so that it would no longer obstruct the traffic. But work was halted in 1803 due to the disruption caused by the steeple subsiding and having to be demolished. A temporary cast iron well-head was provided nearby, whilst the old structure, with the lion, remained in place in the middle of the road. Finally in 1817, on completion of the new steeple, the Trustees of the Turnpike Roads requested that the old obstruction be removed. The Stentmasters insisted therefore that the Road Trustees build a “substantial well” on the new site. The new structure – the circular column we see today - with the original red sandstone lion was installed in front of the steeple and out of the way of the traffic. By 1830 there were at least eleven wells in Falkirk provided by the Stentmasters. In that year each one had a gas lamp installed adjacent to it, so that they could be used late into the night. By the mid 1850s, the old wells were past their “use by” date. A letter to the editor of the Falkirk Herald in May 1851 mentions how “the rude but substantial stone wells of our forefathers...were also the repository of various specimens of the viviparous tribes” and had been replaced by new iron cisterns “in order that the inhabitants might have the choice of the two sorts of waters, ie, the pure or the winged, for you know, Mr Editor, it is not every one who liked tadpoles either in his tea or grog.” And so the importance of the Cross Well to daily life slowly declined. By the 1880s the burgh council was connecting buildings to a much enhanced water supply. The monument remained, together with an appreciation of its place in Falkirk’s history. It still provided refreshment to shoppers on the High Street into the 1960s, having been connected to the mains supply. @KonectMagazines
Still here: the Cros
s Well lion today
In 1989, shortly after the High Street had been pedestrianised, a delivery lorry backed into the monument, rendering it unsafe. It was carefully dismantled and stored until some twelve years later it was rebuilt on the site of the original 1682 structure. So the lion has come a full circle, and with the pedestrianised High Street it is, in a way, back in its original environment. And now the lion faces east instead of west. So spare it a glance next time you’re passing; it was carved by people who had just experienced a devastating drought and who were excited to be able to pump their daily water from under its grinning face. With thanks for Geoff Bailey of Falkirk Museum Services for permission to use and abridge his research for this article. The Cross Well was one of the items in the recent exhibition at Callendar House Museum on the History of Falkirk in 10.5 objects. The museum contains artefacts relating to the well. For more information see www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/heritage/ museums FALKIRK | 9
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Eating your Emotions? Do you turn to food when you are angry, stressed or sad? To combat it, you need to identify the underlying issues affecting your relationship with food; the emotions that you are suppressing.
Stress - stop over-thinking your day/ situation. Distract yourself with an absorbing activity - go for a walk, have a nap, meditate or read a book. Eat slowly and mindfully and chew your food. Anger – try and confront the person causing you the grievance – if that is not
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possible then writing your thoughts in a diary can be therapeutic. You’ll start to feel the anger leaving your system. Boredom – find something engaging to do – time to start a new hobby, volunteer in your community, change job. Planning and deciding what to do will make a difference. Loneliness – its social nutrition you’re craving – time to phone a friend or tap into social media. Work out what non-food treats you would love: a bath; a box set; a massage; a manicure. In general, the urge to overeat will also reduce if you focus on eating the right combination of carbs, protein and fats, avoid sugar and limit caffeine and alcohol. For more inspired information on how to lose weight get in touch check out www.nutriclub.co.uk or call Louise 07837 794112. Classes and 1-2-1 coaching available.
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What mysteries does Kinneil hold that you could help uncover?
Are you interested in the history of Kinneil Estate? Falkirk Community Trust (FCT) are excited to announce a new opportunity for local people to research and interpret the Hidden Heritage associated with the site.
Volunteers will work with professional archivists, based mostly in the Callendar House archive collection, to uncover the Hidden Heritage of Kinneil Estate and then get support from graphic artists and play specialists to design a heritage trail which interprets the history of the site for visitors. To be a Hidden Heritage Volunteer you don’t need any special skills or previous experience, just enthusiasm for the project and availability to take part on Wednesday afternoons, from April to August 2019. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered and participants have the opportunity to learn new skills and contribute creatively to improving a much loved local site so that more visitors can enjoy and appreciate it. To express an interest in taking part in Hidden Heritage as a volunteer please contact parks@falkirkcommunitytrust.org. or leave your details at Kinneil Museum. There is also more information on the Falkirk Community trust website, and you can ring us on 01324 590919 if you don’t use e-mail. Working with the Friends of Kinneil, Falkirk Community Trust secured funding of £20k from LEADER and the Great Places project, to run this stage of the project which provides opportunities for local people and site based improvements. The completed heritage trail design will be used to try and raise more funding for stage 2 of the project next year. 16 | FALKIRK
Tom Rutherford, Kelvin Valley and Falkirk Leader Manager, commented, “The Hidden Heritage project is a great example of how communities can work together to improve the tourist appeal of their rural historic sites, boosting visitor numbers to the Bo’ness area. LEADER is delighted to be able to support this program of activity.” Helen Rashad from the Great Places project commented, “Empowering local communities to explore and celebrate their local heritage is key to the Great Place project in the Falkirk area. We are excited that one of our first projects will provide skills and training for volunteers in Bo’ness, a place with such a rich and varied history.” The results will be showcased on the Great Places website and on Historic Environment Scotland’s smartphone app. The local community will have the opportunity to contribute further to the project when voting for our Bags of Help grant opens in Tesco stores later this year. Shoppers can use their tokens to vote for a second stage of the project which will involve heritage events and further interpretation work. For more information see Falkirk Community Trust | www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org This article was contributed by Falkirk Community Trust. @KonectMagazines
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h s o t n i k c a George M “NO-ONE KNOWS THE RIVER LIKE ITS ANGLERS”
“I remember a time when sometimes the river ran red, sometimes it ran blue,” says George Mackintosh, talking to me about the River Avon over coffee in the cafe at Muiravonside Country Park last month. He’s not referring to a gruesome period of history; he’s remembering when the paper mills along the Avon discharged their waste into the river. “The colour depended on the dyes they were using.” Waste from mills as well as mining activities ended up in the river, which over time had a devastating effect on it. George, born and bred around Falkirk, and has spent most of his life labouring to help bring it back to life. Fishing on the river since he was a child and a member of Slamannan Angling Protective Association for the past 50 years, he has seen works in the 70s to remove the bends from the river, works to try and reduce the flooding, and since around 2005 has been pretty much fully dedicated, in association with various environmental bodies, to river improvements. Last year he was awarded the UK wide River Champion Award for his dedication to the Avon, Almond, Allan, Carron and Kelvin. “Anglers are not only interested in fish,” he explains, “We’re interested in the whole river ecosystem, the water and the banks, all the plants and animals that live in and around it.” In 2005 the Avon was not in a good state, there was very little habitat, so George and his committee decided to approach various boards for funding to make improvements. Over the years he has become somewhat of an expert at getting funding for his beloved river. His first major project, putting boulders in the river to make “pinch points,” was funded by Falkirk Environment Trust. Certain fish need areas where the water is flowing faster, which is what pinch points create. These occur naturally in rivers, where bends and boulders create different habitats, but along the stretches where 18 | FALKIRK
the Avon had been straightened and cleared, it was lacking the variety needed. “Fish in the Class” is one of George’s favourite projects. It’s a Forth Rivers Trust initiative where a number of primary schools in Falkirk have a trout tank in the P5 classroom. Over the winter the children learn about looking after the eggs, keeping them at the right (cold) temperature and, when they hatch, releasing them into the river. George has helped deliver it for the past eight years, and loves sharing his knowledge of river craft with the next generation and seeing them respond to wildlife. “The children love it too, they take responsibility for the health of the tank, and love coming out to release them. We do other things with the children such as “kick sampling,” where you sample an area of the river bed and count how many invertebrates you can find. My grandchildren love doing this with me!” Any primary school in the Falkirk area is welcome to ask for a tank under the scheme subject to funding being available (£420 per school). As a volunteer boatman on Linlithgow Loch on Sundays, George’s passion for helping everyone to access and enjoy the water shines through in a different way here. He can be very proud of his fundraising efforts there which recently saw the purchase of a boat for disabled anglers on the loch. With a price tag of £14k, it’s fully wheelchair accessible and opens up the loch for those with limited mobility. George is very hands on, feet in the river, and is never happier than when working on something related to the river along with other members of the Slamannan Angling Protective Association, the Forth Rivers
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Trust and other groups who care for the river. From electrofishing – an electric current that attracts fish into a net where they can be counted, examined then safely returned to the water (“It lets you see what sorts of fish are in the river, and how they are doing”) to willow weaving - to create natural woven banks to help prevent erosion; through to control of invasive weeds, installing gravel for salmon or building bridges for older anglers (like him); there is always something going on. George is grateful for the support of several funders who help make this possible, including Falkirk Environment Trust, LandTrust, Falkirk Council, West Lothian Council, Avondale. S.E.P.A., Biffa, W.R.E.N, Forth Rivers Trust, The Wild Trout Trust and the Wheelyboat Trust. What’s next? This year, with Forth Rivers Trust, the focus is on stopping river bank erosion. Local landowners and farmers have always been very supportive of actions to improve the river; George is conscious that it’s their livelihood and is very grateful for their co-operation over the years. “We may look at fencing the banks off in some areas, especially where there are cattle, in order to allow the grass to grow right up to the bank which forms a matting to stop erosion,” he explains. “We’re so busy we don’t get time to actually do any fishing!” This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting George Mackintosh, and with additional information from the Forth Rivers Trust. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.
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RiverLife: Almond & Avon, is an ambitious programme of works undertaking a range of catchment-wide improvements along the rivers Almond and Avon. It is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, and will run until July 2020. By engaging with communities and restoring the natural heritage of the rivers, the project will reconnect wildlife and communities with their local rivers. There are many opportunities to get involved the RiverLife project, from action-packed volunteer days, community lead action for our rivers, education days with Fish in the Class, and seeing the benefits to our river systems. You can follow the project’s development and get involved at www.river-life.org.uk, follow them on twitter at @ForthRiversT and on facebook through the Forth Rivers Trust’s page. FALKIRK | 19
PUZZLES
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. @KonectMagazines
CROSSWORD
Solution in the June/July edition of Konect Falkirk ACROSS: 7. UK’s continent (6), 8. Waldorf salad nut (6), 9. Utilised (4), 10. Valuable, highly admired (8), 11. Repairs, mends (7), 13. Midriff (5), 15. Publish, issue (5), 17.Freedom(7), 20.Added extra(8), 21. Poisonous metal(4), 22. Cut into pieces (6), 23. More wealthy (6) DOWN: 1. Largest country (6), 2. Timber (4), 3. Tribes, nationalities (7), 4. Clean with broom (5), 5. Last, final (8), 6. Lines of people (6), 12. Persuade (8), 14. Meals (7), 16. Puzzle, enigma (6), 18. Bartered (6), 19. Ditzy, light-headed (5), 21. Ornate fabric (4)
SUDOKU
Solution on Page 22
SUNDAY 12TH MAY Pedal for Scotland - The Wee Jaunt Falkirk A fun and active day out with the family, The Wee Jaunt Falkirk is the perfect opportunity to get kids out on their bikes and spend a fun day together. There’s a great atmosphere on the ride, the route is completely traffic-free. The day starts in the event village at the Helix, then heads out for two loops of the Helix Park, in total a 7.5 mile ride. You can expect a well signed road route, no traffic, a great atmosphere as you ride, getting up-close to the Kelpies as well as refreshments and your well-deserved medal that kids love. Entry fee applies, see www. cycling.scot/pedal-for-scotland/choose-a-ride/ wee-jaunt-falkirk to register and for full details. SATURDAY 18TH & SUNDAY 19TH MAY Spirit of Duncarron - Grand opening of Duncarron Medieval Village Grand opening of the reconstructed Medieval Village at Denny, by the Clanranald Trust. Special entertainment includes medieval rock band Saor Patrol with their thunder with some foot stomping music; wander through history as you visit the medieval blacksmiths, the kitchens, and the armourer, be brave and visit the torturer, stop by the birds of prey, take aim against the kings archer, and see if you have what it takes to be a Knight! Food, bar, medieval market, facepainting and lots of activities for kids. Full information and ticketing details via Clanranald Education facebook page at www.facebook.com/claneducation SATURDAY 25TH MAY Vibration Festival – Falkirk’s new summer festival A brand new family-friendly music festival held in Callendar Park. From 12:00. Music and entertainment from top international acts, great food, drink and children’s entertainment too including fairground. For more information please see www.vibrationfestival.com
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CLUBS & CLASSES
INDEX
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... FALKIRK BUGGY WALK GROUP AT THE HELIX Buggy Walk sessions are the perfect way to get out, get some fresh air and to meet other parents and carers. Free of charge, your child must be in a buggy. This walk leaves from the front doors of Falkirk Football Stadium, Mondays - 1:15pm, and lasts around an hour. DROP IN CAFÉ Based in the Joint Dementia Initiative within Dollar Park. It is open between 10:30am and 3:00pm every Friday. Open to anyone with a memory impairment and their carers. The café is an informal way for people to come together and share their knowledge and experiences in a way that is supportive. For more information, please email brian.oneill@falkirk.gov.uk or call 01324 501730. TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT
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Falkirk Community Trust runs fitness classes at all local gyms including: The Great Mariner Reef, Mariner Leisure Centre, Glasgow Road, Camelon, FK1 4HJ Tel 01324 503750
Stenhousemuir Gym, 47 King Street, Stenhousemuir, FK5 4HD All Les Mills classes including body combat, body pump, body attack, CX Worx, as well as low impact fitness, yoga, body balance and much more. See www. falkirkcommunitytrust. org under “Fitness” for full details. SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 21
BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 23 The Kitchen & Bedroom Studio Scotland 24 BOILER SERVICES Gasglow 6 The Gas Engineer 10 CARPET & FLOORING SALES Carpets at Home 7 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Aquatec 6 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 6 CHARITY British Heart Foundation 14 CLEANING: HOUSE/OFFICE Time for You Falkirk 5 CURTAINS & BLINDS ID Blinds 5 GARAGE DOORS Garolla 10 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 12 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 13 HOMES FOR SALE CALA Homes 11 JOINERY MDM Joinery 4 LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 6 MARKETING/LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady 2 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 15 ROOFING G Hughes Roofing Services 6 Taylor Roofs 17
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com
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