07-05-2025
Stirlingshire volunteers delve into the archives to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day with special WWII exhibition
History enthusiasts in Strathblane have put together the story of the village's contribution to World War Two.
Local history enthusiasts in Strathblane have been delving into the archives of the Stirling Observer as they research their community during the Second World War.
The results form part of a remarkable exhibition at their local library to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Anne Balfour of Strathblane Heritage said: 'The Observer has been a great source of information and illuminating colour.'
In 1939 it reported evacuee children arriving in Strathblane by train from Glasgow. There are reports of fines for breaching blackout regulations and warnings not to leave out white washing at night that could attract enemy bombers.
Numerous clips chart the 'penny a week' collections and fundraising events to provide 'comforts for the services'.
In 1945 the Observer described how the community celebrated VE Day on May 8 with a concert from the newly-formed Strathendrick Pipe Band and a dance at the Edmonstone Hall.
Later there would be a Welcome Home Dinner featuring Victory Trifle!
Last year volunteers from Strathblane Heritage began researching the lives of the WW2 casualties featured on their local war memorial.
Anne Balfour said: 'There are some heartbreaking stories.
'One man fell overboard from a minesweeper in the Firth of Forth.
'Another was killed in an explosion barely three months after his marriage. His wife bore their son eight months later.
'Perhaps the most remarkable story is of Colonel Dick Pedder, leader of No 11 Scottish Commando, who was killed behind enemy lines in Syria in 1941 and is revered by Sir Winston Churchill in his monumental history of the war.'
The team have also been talking to a group of Strathblane's 'Super Seniors', old enough to remember the war.
'Regardless of their social background, they all tended to focus on the same things, like claustrophobic gas masks and going to Annie Bone's legendary confectionery shop in Blanefield for their tiny weekly sweetie ration,' said Anne.
The exhibition also recounts the horror of 14 March 1941 when a parachute landmine fell on New City Row in Blanefield killing four civilians, including two children who had fled the bombing in Govan.
And it details how locals prepared for a possible enemy invasion.
'Strathblane & the Second World War: Stories of the Fallen & Memories from the Home Front' is at the Thomas Graham Community Library, Strathblane, until May 23 (during library opening hours).
For any further information contact Anne Balfour, Co-Chair Strathblane Heritage at anne@ 01360 770750 or 07801 456092.
