Fine weather greeted us at the first Annual Commemoration, chaired by Ian Bayne, at the new Bonnymuir Memorial, erected last year by the 1820 Society, passing off very well on a lovely Spring Saturday at the end of April.
The commemoration began with a selection of tunes played by local piper, Chris Hendry. This was followed by the laying of wreaths and other floral tributes - first by 1820 stalwart Cathie Brown from Paisley on the society's behalf and then followed by Provost Pat Reid on behalf of Falkirk Council, then Councillors David Alexander, Billy Buchanan and Tom Coleman and finally, Willie Abercrombie on behalf of Camelon Local History Group. There then followed a One Minute Silence in memory of the 'Men of Bonnymuir' and a Lament beautifully executed by piper Chris.
The fifty strong gathering was then treated to a number of thoughtful and stimulating commemorative addresses from Provost Reid and Councillors David Alexander and Billy Buchanan, outlining from their different standpoints the importance of continuing to respect the memory of the 1820 Scottish Radicals. Yet another fine speech then followed, this time from octogenarian historian James Halliday who in a particularly learned contribution put the stirring events of 1820 into their proper historical context.
Following a financial appeal from the Chair, the formal proceedings concluded with the singing of 'A Man's a Man for a' That' vigorously led by Ian Scott of the Saltire Society and Falkirk Local History Society. Due to the generosity of Falkirk Council light refreshments were then provided in the local community hall in nearby Bonnybridge. |
