Heritage Group |
Abernyte Heritage Group was formed 20 years ago in 1988 when residents perceived the pattern of rural life to be changing dramatically. The aims of the group then were to gain knowledge and an understanding of those who have lived and worked within the parish in the past, and to provide for posterity record of the community’s life and times. In the intervening years many and various events have been held and a significant number of projects brought to fruition. Among these are a booklet that gives a snapshot of Abernyte as it was in 1988 and a tapestry that hangs in the church depicting aspects of the parish and its community. The Annual Barbecue in August provides an excellent opportunity for everyone in our community to meet together. In 1998 an oral history project recorded people who had lived in Abernyte during the period 1900-1950. These testimonies inspired members to collate and research these memories and in 2008 Abernyte – the Quiet Revolution was published.
For the Millennium the Group created a beautiful walk and sitting area on the hillside overlooking the Church. The Heritage Group is keen to add to the knowledge of Parish life of the past and to record present day events, cutoms and changes, thus ensuring that an archive is avaialble for future generations. Three main events are organised throughout the year: the Parish Walk, a lecture of local interest and a Summer Barbeque at the end of August. Membership is free and open to all.
Further details are available from Anne Davies on 01828 686656 ‘It was pouring with rain and we went in an open lorry. … We had the dead pig in the barrel and a new baby pig in a poke.’ With these words Mary Myles recalled one of the many ‘flittings’ of her family, between farms, at the Martinmas ‘term’ in the years before World War II. They encapsulate the resilience and positive spirit of the people of Abernyte as Scotland changed from a rural-based to an urban, industrial, society. All aspects of life – from work, to leisure, to school and church are covered in this fascinating, and eminently readable history. The experiences of this small rural community are captured and explored in an entertaining, informative and thought-provoking manner as the reader is steered effortlessly from the nineteenth century through to 1950. Testimonies from those who lived and worked in Abernyte, extensive research and a multitude of contemporary photographs, combine to reveal the challenges and the profound changes that transformed rural society in Lowland Scotland during this period. It is not just a record of what life was like for our predecessors, it is of huge significance to us today and will provide a wealth of information for future generations. Abernyte nestles quietly among the Braes of the Carse in east Perthshire, but generates a sense of place and character much larger than the small parish which bears its name.
Books may be purchased direct from:
To purchase by post please fill in your details below and return this coupon together with a cheque for (£12.00 plus £3.50 p&p): £15.50
Name: ………………………………………………………………………… (Also available from Borders bookshop, East Dock Street, Dundee, Abernyte Antique and Arts Centre) |
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Heritage Group
this is now administered jointly by The Heritage Group with Abernyte Community Company