Group Leader: David Bowman 01292 474067 Location: Newton Wallacetown Church Hall. Day & Time: Wednesday 10.00 am - 12.00 noon (fortnightly)
Although the Covid restrictions are no longer mandatory, we will continue to be mindful, and respectful, of the wishes and preferences of any members attending our meetings.
David Bowman – Group Leader
Many thanks to the History Group!
OiR History Group
This thriving group finished the 2024/2025 session, on 18th June, with a bus trip to Dunfermline. Members of the History Group and fellow OiR members – 50 in total – had a very enjoyable day away.
We had the opportunity of visiting Dunfermline Abbey, Palace, and Church; Andrew Carnegie’s Birthplace Museum; Pittencrieff Park; and other places of interest including the town itself.
A memorable time was had by all attending. Many thanks to Liz McAdam for all her arrangements and to Margaret Fagan for help with booking the bus.
David Bowman (Group Leader)
OiR History Group Programme September – December 2025
| 10th September | Ian McAnulla | Political Cartoons and History – Political cartoons can act as “snapshots of public opinion” at a specific time. They can reveal the prevailing attitudes, values and emotions of society to particular events, policies, and people – they can also be funny. For example, why does a cartoon, from over 200 years ago, show a dragon-like creature threatening American voters? |
| 24th September | Mick Roebuck | A historical explanation of the early origins of Zionism. |
| 8th October | Ian McAnulla | Echoes from the past. Rediscovering forgotten history: What was the purpose of the Green Book? Who were the Code Talkers in WW2? |
| 22nd October | OiR Welcome Day | No History Group meeting, but you are encouraged to come along to the Welcome Day, and introduce new friends to our wonderful organisation. Details in OiR monthly news emails. |
| 5th November | Mick Roebuck | The role of Zionism in the conflicts between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian people. |
| 19th November | Meg Steel | Elemental Tales – The talk will start with an overview of the life of Dimitri Mendeleev, the Russian Scientist whose initial table of the then-known elements formed the basis of the Periodic Table we know today. This will be followed by a brief synopsis of a few elements and their impact on history. |
| 3rd December | Ian McAnulla | Cracks in the Workhouse Wall – In 1906, the Liberals became the new government. They had a huge majority and their vision was to make a fairer Britain. Did they succeed? |
| Meetings will resume on 14th January 2026 | ||
Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum Trip – 5th June
On Wednesday 5th June 2024, 8 members of the History Group travelled by car to the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, where an interesting day out was experienced by all who attended. At the Museum a highlight was the talk on the salvaging and reconstruction of the Spitfire which crashed into Loch Doon during World War 2. Refreshments were enjoyed in the on site café.
Other members of the History Group visited the Museum of Rural Life at East Kilbride.
History Group trip to Cumnock Heritage Centre, 22nd May 2024.
On Wednesday 22nd May, our normal meeting venue was not available to us due to it being used as a Covid-Jab centre. Also, a number of our members had appointments to receive their jabs there, consequently a trip was arranged to the Cumnock Heritage Centre where 16 of us were in attendance. Jim and Audrey Smith gave us excellent conducted tours of the centre and rounded off our visit by giving us a cuppa and a biscuit. A great morning was enjoyed by all present.
First meeting of the 2023-2024 season:
The History Group had a great start to its 2023/24 programme on Wednesday 13th September. Ian McAnulla gave an excellent illustrated talk entitled History and Cartoons to an audience of 48 group members. We were also pleased to welcome two new members to the group, and would be happy to welcome along any others who would be interested in joining our very friendly group, at future meetings.
26th July 2023 – 2nd trip to Glasgow Museum Resource Centre
Wednesday 26th July 2023 – The History Group enjoyed a second opportunity to visit GMRC to see a selection of the vast number of objects being stored there. The trip was again organised by Liz Macadam and on this visit 15 people attended. With a different guide from our previous visit, time was spent in two of the pods. Again, tea/coffee was provided following our visit. A most interesting and enjoyable time was had by all those attending.
28th June 2023 – Trip to Glasgow Museum Resource Centre
Wednesday 28th June 2023 – 15 members of OiR’s History Group visited the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre. Approximately 2% of the items held by the Museum Service are currently on display in the city museums, so there are numerous items held in storage. Although being stored, members of the public can arrange to view these items which are stored in themed pods. On our trip today we were able to view items stored in 3 of these pods. Complimentary teas/coffees were available after our tour. We are grateful to Liz Macadam for making the arrangements for this visit, and also a second visit to be held on 26th July.
7th June 2023 – Trip to New Lanark Heritage Centre
The History Group organised one away day this year. A trip to New Lanark Heritage Centre was held on 7th June and made available to all members of OiR Ayr.
38 members travelled to New Lanark by bus, when a most successful day out was enjoyed by all. 32 members opted for the Annie McLeod Experience and a self led tour of the village, while 6 opted to walk to the Falls of Clyde (below photo). The period of warm dry weather being experienced currently had resulted in the level of water in the river being very low.
16th Nov 2022 – Trip to Heritage Museum, Cumnock
On Wednesday 16th November 22 members visited the Heritage Centre at Cumnock. We are grateful to Frances Corbett for arranging this most interesting and enjoyable trip. Prior to today’s visit most members were unaware of the vast range of exhibits on display. We are also very grateful for the number of volunteer staff members who were on hand to talk about and give meaning to the exhibits, and for laying on refreshments. This was voted a great visit by all who attended. More information can be found by visiting the Cumnock Heritage Centre website.
8th June 2022 – Trip by bus to the Burrell
On Wednesday, 8th June 2022, OiR’s History Group enjoyed “a good day out” at the Burrell Museum in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow. The museum reopened on 29th March of this year, having been closed for refurbishment since 23rd October 2016. A ‘Bennett’s of Kilwinning’ coach with 48 OiR members on board arrived at the Burrell at 10.45 am.
The Burrell Collection is one of the greatest art collections ever amassed by one person, the shipping magnate, Sir William Burrell, and consists of more than 9000 objects, and spans 6000 years of history. John and Denis Rattenbury, fellow OiR members, well known to all of us in OiR, are museum guides at the Burrell. We are so fortunate, in that, divided into two groups of 24, then sub-divided into 4 groups of 12, John and Denis, individually guided 12 of us at a time through some of the galleries of the Burrell Collection. The first groups were guided at 11.30am and the second groups at 1.30pm.
There are 2000 exhibits on 3 floors exhibited on 24 galleries at present. I first visited the Burrell in the mid 1980s with my family. My first impression then was that the woodland with magnificent trees was so visible through the glass walls of the museum. I had never forgotten that first impression it gave. The Warwick Vase made a large impact on me, as did Lohan—a Buddhist Disciple—near the entance.
The restaurant and coffee bar were well supported by OiR members . We had actually taken packed lunches—-just in case! It gave us great pleasure in having a special OiR member accompany us on this outing—Harry Richardson, our centenarian—–now 104 years old—accompanied by his daughter, Penny.
When not on a tour with John or Denis, we were free to wander wherever the mood took us. Admission is free in this wonderful museum. Donations may be deposited in a box near the Grand Entrance. We left the museum at 4pm to return to Ayr, It had been a showery, dreich day–weatherwise, but a very full, interesting day for 48 fortunate OiR members.
Many thanks to David Bowman , Group Leader of OiR’s History Group for arranging this most enjoyable trip, and to John and Denis Rattenbury. In their usual , extremely competent fashion, they informed, educated and amused 48 OiR members . A happy, relaxed coach load of OiR members returned to Ayr that afternoon, having had their minds stimulated and informed by a really satisfactory, good day-out. Amy Kinnaird
22nd June 2022 – Trip by bus to Bannockburn
On Wednesday 22nd June 2022 a group of 40 OiR members, mainly from the History Group, travelled by coach to the Battle of Bannockburn Centre, close to the site of the 1314 battle.
By coincidence, the visit took place on the anniversary of the countdown to the battle.
Many took advantage of joining in the Bannockburn Experience, an illustrated talk through the prelude to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath of the battle.
This was well presented and set the historical scene, and context, in laymen’s terms.
The weather was also kind to us, allowing us to view the outdoor section of the Centre, and take in the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The view towards nearby Stirling Castle, which has important connections with the Battle, was particularly breathtaking.
Everything, and everyone, contributed towards this being a memorable, and enjoyable, day out.
With an average attendance of 65 before covid-19 social distancing restrictions, this is one of the largest groups in the OiR. It meets every other Wednesday from 10am to 12noon including the vital coffee break.
The group has gone from strength to strength under the guiding hand of its leader, David Bowman. He has a small committee, which makes up the programme. Speakers include both members and guest speakers. The programme, which, under normal circumstances, is advertised on the group’s web page, is arranged months in advance so it is likely that David and his team are already thinking of topics for when they restart.
In addition to the fortnightly meetings, trips are organised to places near and far, e.g. Stirling Castle, Caerlaverock Castle, the underground museum at Glasgow central station.
Because of their common interests, members also arrange “side-shoot” meetings e.g. to events at the Irvine Harbour Arts Centre. All in all, it’s a very sociable group. Come and join us!
OiR Ayr 