Delve into the past with local heritage classes

Local residents can delve into the past and discover more about their family tree, house history and local history research with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's series of heritage sessions.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure
Last Updated: 15 January 2025 10:32

The first heritage talk, From Dark Into Light: A Southside Tale, will be presented by Paul Noble at Barrhead Foundry on 20 February. Paul moved into a 1930s semi-detached bungalow in Giffnock in 1996 and discovered a treasure trove linking the house to people and places from the past underneath the floorboards.

Paul said: “I never imagined that a few ordinary everyday items that I salvaged from under my floorboards (having ignored them for 26 years) would lead me on a detective trail through the streets of Southside Glasgow and beyond. Resurrected from the depths and bathed in daylight for the first time in many, many years, I resolved to establish the provenance of each item, piece together their history and that of the original owners of my 1930’s Giffnock semi. These commonplace items turned out to hold the key to opening the gates of the past; they provided me with a remarkable insight into everyday life from the 1870’s to the 1970’s, as seen through the eyes of one ordinary and yet extraordinary Glasgow family. So, please join me as I discuss the first leg of my investigations into these finds and learn what I now know about my house, its first inhabitants and where the ongoing search for answers has taken me so far on my incredible journey from Dark into Light!”

For those keen on researching their family tree, experienced genealogist Lorna Kinnaird, will give you the skills and knowledge you need to begin your research at Family History for Beginners, hosted at Eastwood House on 25 February. In a relaxed group setting, you will learn about the key depositories for Scottish research, what documents can be accessed and how to read them, building a family tree chart and reading old handwriting.

Keen historians can create a full day experience, attending the afternoon course House History for Beginners which also runs on 25 February at Eastwood House. Lorna will lead the session and get participants started on carrying out a house history in Scotland and accessing amazing records. The course covers identifying key features of dating buildings, accessing sources for buildings and linking key sources with vital record sources.

Local historian and author Stuart Nisbet will host heritage talk Slavery and the Local Area at Eastwood House on 18 March. Stuart has been unearthing local slavery connections for many years and has published extensively, led walks and talks and contributed to a book with Tom Devine. Participants can hear about his journey and experiences while researching this subject.

Dress historian Tracy Harrison Butler, who has a background in television and is planning a PhD in several areas in dress history, will host The Life and Death of Agnes Montgomerie of Eaglesham at Eastwood House on 5 March. Tracy will share the compelling story of Agnes Montgomerie of Eaglesham and investigate the events that led to her murder by poisoning in 1857, which Tracy came across while researching at Giffnock Heritage Centre.

Following the Family History for Beginners course in February, Family History: Delving Deeper comes to Eastwood House on 13 May. The new half-day course, again led by Lorna Kinnaird, will take participants on the next step of their journey, by delving deeper into sources and developing further research skills. The course will cover timelines, research plans, occupations, church records and palaeography.

House History: Delving Deeper is ideal for those who completed the House History for Beginners course and have already put their learning into practise, or for those who already have some experience in house history research but would like to learn more. The new half-day course at Eastwood House on 13 May will take you on the next step of your journey by delving deeper into sources and developing your research skills. The course will cover timelines, the Sasine Register, using maps and palaeography.

To find out more and to book heritage courses, visit: www.ercultureandleisure.org or contact artsandheritage@ercultureandleisure.org to discuss course details.

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