Being West Kilbride: Volume 1, 2015

In late October 2015 Stephen Brown launched, what he intended to be, a small interest group on Facebook. Within two weeks the group had grown to have 1,600 active members from all over the world. The Group focuses on the history, heritage and memories of people who have some interest in West Kilbride and it's surrounding area.

This first volume is intended as a "catch up" for those who do not use Facebook or may have missed some of the earlier historical or heritage items placed on the website.

Contents of Volume 1 include selected pieces as originally published on the website on the topics:

Defining West Kilbride: "Being West Kilbride"
A History of West Kilbride in 100 Objects
Derivations of Place Names
Local History
Historical Transcripts
Historical Documents

Users of the Group said:

Stephen we don't know each other but I just wanted to thank you! My mum has a terminal illness and sadly doesn't have a lot of time left. I was showing her photos from your page today and for the first time in months she had an interest in something! Seeing photos of the village and people she knew from church gave her joy! Thank you

(Private Message)

I'm going to make plans to come home to West Kilbride. I think in the new year some time.
D.L.

...so thank you from the tropics, Cheers!!
R.D.

Touching words ‪Stephen Brown‬‬‬‬‬‬, in particular with people from wk and outside making bridges and bringing experiences and views of our village together for all to appreciate and lessen the divide, well done Stephen .
R.B.

Absolutely loving all these old photos of West Kilbride and learning a bit about our local history! Fascinating. Thank you
G.M.

Stephen Brown, again I must thank you for this inspirational group. It helps bridge the gap of time and miles for people like myself who long to be there.
C.O.

I am sooooo loving this page. I may have been gone for over 30 years, but my heart resounds at every post. Thank you. There is just something about West Kilbride that brings us all home. My children's first steps on sand were at Seamill. Out favourite rock pools are Seamill. Now my children are grown and I'm a Gran'ma. I want my granddaughter to be on the beach with her net, catching crayfish, looking at crabs and jellyfish, the same as I did with my children. The heart never leaves the village.
S.L.

Same here! Loving the memories. Making me quite home sick!
J.M.