Kilbarchan General Society

Sportsmans Dinner 2018

Saturday 6th of October was the Society’s Sportsmans Dinner with Craig Brown CBE as our speaker, the event was well attended and local MSP Tom Arthur joined Craig, the Preses and Mr Wallace at the top table. The evening began with Grace and then a fine meal of soup, steak pie and trimmings then cheese and biscuits to finish. Tom Arthur MSP had joined us to present a framed copy of the motion that he raised in the Scottish Parliament recognising the work we do in the locale and that we are the oldest charitable institution of our kind. Craig Brown is best known as the manager of the Scotland international football squad but has been involved in the game at all levels as a player, coach and manager. His mix of stories, jokes and anecdotes had the audience enthralled throughout. During a comfort break the Preses got to the fundraising part of the night with a giant football scratchcard and the auction of 2 bottles of whisky, a signed Aberdeen football, a 4 ball at Gleneagles and a signed Scotland jersey. Many thanks to everyone who bid on these. Craig Brown then took a question and answer session with many and varied questions from the audience. The Preses would like to extend the gratitude of the Society to Tom and Craig for attending as Craig especially had had to drive from Aberdeen to be with us. With our guests away home the members and guests of the society concluded the night with a right good...

St Vincent’s Hospice

On Wednesday 30th of May the Preses accompanied by Mr E Black, Mr J Farmer, Mr O Jones, Mr I Ritchie and Mr J Wallace were invited by June and Simon of St Vincent’s Hospice to visit and tour the facility. The Society had made a donation that helped provide Smart TV’s in 8 rooms and June explained how much of a difference this made to patients; simply being able to check e-mail or use the internet can alleviate the isolation or boredom of treatment. The group enjoyed the tour of the building and gardens very much, the Preses suggesting to the Treasurer we might invest in a brick for the woodland walkway. Most were surprised at the variety of treatments on offer and the range of facilities available. We stand by our offer to help if we can, while providing the £6,000 a day it takes to run the hospice is beyond our means we hope to be able to help with spot projects. Thanks again to June and...

2018 Burns Supper

The 2018 Burns Supper was under new management this year and nerves were fraying as the Preses turned up without any of the stuff needed to organise the tables at 2pm. Upon his return the Managers set to and had the place organised and ready for the caterers to dress the hall in no time at all. The early kick off always causes a panic in the days running up to the event and it’s always the same question, “So, it’s 6:30 for 7?” “No, it’s 5:30 for 6, we have a lot to get through.” Stephen Vaughan was Chairman this year, his first time chairing this and he had a few eye opening moments. After the Managers had corralled our guests into the main hall our Piper, Michael Kerr, led the top table into the room. The Preses introduced Mr David Blair, Mr Geoff Urie, Rev Stephen Smith and Mr Ian McCosh before Piper Kerr led in the haggis; carried this year by one of our new Managers Mr David Dunlop with Mr Scott Tennant carrying the whisky. Mr Alan Gordon toasted the haggis and the Vice Preses Mr David Blair said grace, the company sat down to a fantastic repast of Cockaleekie soup, haggis and neeps, Steak pie and champit tatties and finishing with cheese and biscuits. Once again our caterers had excelled themselves. After the Loyal Toast we had a short interval to let the caterers clear the tables before a selection of Burns songs. Andy Hay, our resident soloist was unable to join us this year due to ill health and Mr John Armit had stepped up to the mark. After a brief hiccup between himself and Norrie Currie the musicality of Burns was celebrated in fine style. The Rev Stephen Smith then proposed a funny, poignant and thought provoking Immortal Memory before Alan Gordon donned the guid blue bonnet and regaled us with the cautionary tale of Tam O’Shanter. After the briefest of intervals Norrie and John led the company in singing The Lass O Ballochmyle before Mr Geoff Urie rose to Toast the Lassies with aplomb. Ian McCosh gave a reading and the company stood to sing our very own crowd pleaser, The Habbies O Kilbarchan. Mr Norman...

Our History

The Kilbarchan General Society was founded in 1765 and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, charitable institution of its type in Scotland. It was formed from several other institutions which operated in the village. The following pages give some of the history of the General Society, details of the current activities of the General Society along with contact details if you would wish to learn more of our work or even become a member. We hope you enjoy your visit and hope to see you at one of our events or Lilias Day, where the General Society Preses leads the historical pageant to the village park.

2018 Events

Mr Stephen Vaughan is Preses for 2018. This is Stephen’s first term as Preses of the Society and he is planning a packed social year ahead.

This years Burns Supper was a great success and raised a considerable amount for local causes.

We plan to run the very well attended Whisky and Gin tasting night in the Bowling Club on the 28th of April and our Arran Airlift sponsored walk on May the 20th, Goatfell is the challenge.

The Cabaret Night in the Bowling Club on the 16th of June has been cancelled.

Running the Society

The General Society is managed by its office bearers, The Preses, Vice Preses, Secretary (or Clerk) and Treasurer along with eleven Managers. The Managers are elected for 3 years and are available for re-election if so desired. The Preses and Vice Preses hold office for 1 year. These officials meet on a regular, usually bi-monthly, basis. They plan the General Society’s events and fundraising ventures as well as considering new applications for membership and requests for funds. The A.G.M. of the Society is held on St.Barchan’s Day, the first Tuesday in December each year.

Contact Us

Please feel free to e-mail us should you wish any further information, regarding the Kilbarchan General Society.