People, Ambitions, and Achievements
The population of the town was growing steadily. New companies were moving into the town at a steady rate. Cameron`s, the Uniroyal Tyre factory at Newbridge, Yale in Deans, as well as many medium to small companies were providing a regular stream of employment opportunities. Even the BMC plant at Bathgate, although to be closed within a few years, contributed to Livingston`s economic growth in the late sixties.
With the resultant inward movement of people, a demand for leisure was being created. Every week it seemed a public notice would appear in the local press, Livingston Post, and the West Lothian Courier seeking out like minded parties to form one club, organisation or another.
The LDC offered as much help as possible in setting up these.
One meeting was called by Jack Nixon. He was the local West Lothian Council Youth Officer whose job it was in helping these various groups to organise themselves. Jack`s own particular interest was rugby, and in this respect he was instrumental in creating what was to become the Livingston Rugby Club. The club was to go on and compete in the higher echelons of the National leagues.
Many clubs and groups still flourish today from the forethoughts of these early pioneers.
John Hoey and Craig`s Farm
As well as the sporting and other social groups that trace their beginnings back to the sixties, we must not forget the setting up of the Craigs Farm project. John Hoey and his wife Nan were among the first few residents that had moved in from Glasgow early in 1966.
John, an electrician, involved himself enthusiastically into the development of Craigs Farm as a community centre piece. The farm buildings were as they were vacated when the surrounding lands were taken over to develop what became Craigshill. His vision of what might be was outlined to me and I must confess that I could not imagine it.
After I retired, I helped out at the Farm as a part-time caretaker. My wife had a few years spell in
the `Nearly New Shop` on the site. My duties also entailed driving the farm`s van. This was used in collecting supplies from a cash `n` carry to stock up the cafe as well as fetching and delivering furniture, etc for the nearly new outlet. This raised some considerable revenue for the project.
Another duty was the preparation of rooms and the theatre for bookings. This involved the arrangement of seats and tables. John Hoey would ofetn appear during this work and it really got to us when talking with us he would at the same time be shifting chairs ever so slightly. This really got us annoyed. He seemed unaware it.
I was assisted in this by Joe Mort, a retired Glaswegian who also delighted in carrying the various key rings for the various parts of the farm. He always insisted in opening and closing these himself. Young Colin Williamson was another of my helpers. Colin was a character. He had very firm views on life, politics being one of them. Mind you, his loyalties to the various political parties often varied. Getting his support and retaining it was the issue.
My wife Olive assisted Cathy Mort, Joe`s wife in the clothing shop. Sadly, as I compile this, neither they andJoe are with us any longer.
I cannot finish this piece without mentioning the following:
Robin Cook, MP. Craigs Farm was at the centre of political life in Livingston, and Robin Cook was a regularly in attendance here. It was at this time that I became acquainted with him, and dare I say he with me. At the same time he became an honorary vice-president of Livingston Rugby Club whilst I was the incumbent secretary. My own political leanings had not been towards the Labour Party before this but I found myself coming over to it through my meetings with Robin. Robin was a great miss to Livingston when he passed on in 2005.
The Farm also boasted a recording studio. It was managed and run by Paul Kane. Another Paul was Paul Bassett. He was the computer operator at the farm. During my idle periods, I would often go up to Paul`s office for a chat. He was an enthusiast of the game of Solitaire on the PC. With his feet up on his desk he would be engrossed in the game when John Hoey walked in.
Feet swung from the table and the monitor shutting down at the same time, he would hope John never noticed. By John`s re-action I think it was wishful thinking on Paul`s part.
Isobel McKenzie was the project secretary and treasurer. I knew her well as her husband Ken was a fellow member of the rugby club.
It was in 1996 when she, John and I were interviewed at the farm by the BBC Scotland for a news feature that night. It was about our feelings regarding the coming disbandment of the Livingston Development Corporation. I think we all felt sorry about his but were realistic to know that it was to come. The LDC had fulfilled its role in setting up the town.
The Farm was also the the venue for various bodies including weight-watching, ex army regimental meetings, pop concerts, dances, etc. After school playgroups, the list was endless.
Even a launderette. This was run by Wilma.
Today, Craigs Farm is a tribute to John and his band of voluntary helpers over the years. Now taken under the wing of the Council, the farm complex is still run by him.
Mews Theatre
Livingston`s own live theatre complex is a mixture of old and new. It was built around the old Mews of Howden House and it has been well used by the community. Livingston Players, and New Town Entertainers have and still do present their shows to appreciative audiences. As well as stage productions, varous groups are to found making use of the excellent facilities offered.
I was personally involved with the Entertainers in their annual pantomime for some years. Originally offering my services for off stage work, I was inveigled into trying my own hand at appearing up front. Much to my surprise, I enjoyed it, singing apart. Mrs Jan Dignon was the founder and to this day is still associated with it.
My son-in-law Bruce joined it at the same time as me and is still the treasurer as I write. At one stage both my daughters, Karen and Pamela as well as my son Alan were involved at the same time as me.
Yes, I have tried all sorts of activities over the years in Livingston. Badminton, Chess, Rugby, Thespianism, even sailing model ships in the pool at Craigshill High School. I have tried indoor bowls at Inveralmond Bowling Club. Lasted one season. Couldn`t take to it. Yes, the Town has been good to me.
Epilogue
Now nearing its 40th year since the town was designated, many of those early residents are now retired. Many are no longer with us. This brings me to my closing piece.
Towns are what their residents make them. Livingston is no exception. Amenities were sought and created. Schools, churches, medical centres, sports outlets, entertainment, etc. One thing that was thought about but rarely mentioned. The final resting place.
Everyone knew that a town cemetery would one day be required. Various sites were suggested but nobody wished it to be near their homes. At last an area was decided upon. Adambrae on the south west of the town was the chosen spot. Isolated from the homes, it was laid out in 1993.
In 1998, I lost my wife, and in fulfilling her wish, I have her resting there.
Ironically, the cemetery is now surrounded by new private housing developments that have no trouble in selling the homes.
Livingston has come a long way since early 1966. From small beginning has grown a vibrant town. I, for one, am proud to have been part of it
John P Stewart
2001
Expanded 2007