For Russell - Lilias Day.....

rye470 · Post by **rye470** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:04 pm

Hi Russell,

Don't ask me why it should have popped into my head the other day, but do they still have Lilias Day in Kilbarchan.

I was brough up in Linwood, and every year we would walk over to Kilbarchan in hordes to enjoy the festivities.

What was the name of the character who led the parade. I can't for the life of me, remember what he was called.

Christine.

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:36 pm

Hi Christine
The answer is yes! Lilias Day continues as it has done for the past thirty-odd years. Its still the biggest non-funded public gala day in the West of Scotland.
To keep the rest of the world informed - Kilbarchan had a piper and rhymer who died in Rabbie Burns time and was remembered in poem and song.
Habbie Simpson gave his name to all Kilbarchan natives (not incomers please note!). Every year he is called down from his niche in the steeple to lead the parade to the park for an afternoon of fun & celebration before he is returned in the evening to climb back into his niche to wait for next year.
The historical parade celebrates the various people and families of significance in the history of the village

http://www.happyhaggis.co.uk/kilbarchan.htm

Although not a native I'm proud to be part of a community which has preserved its history and still has enough interest to tear itself away from the couch and TV screen and take part.

The event still draws thousands from outside the village and every voluntary organisation benefits.

Russell
JJ

rye470 · Post by **rye470** » Sat May 06, 2006 1:15 am

Hi Russell,

Many thanks for putting my memory straight. Habbie Simpson, I should have remembered that.

Do they still have the 'Fly Pasts' and the parachutists? I have many happy memories of lying in the park with my friends watching the parachutists trying to land on the target . They got an extra round of applause if they actually hit it. A few times though, we thought they were going to end up in the quarry.

If I remember correctly, it's usually at the beginning of summer. I would have loved to have taken my children. It was a great day out, and all we talked about at school on the Monday. Unfortunately we are going to miss it

. We are coming home this summer, but not until August. Oh well, maybe another year.

Many thanks again Russell. My memory has been restored and is now on overdrive. I think a little glass of wine will help it along now.

Christine.

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:08 pm

Hi Christine
sorry I didn't get back to you but I was embroiled in the organisation of - you guessed it- Lilias Day.

No parachutists this year. Most years the wind prevents them from jumping and one year when they tried one did land in the quarry which is now full of water and one drookit wet para lauped the wall to get back into the park to the rapturous applause of 10,00 folk.
This year it was a dog agility team display; a troup of Renfrewshire 'Street dancers' who were brill. Six-a-side junior football, Youth challenge obstacle course.
One year we had 'The Johnstone Wheelers' doing cycle races, another, we had Falconry displays.
It still draws plenty of interest locally and from further afield.
We now have our own village Pipe band again which is great as they can lead the parade.

There ! Has that triggered off any more memories?

Russell