Members of The Society were treated to an interesting day out in Stonehouse as our New Year outing. Local historian and enthusiast John Young, who whetted our appetite during his lecture in November 2006, led the tour giving facts and anecdotes throughout the day.
The group began with an arranged visit to the old cinema, formerly The Rex Cinema, on King Street. Although in serious disrepair from the outside, the original features inside are in a relatively good condition. The original seating is still in place on the balcony with a few of the “cheaper seats” from downstairs also on view including a small two-person seat allegedly called a “squeezy”!! The original screen, curtains and even the projectors are still in place with reels of old film abandoned in the projection room. Although beginning to deteriorate the original grandeur of the interior of the cinema, originally from the dining room of The Homeric, can still be appreciated, including ornate cornicing, woodwork and light fittings. When the then outdated ship was scrapped in 1935, the dining room interior was purchased by the building's owner, Shearing, and brought to Stonehouse by train. As well as showing films of the time The Rex was also host to a variety of performers such as Harry Lauder and Willie Fife. After closing as a film theatre in 1961 the building was used for a time as a bingo hall and amusement arcade but finally closed in 1965, being largely untouched since.
After lunch The Society visited the Old Graveyard in Stonehouse to see the restored bell tower of the old Kirk and a number of old gravestones including the infamous Blood Stone! John Young was able to give interpretations as to the meaning of some of the carvings on the stones and the burial layout of the graveyard according to class and status! A few ghost stories and gruesome tales of body snatching completed the day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all!!
If you want more information then please
contact us or write to:
The Secretary
Lanark and District Archaeological Society
Hopebank
18 Hope Street
Lanark
ML11 7NE
Telephone 01555 662683