HISTORY lovers and tourists can grab their very own piece of Bo’ness in 2009.
The town’s buildings and heritage feature in a variety of new calendars, some available for free over the internet.
The charity The Friends of Kinneil continues its tradition of producing free, downloadable calendars via its website, www.kinneil.org.uk The 2009 version, which can easily be printed off any home printer, features a variety of scenes from across the historic parkland, which became part of a World Heritage Site in 2008.
“Our annual calendar is just one of the ways we showcase what a great place Kinneil is,” said Bruce Henderson, the chairman of the Friends of Kinneil. “This year’s calendar features a shot of the Stepforth group, which now runs successful health walks around the estate. There are also pictures of the painted rooms inside Kinneil House. We’re currently talking to Historic Scotland to plan a series of free open days at the House during 2009. There are also shots of the medieval church, the Roman fortlet and the swans on the West Pond – a popular attraction for younger visitors.
“The calendar is free to download from our website. All you need is a computer with internet access and the free Adobe Acrobat Reader – found on most modern PCs – to download and view the calendar. You can then print it out on any home laser or inkjet printer.”
Bruce said the calendar was one of a series of free downloads accessible from the Friends’ website.
“There’s a gallery of the estate, a slideshow – and links to useful documents about Kinneil. There’s also news and information about the Friends of Kinneil, which works to promote the estate. We hope local people and visitors find the website useful – and enjoy our new calendar.”
Another historian is also offering a free calendar – this time marking the heyday of the pottery industry in Bo’ness. The Bo’ness Pottery website – www.bonesspottery.co.uk – run by Robert Jardine, is providing a free downloadable calendar featuring “Modern Athens” patterns – some of the most sought-after designs featured on Bo’ness Pottery.
Pottery production in Bo’ness lasted for almost 200 years and it reached its heyday at the end of the 19th century when three factories were operating simultaneously across the town. The last pottery closed in 1958. The “Modern Athens” tag refers to 19th century views of Edinburgh.
For those without internet access, or who want a ready-made calendar, the group Bonnie Bo’ness still has stocks of its 2009 Bo’ness calendar, featuring entries from its recent photographic competition. The calendar features scenes across the town and is available to buy for £4.99 per copy. To order your copy, call 01506 826100 or email – gail@bonesscc.org.uk
Local councillor Adrian Mahoney said the calendars showcase the rich heritage, traditions and buildings of the town. “Things like this make you realise what a fantastic place we live in,” he said. “They also make great gifts to send to family abroad. Best of all, with the internet calendars, people anyone in the world can download their very own piece of Bo’ness and put it up on their walls.”
Kinneil 