The above photograph was donated to North Lanarkshire Libraries and is part of a collection of photos of old Newmains that is available for viewing in Newmains library. I immediately recognised the background as the old St Brigid’s School/Church which is now the Parish Hall.

Fortunately whoever donated the picture added some information to the back so that gives us a date of 1898. Sadly, however, we only have 4 names but 2 of those caught my eye as they are definitely family – Dan and Colquhoun Brawley.

So Dan is in the middle of the front row. I wasn’t sure at first of the ages of the boys but at that time they didn’t get much further than a primary education so they are pretty young. There are 2 Daniel Brawleys in Newmains at that time. My grandfather’s brother was born in October 1887 and his cousin in September 1888. I’m inclined to think that the Dan in the photograph must be the older of the 2.

I do have another photo of that Daniel so you can let me know what you think. Below we have Daniel on the right in a photo taken in 1912. Same person?

As for Colquhoun Brawley, well this is going to drive me crazy, as I know that Colquhoun is not his real name. At that time there were loads of Brawleys in Newmains. They were all having kids at the same time and all using the same family names so, to be able to identify all the cousins, they were give nicknames. My grandfather Hugh, for example, was known as Midge. I remember my mum telling me about that and laughing about how one of them was even known as Colquhoun which was a really strange nickname and she had no idea where it came from. Now she did know who Colquhoun was but for the life of me I cannot remember and I am so annoyed with myself for not taking note of that. I doubt very much that there will be anyone around now who will remember. Colquhoun in his smart suit and cap looks older and was maybe one of the coaches. He certainly wouldn’t have been a teacher at the school. There are a few possibilities on my tree but I can’t be sure.

Another thing I remember Mum saying was about a boy called Danny McGuire. Again I don’t know where this came from but there was a wee saying “Danny McGuire with his shirt tail on fire”. I think it related to him never having his shirt properly tucked into his trousers. Could this be the Danny McGuire in question?

The only James Bradley I have on my tree was born in 1884 which is possible I suppose although he doesn’t look 3 years older than Daniel. James is also a cousin of my grandfather but on his mother’s side this time. There were plenty of Bradleys in Newmains at that time who were not related to me.

Football was a pretty big deal for my family. I know that generations were involved with local teams and I’ve been led to believe there was some real talent there. There are plenty of snippets in newspapers relating to teams and matches and that is definitely a post for the future.