Our History
Photographs have a powerful ability to connect us to the past, our history. Not only in recalling our own memories but also memories and accomplishments of previous generations.
Johnstonebridge has seen many changes over the years, we are very lucky to have an extensive selection of photographs showing farming life , Church life , Schools and also Clubs that have always been a big part of rural social life.
We would like to ask if anyone has past photos of Johnstonebridge and the area, could we please use them and add them to the collection?. Please drop them in at the Centre or email them to admin@johnstonebridgecentretrust.co.uk
Farming
Johnstonebridge has always been a village surrounded by agriculture. Panlands , Kirkbank, Greigland, Skemrigg, Dinwoodiemains, Johnstonecluecgh and Annanbank to name a few. There was and is still to this day usually at least one member of most families involved in farming in one way or another.
Church
The Johnstonebridge Parish Church closed its doors over 20 years ago. The Church had its own choir along with a service every Sunday which was regularly attended back in the day. The Reyhills staff and master of the house would have been part of the congregation every week. Amongst the images, you can see plans for extensions to the building. The Church is now privately owned , the graves can still be visited.
School
Johnstonebridge Primary , Goodhope Primary and Cogrieburn. These three schools were the foundation of the youth of the village , we are sure many pupils have a lot of fond memories of their teachers and adventures. Each school had its own school house and cook.
Local News
The paper was the main way of finding out what had been going on. Johnstonebrige often made the papers for positive and also tragic news.
The Johnstonebridge show was always a big highlight with the creative skills people had in the village ( still to this day ) it’s not surprising that the village was often in the paper.
