OUR HISTORY

Today, well over 100 years after its founding, the Strathaven MIA has an annual programme of talks on topics of current interest.

The History of the Strathaven MIA

In November 1887, a small company of men gathered outside the shop of Mr William Watt in the Common Green (now the site of Roasted). Proceeding to the Rankin Church Hall, this body of enthusiasts carried out their intention - the founding of the Strathaven Mutual Improvement Association.

Rule 2 of their Constitution stated “The principal business of the Association shall be the discussion of literary, philosophical and social subjects”

By 1899 the activities of the MIA also included the running of a well-stocked library and reading room (situated up a vennel next to the current Buck's Head in Townhead Street), open every evening from 6 till 10 (except Saturdays when it was open from 3 till 10).

The main activity of the MIA in those early years was the organisation of weekly lectures (then called ‘essays’) of a moderately serious nature, leavened by periodic concerts, especially the annual Christmas Concert.

Image of the first meeting place of Strathaven Mutual Improvement Association Image © The Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust
(Scottish Charity No SC043189)

Image of a magic lanternAn example of a Magic Lantern

The Progress of the MIA

The main activity of the MIA in those early years was the organisation of weekly lectures (then called ‘essays’) of a moderately serious nature, leavened by periodic concerts, especially the annual Christmas Concert.

By 1933 the library had been taken over by the Education Committee of the County Council of Lanark, although the separate Reading Room was still available to members, who for 5 shillings (25p) annually could have a private key. At that time, Mr Masterton, Librarian and Collector of the Association, received an increase in gratuity to £12 pa (about £8000 pa today).

The programme of talks had also lightened and included a fair proportion of ‘Holiday’ lectures, leavened by images from the magic lantern.

Still Going Strong

By the early 1950s membership stood at around 300, but was decreasing. Technology had also arrived; minutes were typewritten rather than hand-written, possibly because the secretary was now a woman (women had been on the Committee since the 30s).

Meetings were still held weekly on Mondays throughout the winter and an annual concert continued to be a regular feature - and the critics did not hold back - “Miss Tait played a solo by Arensky...which was interesting if not wholly enjoyable”!

Weekly meetings were found to be unsustainable by the early 1960s and in 1963 the decision was taken to hold fortnightly meetings; membership briefly increased, but in 1972 a crisis was reached when winding up was considered - and rejected.

At this time the MIA elected its first woman President, Miss Margaret Russell, and the Strathaven MIA commenced a rise from the ashes.

Image of the Common Green, Strathaven

Today, well over 100 years after it founding, the Strathaven MIA continues its work, with an annual programme of talks on topics of current interest.

If you would like to join us or want more information on the Strathaven MIA, please get in touch.

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