Kilbowie St Andrew’s Church

Preserving Heritage through Creativity and Resilience

Kilbowie St Andrew’s Church has been a cornerstone of the Threads of Time project, blending creativity, faith and fellowship with remembrance and resilience to celebrate Clydebank’s unique history.

Heritage projects thrive when rooted in community voices. By engaging with the Congregation and the Women’s Guild, Threads of Time has ensured that Clydebank’s story is told through authentic perspectives, not only preserving historical narratives but also strengthening social connections and wellbeing. Their work reflects a deep respect for the past and a commitment to passing it on to future generations.

Cathies Story

Bombed out of their home Cathie, her mother and sister join her Aunt in Littleport, England where she would make friendships that would last a lifetime

Isabel's Story

With her street completely demolished, Isabels and her siblings relocated to Murkirk Ayrshire. Separated from her parents Isabel remembers her and her siblings lives raise by their granny until the family could be reunited again

Phylis's Story

After spending the first night of the Blitz in an air raid shelter Phylis and 13 of her family moved into a semi-derelict property in Galston, Ayrshire and the daily worry her Mother had keeping her family safe

Murrays Story

To keep him safe 11 year old Murray is sent to live with other young evacuee’s away from his family and friends. But nothing is going to stop him finding his way home

Capturing Stories of the Blitz

The Church played a key role in preparing 4 digital reels that commemorate the Clydebank Blitz. These short films feature stories of resilience, loss, and hope, ensuring that the experiences of local families during wartime are preserved for future generations. The reels will be archived by West Dunbartonshire Council’s Arts and Heritage Services, creating a lasting digital legacy alongside the physical artworks.

These stories recount the night of the 13th March 1941

Resilience – The Clydebank Blitz

The Women’s Guild participated in a series of specialist workshops, learning advanced embroidery and embellishment techniques under Chloe’s guidance

Highlights include hand-embroidered remembrance poppies, displayed during Remembrance Day. These workshops are more than craft sessions, they were acts of remembrance, creativity, and community building.

Stories of Resilience

The work undertaken through the relationship with Kilbowie St Andrews Church ensures that Clydebank’s wartime heritage remains alive in both fabric and memory.

Thanks to National Lottery players