STRATHARD A CENTURY AGO 1922 by James Kennedy.
Do you ever wonder what was happening in Strathard in early 1922? The columns of the rural edition of the Stirling Observer gives us some ideas as follows.
In early January the Christmas celebrations were referred to with a Fancy Dress dance attended by over 100 people, funds raised went to the War Memorial Fund. Throughout the winter and early spring of 1922 , dances, whist drives and summer ice competitions were a regular part of social life in Strathard. The Cayzer Cup was the main event which was won by Gartmore who defeated Aberfoyle in February 1922. February saw the death of the popular and much respected Dr. Thomas MacGregor occurred-he had been some 35 years in medical practice in the area. Also, on medical matters a major influenza epidemic was happening with advice about avoiding crowded and over-heated places.
As the community prepared for the tourist season the demise of the four in hand coaches was announced with the arrival of the motorised charabancs.

A tragic accident at Ardross House in Kinlochard in May. A painter and decorator from Edinburgh fell of the ladders and somehow the scissors caught his jugular vein leading to his imminent death.
In May Lady Helen Graham addressed meetings in Aberfoyle and Kinlochard about the advantages of having a resident nurse in the area—this had become a major issue in rural communities and necessitated local fundraising and the establishment of a local committee. The first AGM of the Nursing Association Committee was held in late September 1922.
As the summer progressed the use of the area to film a version of Rob Roy generated much interest. However, the sense of optimism was diluted by the tragic news of the Plean Colliery Disaster when some 12 miners were killed and 5 were injured.
As the autumn arrived the availability and access to higher education in Callander was made possible by the establishment of the first daily school bus from Kinlochard to Callander via Aberfoyle, Port of Menteith and Thornhill. The coach was organised by Captain Cameron from the Bailie Nicol Jarvie who promised the ‘ fares would be kept affordable’.
November saw the 1922 General Election take place which was won by Thomas Johnson of the Labour party. He defeated Sir. Harry Hope of the Unionist Party.
As the winter evenings moved in, interest is attending movies became a new phenomenon and led to a regular picture show at the Pavilion featuring Charlie Chaplain and Mary Pickford with the much-anticipated Rob Roy arriving in January.

In Kinlochard the year ended with a wonderful school gathering held on 21 December when the school was transformed in to a fairy dwelling. As well as a concert the children and community were treated to tea, crackers and a visit by Santa Claus.