Scotland's Brick and Tile Manufacturing Industry

Calder Fireclay Co, Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. (The 1985 publication ‘A survey of Scottish brickmarks’ states the address for the company is Calder Fireclay Brickworks, Greenend, Airdrie).

The Calder Fireclay Company was founded in 1880 by Robert Fleming & Co with a brickworks at Armadale. The Company was reconstructed in 1892 as the Calder Fireclay Co and passed into the control of the Paine family who erected a brickworks 2 miles south-east of Airdrie near the Carnbroe Iron Works. They also worked the fireclay and had a brickworks at Hareshaw near Shotts from 1907 to 1919. James Paine joined his father in the business after WW1. Their firebricks, branded Calder, won an excellent reputation for service in blast furnaces. The Calder works used 9 Newcastle type kilns with about a 50-ton capacity each. They used a large number of hand moulders as a 1925 catalogue claims all firebricks were handmade. This lack of brick manufacturing machines and the smallness of the Company made it difficult to compete in the 1930’s so an agreement was signed with the Bonnybridge Silica Company to merge on 18/01/1936. Calder owned a mineral field of about 30 acres at Chapelhall, 2 miles south-east of Airdrie with easy access to a railway siding. The combined company decided to build modern works on this site. By March 1937 the Bonnybridge and Calder Works were reported at full production and the new Chapelhall Works had started to produce saleable fire bricks.  The original intention to close the Calder Works was postponed. The Calder brand continued after the merger with the Calder Fireclay Company and was used mainly for bricks made at the Chapelhill Works. Octo and Novo brands were introduced in the 1960s for high alumina bricks. Source Kenneth W Sanderson.

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05/01/1885 – Aberdeen Free Press – Aberdeen Town Council. Gasworks contract …The Gas Committee have accepted the following tenders for the supply of materials in connection with the undertaking for the ending 31st December 1885 … fire clay goods – Garnkirk Fire-Clay Company and J. & C. Grieve. The committee had also before them tenders for the lightning conductor, and for the supply of circle and header bricks for the new chimney stalk, and authorised the gas treasurer to accept the following: Bricks – Robert Fleming and Co. (Atlas or Calder Fire Clay Works?).

22/05/1886 – Lanarkshire Upper Ward Examiner – Important case as to master and servant. A decision by Sheriff Mair. The following interlocutor and note has been issued by Sheriff Mair in an action in which Thomas Cassels, brick manager, Calder, sued Robert Fleming & Co., Calder Brickworks, for three months wages for alleged illegal dismissal. His lordship’s note fully explains the case:- “Airdrie, 11th May 1886. Having heard parties procurators and considered the cause finds – lst. That in the month of October 1885 the pursuer was engaged by the defenders as foreman or manager at their brickworks at Calder, and that in that capacity he had the charge and direction of the labourers employed at these works, and had the power to dismiss and employ them, and pay them their wages. 2nd. That the wages paid to the pursuer were at first 25s per week, and that they were shortly afterwards rained to 30s a week, at which sum they were continued and paid fortnightly until he left the defenders services in January 1886. 3rd. That when the pursuer was engaged by the defenders as aforesaid nothing was said as to giving notice or warning when either party desired to terminate the engagement. 4th. That on 8th January he was unjustifiably dismissed from the defenders’ employment without giving him any notice or warning, and that the pursuer now claims from the defenders three months wages at the rate of 30s a week in lieu of warning. Finds in law so standing the facts that the pursuer was entitled to reasonable notice from the defenders before terminaing his engagement with them, and that in the present case four weeks notice ought to have been given to the pursuer. Finds therefore that the pursuer is entitled to four weeks wages in lieu of warning, which at 30s a week amounts to £6. And that defenders are liable to pay that sum to the pursuer along with 14s 10d admittedly due to the pursuer on account of his wages as at 8th January 1886, the said two sums amounting together to £6 14s 10d. Decerns against the defenders for the said sum of £6 14s 10d. Finds the defenders liable in expenses, but in respect that the sum to which the pursuer has been found entitled might have been sued for in the small debt court, modifies the expenses to £1 4s 10d, for which sum decerns also against the defenders.

Note.—The pursuer, Thomas Cassels, claims from the defenders, Messrs Fleming & Company, Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge, three months wages at the rate of 30s per week, in lieu of notice, the pursuer, as alleged, having been employed by the defenders as manager of their brickworks at Calder, and having been dismissed by then, on 8th January 1886, without any legal notice or warning, and without any complaint having been made by the defenders against his management. The defenders pleaded that the pursuer was liable to be dismissed without any notice or warning and that in any view they were justified in dismissing him in consequence of negligence in his work. The case presents three questions for consideration—1st, in what capacity was the pursuer engaged; 2nd was he entitled to notice; and 3rd, was he so negligent in his work as to justify his dismissal. 1st. The pursuer was engaged in the month of October 1885, and continued in the defenders’ service until 8th January 1886. According to the evidence of Mr Fleming, one of the defenders’ firm, it is clear that the pursuer was engaged not as a common workman, but in the capacity of foreman at the works, and from the evidence otherwise, in the case, it is made abundantly manifest that practically the management of the works was entrusted to him. He had the direction and control of the men and girls employed there, could and did engage and dismiss them without consulting the defenders, paid them their wages, and occasionally purchased stores for the work. In short, by whatever name he may be called – whether foreman or manager – he occupied the position of a superintendent at the works, and one whose orders required to be obeyed. Mr Fleming, one of the partners of the defenders’ firm, was sometimes at the works, but his presence did not in any way detract from the position of the pursuer. It is true that the pursuer occasionally took part in the ordinary labour at the works, but, as he says himself, it was in his master’s interest that he did so. This, however, did not take away from him his character as foreman or manager; on the contrary, it was to his credit that he lent a helping hand in the ordinary labour of the works. 2nd. It being thus clearly established that the pursuer was not an ordinary labourer, the next question is was he entitled to notice from the defenders before terminating the engagement? There can be no doubt that at the time of the engagement nothing was said on either side as to notice. The defenders, however, attempted to prove that it was the custom at their works at Carnbroe not to give notice either to the foreman or workmen and that they might be dismissed without any notice whatever. It is to be observed, however, that that may be the rule at Carnbroe and yet it may not be applicable to Calder, where the pursuer was employed. But even although it may have been the case at Calder also, there is not a particle of evidence to show that the pursuer was aware of it, and one thing is clear, there were no printed rules to that effect at the works. It was also attempted to be proved by the defenders that it was the custom at other brickworks to dismiss foremen without notice, but in this, the defenders entirely failed. According to the evidence led, there was no “uniform or notorious custom “as to notice. At some works, notice was given, and at others, it was not. What, then, is the law applicable in such circumstances. It certainly does not admit of doubt. Where the contract is during pleasure – as it was in the present case – there must be notice given by either party before terminating the engagement. It is an implied condition of the contract that when the services are to be dispensed with without justifiable cause, the servant should be allowed a fair opportunity of looking out for another situation instead of being thrown suddenly and unexpectedly upon the world, with, it may be, a wife and family to support, and no means either from savings or otherwise of supporting himself or them. If therefore, a master dismisses a servant without notice it is only fair that the servant should be allowed the means of livelihood for a period within which he might reasonably be expected to find another situation. What length of notice, then, should be given – in other words, what is regarded as reasonable notice. The pursuer said he ought to have had three months’ notice. I am not of that opinion. I think that having regard to the character of the work in which he was employed, and in the whole circumstances four weeks notice was sufficient, and I have accordingly so found in the above interlocutor. 3rd. The only other question is, were the defenders justified in dismissing the pursuer without notice. The proof as to this has, to my opinion, completely failed. The defender, Mr Fleming, said he had no fault to find with the pursuer as a workman, but because on two occasions, 20th or 21st December 1885 and 6th or 7th January 1886, he did not please the defenders in two seemingly insignificant matters, they attempted to get rid of him by reducing him from the position of foreman to that of a common labourer. The pursuer was certainly not bound to submit to this, and he rebelled against it. The result was that the pursuer was dismissed. I am clearly of opinion that the defenders have failed in proving that they were justified in dismissing the pursuer. It is not unimportant to observe that the character of the pursuer is here involved. Having been engaged in a responsible position in the defender’s works, it is a serious matter to be dismissed, and in such circumstances, it is necessary that the cause which led to such dismissal should be of a very grave character before it can be entertained as a sufficient ground for putting an end to the contract of service. I have therefore found the pursuer entitled to being four weeks wages at the rate of 30s per week, in lieu of warning; but as this was a sum which might have been sued for in the small debt court, I have only found the defender liable in small debt expenses. These expenses, including the allowances to witnesses and their citations, amount to one pound four shillings and tenpence.

Below – 1889 – Robert Fleming and Co. Atlas Fire Brick Works, Calder and Carnbroe Brickworks.

1890 – 91  – Atlas Fireclay Co, manufacturers of furnace blocks and fireclay bricks. Office Calder by Coatbridge. Works Calder, Carnbroe and Bathville.

31/03/1890 – Glasgow Herald – Deaths. At Calder Cottage, Coatbridge on the 28th inst, after a long and painful illness aged 43 (possibly48?) years, Robert Fleming, brick manufacturer, much loved and deeply regretted.

03/04/1890 – Glasgow Herald – Notice. All persons having claims against the deceased Robert Fleming brick manufacturer, residing at Calder Cottage. Whifflet, Coatbridge, are desired to lodge the same within one month from this date with the subscriber, the agent for the deceased’s executrix and all persons indebted to the deceased are requested to make payment of their debts to the subscriber within one month from this date.

1892 – 1895 – Invoices – Robert Fleming and Coy, Coatbridge. Atlas fire brick, furnace block, gas retort, chimney can and paving tile makers.

1892 -? – Office Calder.

?- 1894/1895 – Office Carnbroe

1895 -? – Office Bathville.

23/12/1892 – Glasgow Herald – Robert Fleming & Co. I beg to intimate to the customers of the above firm that I have arranged to carry on the business at Calder Works as hitherto in partnership with Mr W. H. C. Paine, under the firm of The Calder Fire Clay Company. N.P Ramsay. Calder 23/12/1892.

Below – 1893 – Advert – Robert Fleming Atlas Firebrick works Atlas Calder Carnbroe.

1893 – 1897 – Invoices – The Calder Fireclay Company by Coatbridge, fire brick, furnace block, gas retort, chimney can and paving tile makers. Office Calder. One dated 02/03/1893 is stamped in red along the top ” Late Robert Fleming and Co”.

1893 – 1896 – Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge – R Fleming & Co. TO Coatdyke.

08/09/1893 – Glasgow Evening Post – Brickmakers wanted. Three good moulders for dry stock firebrick work. Calder Fireclay Company, Calder, Coatbridge.

30/11/1893 – Glasgow Herald – To architects, builders &c. Patent building blocks now on sale, all kinds, hammer dressed, tooled or polished faces, ready for building at quarry prices for rough stone. The blocks stand the weather and do not decay like softer kinds of freestone. Apply to Calder Fire Clay Company, Calder by Coatbridge.

25/07/1896 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – With their usual generosity the Calder Fire-Clay Coy gave the employees their annual excursion. They travelled by special saloon to Edinburgh via Holytown. On arriving at the city the party broke up, some sailing from Leith to the Forth Bridge, others preferring to visit the romantic town of Portobello. On the deck a few musicians enlivened the sail by discoursing dance music very much to the enjoyment of the fair sex. Re-uniting in Edinburgh, they had lunch, and afterwards agreeably spent the afternoon in visiting the Castle and doing the sights of the city. Home was reached about 10 p m., all agreeing in saying that this was the most enjoyable trip they had ever had.

Below – 1897 – Calder Fireclay Brickworks. (Note: Are the Carnbroe Works shown on the bottom left of the map?)

08/04/1899 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Brickmaker – wanted moulder for firebricks. Apply Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge.

13/05/1899 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Bricklayers labourers wanted. A few good men at Calder Fireclay Works.

Below – 26/10/1900 – Linlithgowshire Gazette – A history of brickworks in the Bathgate, West Lothian area.In the Etna Works, some 100 hands are employed, while at the Atlas Works there are about 50 workers. At both works, the firm could employ many more hands, but at present, when the trade is so busy, brick workers are not to be got. The Atlas Brickwork is the older of the two. It was begun in a small way a good many years ago by Mr Robert Fleming of Coatbridge, who had as a partner Mr Kopel Moritz. The latter subsequently dropped out of the partnership and removed to the Armadale Brickworks. He continued to be associated with those works till his death, after which the works wore acquired by Mr W. D Samuel and Mr Robert Muir, the present managing directors and original partners of Robert Muir and Co., Ltd., who own Armadale, Barbauchlaw and Boghead Brickworks, and whose fireclay and firebrick products are exported in large quantities to Singapore, Rangoon, Durban, Delagoa Bay, etc. Mr Fleming carried on the Atlas Works himself for some years after the dissolution of his partnership and on his death, the business was acquired from his trustees by Mr Wood of Bathville.

29/07/1905 – Coatbridge Leader – Bricklayers fatal fall. The next, inquiry was with reference to the death of Win. Graham, bricklayer, Waverley Terrace, Coat midge, who died on the 11th July, in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, from injuries sustained, in the Clyde Iron Works, Carmyle, belonging to Jas. Dunlop & Coy. John Culbert, bricklayer, residing at 18 Fairy Street, Rutherglen, deponed -I am in the employment of the Calder Fireclay Company, and they were engaged building a new stove at the Clyde Iron Works. Deceased and I were engaged building the interior of the blast stove, and had reached a part 50 ft. high. The stove was 22 ft. in circumference. Deceased was standing on a scaffold supported by three iron needles, and I was standing on a single scaffold at the other side. Bricks were conveyed to the top by means of a steam winch, and a springboard passed between the two scaffolds. The springboard was three feet broad, and there was a space of six feet through which the bricks could pass. There were labourers at the top of the stove to watch when the bricks being hoisted came near the scaffold and guide them past. I cannot say if these were their orders, but they did not watch every time the bricks passed. I had to watch myself for my own safety. About 3.45 on the 11th July we were engaged at our work when a load of bricks came up. I went on with my work, and the first thing I heard was a noise. On looking round I saw the deceased falling, the scaffold having been capsized and one of the needles knocked out. The springboard had struck the scaffold and knocked out one of the needles. The deceased was taken to the Royal Infirmary, where he died. George King, foreman bricklayer, Carncraig, Calder, stated that he was in charge of the job at Clyde Iron Work. The duty of the labourers was to guide the bricks past the scaffold. It was difficult to do that at times, as a swing got on to the rope. They were following the usual course in conducting a business of the kind, and iron needles were put in to make the scaffold more secure. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that, about 3.45 p.m. on the 11th July, Wm Graham, while employed as a bricklayer by Calder Fireclay Company and engaged in building a blast stove on the premises of the Clyde Iron Works, Carmyle, received injuries by the scaffold on which he was standing being overturned by a springboard striking it, causing him to fall about 50 feet, and from the injuries he received he died at. 7.15 the same evening.

09/06/1906 – Coatbridge Leader – Ceremony in the town hall. A large gathering of the elite of the district were congregated in the townhall where Dr Carnegie was timed to arrive at 2.15 … the following received invitations to accompany Dr Carnegie on the platform … N.P. Ramsay, Calder Brickworks …

22/12/1906 – Coatbridge Leader – Peter Kerr, labourer, residing in Whifflet Street was charged Burgh Police Court on Monday with having on Saturday in Calder Fireclay Works behaved in a disorderly manner, annoying the workmen engaged there, and assaulted Wm. Stocks, a kiln burner, and another workman by kicking them on the body and also with attempting to strike them with an iron bar: further, that he did wilfully and maliciously draw a fire, causing damage to bricks which did not exceed £5. He pleaded guilty. The Chief Constable said the accused came to the works, and Stocks told him that no one was allowed about the works. He at once attacked Stocks, and the latter went for assistance. While he was away the accused opened the doors of three kilns and pulled out the fires. The iron bar became entangled round his legs, and after being relieved he attempted to strike the workmen with it. Sentence of a fine of £1 or 14 days imprisonment was passed by Bailie Davie.

13/04/1907 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Contractor (certified), wanted to open up a fireclay mine at Hareshaw Brickworks near Salsburgh. Apply in the first instance to Calder Fireclay Company, Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge.

08/06/1907 – Coatbridge Leader – Fatal accident enquiry … The first inquiry was with reference to the death of John Kindred, brakeman, 190 Calder Street, which is believed to have taken place from injuries received while employed by Wm. Dixon, Ltd., Calder Brickworks. John Hendry, locomotive driver in the employment of Wm. Dixon, Ltd., deponed: I do the shunting work at the brickworks belonging to the firm. On Thursday, 9th May, at 5.15 p.m., I was, along with deceased, who was a brakesman, engaged in shunting operations. I was in charge of the engine, but the deceased was also able to take charge of the engine. On the day in question, I was going along the mainline with the engine. I drew out two empty waggons from the loading lye to put them into another siding. I then told deceased to take charge of the engine. I saw the deceased take one loaded waggon out of the lye round over the hill. He again went into the loading bank with the engine. The loading bank is 3 feet 9 inches from the rails. When the deceased put the engine into the loading bank he must have left the engine, because shortly afterwards I heard a person calling on me to come down here.” When I got down I found the deceased between the bank and the waggon. He had gone down to relieve the brake on the waggon, and when he did so the waggon slipped down. There is a gradient in the lye. I examined the engine and found that the steam was off, but the brake was not on, and if the brake had been on the accident would not have occurred. There were only nine inches between the bank and the waggon. John McIlhoney, fireman, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. Alex. Hastie, engineer, Calder Street, said he was at the place shortly after the accident took place. The brake on the engine was not put on. There is a slight gradient there, one inch in twelve feet. The instant Kindred took the brake off the waggon it slipped down and crushed him between the bank and the waggon, there being only a space of 9 inches between the bank and the waggon. John R. Young gave evidence as to the deceased dying when passing through Shettleston on his way to the Royal Infirmary. The jury returned the following verdict: About 5.15 p.m. on the 9th May, John Kindred, brakesman, in the employment of Wm. Dixon, Ltd., when releasing the brake on a waggon in Calder Fireclay Brickworks, was crushed between the waggon and the loading bank, caused by the waggon moving, and received injuries from which he died the same evening at 5.40 at Shettleston.

23/10/1907 – Coatbridge Express – Kiln burner and night watchman wanted. Apply Calder Fireclay Company, Calder, Coatbridge.

18/01/1908 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Coatbridge Town Council … The meeting took up the remit from the Town Council as to the letter from Calder Fire-clay Company regarding the condition of the footpath along the north-east of Skyeside Street, and asking whether something could be done with a view to some improvement taking place, when it was agreed to recommend that a footpath, five feet in width, with hammer dressed kerb and channel, should be formed on the north side of the road from the junction of Greenend and Lock Street south-east to near Skyeside Bridge, being a distance of 700 yards or thereby, at an estimated cost of something like £120. It was agreed to recommend that a turnstile should he erected both at the north and south end of the right of way footpath leading from Dundyvan to Brownshill, which has now been fenced off, also to suggest that the same should be lighted …

22/01/1908 – Coatbridge Express – Presentation. On Saturday afternoon last the firm of Calder Fire-Clay Coy and employees presented John Mitchell with a massive gold Albert on account of his leaving their employment to go to another situation out of the district. Mr James Cooper occupied the chair, and Mr M. Barrie made the presentation. In a few well-chosen remarks, the Chairman complemented the recipient on his trying to better himself. The rest of the afternoon was well spent in song, sentiment, and toast, together with a dance or two in the interval. The meeting terminated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”—ln the evening of the same day Mr Mitchell was the recipient of a beautiful gold appendage from a few gentlemen friends. Mr Hunter, in making the presentation, said he was proud that one of their company was going to better himself and he wished him every success, and that he would have a long life and prosperity in the district he was going to. Mr Mitchell feelingly replied. The meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Cooper for his generous hospitality.

25/03/1908 – Coatbridge Express – At the Burgh Court on Monday, Judge McQueen on the bench, Joseph Douglas admitted a charge of malicious mischief at the Calder Fireclay Brickworks on 9th March, and was fined 7s 6d, or five days.

05/04/1908 – Coatbridge Leader – Peter Gillespie, vagrant, for creating a disturbance in Calder Fireclay Brickworks on Saturday was fined 7s 6d or five days.

21/12/1910 – Coatbridge Express – Accident at Calder Brickworks. A labourer named Joseph Smith, Brewsterford met with an accident while working at the clay hole, Calder Brickworks. By some means or other his legs got mixed in the haulage rope with the result that right leg was fractured below the knee. He was attended by Dr McPhail.

Below – 1911 – Calder Brickworks and 1938.

24/06/1911 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Wanted. Fireclay moulder, accustomed to dry stock brick. Apply Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge.

Below – 1912 – Advert Calder Fire Clay Company. Works – Calder Fire Clay Company, Coatbridge and  Hareshaw Fire Clay Works, Lanarkshire. Offices  – Calder, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire and 5 Laurence Pountney Hill, London

24/04/1915 – Hamilton Advertiser – Deaths … At Cairncraig, Calder, Coatbridge on the 17th inst, George King in his 63rd year, late foreman Calder Brickworks.

23/06/1915 – The Scotsman – Crane (2-ton steam) by Carrick & Sons, with accessories, all complete and in good order; no reasonable offer refused. Apply Calder Fireclay Co., Calder Station, Cal. Rly.

05/02/1916 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Wanted, two men for loading bank of fireclay brickworks. Wages 6 1/2d per hour including war bonus. Apply Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge.

20/05/1916 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Firebrick moulders and labourers wanted. Apply Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge.

22/07/1916 – Coatbridge Leader – Coatbridge tribunal. Sifting the men who are indispensable …  a kiln burner in the Calder Fireclay Works, 36 years of age, was granted a conditional exemption …

21/07/1917 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Information is required by the undersigned concerning Phillip Sherlock, formerly of Dalystown, Mullingar, County of Westmeath, Ireland, and last heard of at the Calder Brickworks. near Coatbridge, Scotland. If the said Phillip Sherlock or his descendants will communicate with the undersigned they will hear of something to their advantage. Allen, Allen & Hemsley, Solicitors, Wigram House, 19 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, New South Wales.

27/10/1917 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Notice is hereby given that the interest of the late Nathaniel Poulton Ramsay, fire brick manufacturer, Coatbridge as a partner in the business carried on under the style or firm of Calder Fire Clay Company, Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge of which the subscriber, William Halstead Carter Paine and he were the sole partners, ceased as at 29th July 1917, the date of his death. The subscriber William Halstead Carter Paine is continuing the business under the said firm name for his own behoof and is authorised to collect all sums due to the said firm and will discharge the liabilities thereof. Glasgow 24th October 1917. W. H. C. Paine …

30/10/1917 – Calder Fireclay Co, Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge – Hareshaw Fireclay, Shotts – Abandoned.

28/06/1919 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Court case for compensation. Elizabeth McGill or Kelly sued Calder Fireclay Company for compensation. She had been wheeling a barrow up a plank when the plank slid and she fell to the ground striking her back off a steel buffer of a wagon. She was injured and could not work. She was paid a compensatory wage. She was unable to return to work full time so she was offered light forms of work at the Brickworks such as bricking up the kiln doors and cleaning lose bricks on burnt-out kilns. She refused this work and still wished to be compensated. The judge found against her. Full details in the article.

30/12/1922 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Retiral of Mr Kirkland. On Friday afternoon the employees of Calder Fire Clay Works met to do honour to Mr Alex. Kirkland, Sweethill, Carnbroe, one of the oldest employees, on the occasion of his retiral after 42 years service with the firm. Mr Payne, Jun., occupied the chair, and among others present were Mr Payne, Sen., Mr James Cooper, manager; Miss Johnston, typist; Mr James Cooper, jun; Mr James Stocks, Mr Nat. Wilson and others. The chairman Mr Payne, Jun. explained the purpose of the meeting and called upon his father, Mr Payne, Sen., the head of the firm, to be a medium through which Mr Kirkland should be honoured on the occasion of his retiral after 42 years faithful and devoted service. Mr Payne, Sen in the course of an able and appropriate speech, said they could not allow Mr Kirkland to retire without acknowledging in some little way their appreciation of his long, faithful, and devoted services to the firm. He spoke highly of the esteem and appreciation in which Mr Kirkland was held and in name of the firm presented him with an epergne as a little parting gift. He likewise expressed the hopes that Mr Kirkland would be long spared to move in and out among them. (applause).

Mr Jas Cooper, Sen, the popular manager, of the works, homologated the remarks of Mr Payne. As usual, Mr Cooper was happy and pawky. In name of the employees, he presented Mr Kirkland with an easy chair and hoped be would be spared to rest in it with ease and comfort. (applause).

Mr James Stocks also testified to the esteem in which Mr Kirkland was held by all with whom he came in contact. He remembered the good advice he got from Mr Kirkland when he was a boy. One word of advice that he never forgot was never to put his hand out further than he could take it back. He wished Mr Kirkland every happiness.

Mr Kirkland who was enthusiastically received thanked Mr Payne, Mr Cooper and Mr Stocks for their kind sentiments and acknowledged his great indebtedness to the firm and the employees for their generous gifts which he would cherish as long as he lived. (applause).

Songs were tastefully rendered by Mr Jas Stocks, Mr Nat Wilson, Miss M Kinnian, Miss L Stewart, Mr Jas Cooper Sen, Mr Abe Stocks and others. A dance followed, fine music being supplied by Mr Harris, the works joiner.

Mr Kirkland is a distinguished and enthusiastic freemason. He has been 33 years as a member of Lodge Airdrie St John No 165; 21 years a member of the Royal Arch Chapter No 261(?); 20 years a member of the Royal Oak – Mariners No 201; a member of the Temple No 8 encampment (now the Monklands Preceptory and Priory); 18 years a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Violet Chapter No 10; 35 years a member of the Sons of Temperance, Airdrie and 36 years a member of the Ancient Order of Shepherds, Airdrie, Shining Light Lodge No 2085.

12/04/1924 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Moulder for brickwork wanted. Apply foreman, Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge.

27/08/1927 – Coatbridge Leader – Agreement with Burnside Coal Company. The Clerk intimated apologies for absence from Hon Treasurer Kellock, Coatbridge and Mr R Brown. Ballieston. The minutes of the last meeting of the Board were then confirmed. The Clerk reminded the Board that they had been in communication with the Burnside Coal Company, Chapelhall, who wished to transfer their undertaking to the Calder Fireclay Company. The Board’s Committee had gone into the matter and, having got things adjusted satisfactorily, now recommended that the assignation be signed. The Board agreed.

05/12/1928 – Coatbridge Express – Neil McKay, brickworker, Low Palacecraig, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting a young woman within the Calder Fireclay Brick Works. Accused explained there had been some dispute about the work, and he only shoved the woman. The Magistrate – I will admonish you in the meantime, but if you come here again you will lie more severely dealt with.

05/01/1929 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Death of Mr James Cooper. We regret to note the passing away of Mr James Cooper, Calder Brickworks manager, Swallowha’ who died in one of the Glasgow Infirmaries on Tuesday where he was under observation in connection with an inward malady …

04/10/1930 – Coatbridge Leader – Brickworks experiments at Technical College. Analytical tests are to be carried out at Coatbridge Technical College by the Calder Brick Company during the winter months. The County Council of Lanark, at its meeting on Wednesday, agreed to a recommendation of the Continuation Classes Committee that a request by the Company for the use of the laboratory for the tests should be granted, subject to the approval of the Principal of the College, in respect of each test.

05/07/1935 – Motherwell Times – Mines abandoned. H.M. Inspector of Mines has given notice of the abandonment of the following mines: —Kittymuirhill Mine, Stonehouse. belonging to Mr William Campbell, Stonehouse. Budshaw and Hyndford Mines, Chapelhall, belonging to the Calder Fireclay Co., Coatbridge. Whistleberry Mine, Bothwell, belonging to Archibald Russell, Ltd., Glasgow.

15/04/1939 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Glazed sewerage pipe. Stock to be disposed of. Can be inspected at Calder Brickworks, Coatbridge.

22/02/1947 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Derelict areas in Coatbridge. Plans for redevelopment. Town council have 5 areas under review … The areas are, Calder Brickworks, the small bing at Kirkwood, the large bing in the same area, the Rosehall bing and at Sikeside …

1971 – The 1985 publication ‘A survey of Scottish brickmarks’ suggests the brickworks closed at this time.