Latest Local News
Monolith’s : Sept 2023
The Willie Waddell Memorial Committee achieved their dream to fund raise funds in order to mark the birthplace and achievements of a local lad who went on to achieve legendary status as a player, manager and lately an honorary director of the Glasgow giants this was erect a fitting monument that will reflect his achievements and stature.
If you look at the profile of each Monolith you might notice that they are of Culter Fell, Tinto Hill and the Sleeping Giant (Black Mount), all local hills.
The Inscription Reads....
Willie Waddell
A Boy From Forth
Willie attended Forth Primary School and was a keen member of the Boys Brigade
He was also a promising athlete and was lanark Grammer School Sports Champion 1937 & 1938. He became one of the fastest sprinters in Scotland.
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The action of pulling that blue jersey over your head did something to you
All the talk about tradition , about the privilege and resposibility that went with being a Rangers player definitely had its effect.
Willie Waddell signed for Rangers F.C. He made his debut at 17 years old
againse Arsenal F.C. He scored the only goal im a 1-0 victory
Capped 18 times times for Scotland scoring 6 goals.
Total appearances 152, Honours won by Rangers
League titles (4) 1938/39, 1946/47, 1948/49
1952/53 Scottish Cups (2) 1948/49, 1952/53
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Willie Waddell began his Managerial career ayt Kilmarnock Football Club
from 1957-1965. He led them to their only league title in 1965
he was a successful journalist before returning to Rangers as Manager in 1969
After the disaster at Ibrox in 1971. Mr waddell was regarded by many as the driving force and visionary behind the redevelopment of Ibrox Stadium, it stands as a legagy to his great work.
Scottish League Cup winners in 1970 and in 1972 he led Rangers to win the European Cup Winners Cup.
Kilmarnock hall of Fame
Rangers Hall of Fame
Willie was a Player Manager
General Manager Director and Vice Chairman with Rangers before his sudden death in 1992.
Defibrillator: 17th jan 2020
Great to see the Defibrillator at the garage in Forth. Well done to the Development Trust and all involved in the Community of Forth for fundraising for this vital piece of equipment. First responders are providing training if your interested on 19th February 6pm at the Resource Centre contact them for a place on the course.This is the second to be installed in Forth, The other being in the William Waddell Sports Centre. A third one also was installed at The Manse
Jessie Griffin Memorial Bench
This seat was erected in memory of a lovely Lady Jessie Griffin BEM , The seat erected on 11 May 2019 in the gardens at the foot of Forth near the Old Man`s Hut.
She deserved this for all her work setting up the Little Haven and everything she done for the village she was an amazing lady. The present Haven in Forth would not be in existence without the foresight and fight of two special Forth ladies namely Jessie Griffin and Elizabeth Wilson.
Both sadly lost their personal health battles but left a legacy for the benefit of so many.
Renaming of Forth Sports Centre
The Willie Waddell Memorial Committee achieved their dream to rename the Sports Centre, which took place two days after what would have been Mr. Waddell’s 98th birthday on Saturday 9th March 2019
Willie Waddell who had a very distinguished career in football. He was born and brought up in the village of Forth. He first played with Lanark Grammar School and was then signed for Forth Wanderers before going to play with Glasgow Rangers, and the Scotland team. After his playing days he became manager of Kilmarnock before moving to Rangers.
John Greig MBE unveiled the renaming plaque in the main sports hall. Members of the Waddell family being present Along with various dignitaries from South Lanarkshire Council, Rangers FC, Kilmarnock FC and our local football club Forth Wanderers. Click here for YouTube Video
Queen`s Baton Relay.
As the baton made its way through Clydesdale on 22/06/2014, Jim Paton from Forth received the baton in Hyndford road, Lanark. David Rattray from Braehead received the baton at Lanark Loch. Stacy McCallum from Climpy received the baton in Carnwath road, Carluke. Well done to all.
Closure of Forth Old School.
Forth School closes its doors at the end of March 2014 for the last time, A new school has been built on the site with the old school being demolished. A last look round the school takes place on Fri 28th March 2014 , A Commemorative Book is available, see School Pictures for more details of the book.
Initiative Group Award
Jan 2014. The group have been given an award of £6000 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust set up to help former mining communities, The Intiative Group will use the money to buy a thermal cover which will speed up the growth of plants & vegetables in the communities polytunnel.
Beautiful Scotland Awards.
In Sept 2013 Forth won its latest award, the Silver Gilt Award, more followed every year
Little Haven Award.
In Sept 2011 at the Sunday Mail Great Scot Awards, Held in the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow. The Little Haven was named this Year`s Community Champion.
M.B.E. Rewarded to Forth Girl.
Forth born Morag Gray - a tireless campaigner for Scottish horse racing -has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's 2005. New Year Honours List. Who made history in 1987 when she became the first-ever female Clerk of the Course at Ayr Racecourse.
Morag was the Gala Queen in 1974. She used to have family days out at Hamilton Park and also Lanark Racecourse before it shut in 1978.
Morag has been named as one of independent directors of the new British Horse racing Authority, which is set to launch as British Racing's new regulatory body in 2007
Porteous.
The first words many outsiders to the village utter when Forth is mentioned is "Oh. That's where Porteous Pies come from!"
Sadly, due to retirement the Baker closed its doors for the last time in 2004.After a century of producing bakery including, of course, that now semi-legendary Pie. Click for more info
