C&E's Stonehouse - Dib Dib Dib Traditional Cache

Welcome to our first cache and the first of a series – close enough to be a small walking trail round the village of Stonehouse but also suitable for park and grab.  

We have tried to choose significant locations around the village to show off some of its history.  Stonehouse is among the oldest parishes in Scotland and so it is very difficult to trace its origins. It was common to name towns after the first stone house built which was more often a church.  It has been known as a weaving community and has a strong agricultural heritage.  In August 1973 Stonehouse was designated to be the next ‘New Town’, projected to receive a population from Glasgow in excess of 35,000, with the likelihood of an increase up to 70,000. A similar project went ahead in East Kilbride but only the Murray Drive estate in Stonehouse went ahead and although it has expanded somewhat, it continues to be a semi rural village.  We have tried to include pictures where possible but would appreciate comments and pictures in your logs.

The cache is a small bullet shaped container on a keyring.  Tweezers and pen are required. 

This first cache has been placed at the Scout and Guide hall here on Lawrie Street because one of the team is currently a brownie here.  She is trying to achieve her hobbies badge and has chosen to talk about geocaching as her favourite hobby.  FTF find definitely get a mention in this so please leave comments! 

The hall here plays host to Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies and Rainbows groups and hosts other clubs such as a couple of dancing schools.  Please be careful because of this as there will be a number of muggles in the evenings when meetings are taking place.

The hall isn’t the only feature on this stretch - you will be able to see the small community wildflower garden opposite

and will likely be in the shadows of Paterson United Free Church which was established in 1783. 

You may also have missed the “Rex” cinema – still standing beside Sheerens amusements having opened in 1937. The picture house was furnished with a chandelier and mahogany panel fittings, including a staircase but unfortunately is now just a shell.  

This following photograph was taken from the railway bridge looking towards Paterson Church. The road drops from the bridge down the Linthaugh Brae to the River Avon. The bridge has been removed and a new bridge has been constructed which takes the bypass road following the old railway line.