An art exhibition and concert are set to be held as part of planned events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz .
The Clydebank Blitz involved two air raid conducted by the Luftwaffe on the areas shipbuilding and munition-making factories over two nights between March 13 and March 15, 1941. The attack left 1,200 people dead and more than 1000 injured.
As part of its delayed 80th-anniversary commemorations West Dunbartonshire Council is now looking to recreate a Clydebank Blitz exhibition courtesy of a local artist.
During the cultural committee on Monday, members agreed they would try to engage with Tom McKendrick and ask him if he would display his acclaimed artwork tackling the subject at Clydebank Town Hall.
A memorial service to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1941 air raids was held earlier this year despite lockdown restrictions which meant that plans to properly commemorate the anniversary of the Blitz had been put on hold.
Creative Scotland has also agreed to part fund a concert by the RSNO at the Royal Concert Hall later in the year through the National Lottery Fund in the sum of £10,000. An exact date is still to be determined.
Chairman Baillie Dennis Agnew said: “I am delighted the RSNO concert will proceed and that Creative Scotland has given us that award.
“I do believe that we should ask officers to approach Tom McKedrick and ask him to recreate his Blitz exhibition in the garden gallery in the town hall which is a perfect location for it.”
Work is continuing on the production of the commemorative medals which will be presented to various organisations in recognition of the support they provided to the people of Clydebank during and after the Clydebank Blitz.
A civic reception will be held in Clydebank Town Hall in March 2022 to present them.
It is also hoped by that stage the proposed visit from the Mayor of Letterkenny in Ireland will have taken place to discuss the proposed friendship agreement with the town – a visit which aims to highlight the importance of preserving local history.
West Dunbartonshire Council is also working on a partnership with Gdynia in Poland and are arranging an online meeting to discuss any joint projects they might want to work on together.
Baillie Agnew added: “We have not had any signage made on the friendship with Letterkenny.
“I would suggest officers take that into consideration and discuss it with the appropriate departments so that we can get signs for both ends of the local authority so we can show our friendship with Letterkenny in Ireland.”
