Carfin Past and Present
There is new facebook group that was created last week and it is about the village I grew up in, “Carfin Past and Present”. What a wonderful idea it was by Maureen Strachan, I feel it really is bringing that community spirit back together again, even though the group members now live in all different parts of the world. A very special thank you to Maureen for creating the group, what a tremendous idea it was.
Old Photos
So the lovely people who lived in the village of Carfin when I was a child are posting up their old photos and I must say they are absolute crackers (in a good way) and many have brought a tear to my eye. There was one in particular (below) which I thought I would share with you.

The photo is from the Carfin Carnival Week sports day in the 1980s. I looked at myself in this photo and I honestly just wanted to be that child again, because the happy memories I have from my childhood are second to none.
I feel very very blessed to have been brought up in a small village with such beautiful community spirit, where everyone knew your name and looked out for you – I miss that lovely feeling. This facebook group and the old photos, inspired me to write the poem below, I hope you like it. Maybe this has given you the idea to start up a similar facebook group or connect with some old friends. Lots of love to you today, Clarabelle.
My Childhood in Carfin
I look at that child
I want to be her
I forgot her smile
My memory is blur
She looks so sweet
Just happy and content
Laughing with friends
Time well spent
As time goes by
Photos bring tears
Fun loving memories
From Carfin past years
A community with hope
and full of pride
A village of families
Where love did reside
A strength and spirit
very special to us all
My childhood in Carfin
with kick the can and football
We made up the games
for lots of children to play
We sometimes did fight
But were friends the next day
So when I think of this time
More than 30 years ago
I only remember good
and the Carnival talent show
Carfin was the best
I’ll say it till I die
My childhood in Carfin
Happy tears I do cry
By Clarabelle 18 January 2014
Clare I love your pictures your right about carfin it’s a special place I thought I recognised that wee face you have never changed and your allways smiling all thanks to your mum and the way she has brought you up she must be so proud
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Thank you so much Lorraine, that is so lovely of you to say. 🙂
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Hi Clarabelle, What a wonderful poem! Carfin was a great wee place to grow up! i have many fond memories of my childhood! playing over the farmers field, down the gypsy park, chute swing park oh the list could go on and on! Maureen Strachan xx
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Hi Maureen, thanks so much for liking the poem. 🙂 I recognise all of your fond memories, Carfin was a great village to be a child in. 🙂 Claire xxx
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My sisters and brother used to come to Carfin as children to visit my dad’s family. We all have very fond memories of visiting the gypsy park where the maypole was. A Mrs White had a shop by the railway line where we bought our ‘ bag of mix ups ‘, and going to Cois’s for chips and ginger.
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Hi Lynn, how lovely. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I know all the places you are talking about. Lots of love xx
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