A SELF-CONFESSED John Logie Baird ‘superfan’ from Helensburgh has renewed his appeal for people in the town to help ensure the inventor of television’s landmark achievement is properly marked.
Baird’s first demonstration of a working television took place at a laboratory in London in October 1926 – and even though there are four-and-a-half years to go until the date of the centenary, Burgh resident Stewart Noble is eager that no time is wasted in ensuring the town where Baird was born, grew up and is buried plays a fitting role in marking the anniversary.
The Advertiser reported on Mr Noble’s initial appeal in January – and while some people who read that plea have come forward to offer their services, Mr Noble, who is also a member of Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) and the Helensburgh Heritage Trust (HHT), says he’s keen to hear from more willing volunteers.
“We’ve had some people come forward, but we’d definitely like more,” Mr Noble said.
READ MORE: Helensburgh urged to plan ahead for centenary of John Logie Baird TV milestone
“Those who have come forward are mostly members of the community council and the Heritage Trust, though we also have the services of Iain Logie Baird, John Logie Baird’s grandson, who is a professional museum curator and has a very good idea of who has what by way of Baird artefacts.”
Early plans drawn up by Mr Noble and his volunteer colleagues so far include an exhibition of Baird artefacts and interactive events, possibly to be held during the summer of 2026 while larger venues, such as school halls, are available for hire.
Some thought is also being given to holding a conference on Baird and his legacy which might attract engineers, academics and other professionals to the town.
“I’ve been in touch with Lomond School,” Mr Noble continued, “because Baird was a pupil at one of Lomond’s predecessors, Larchfield, and the head teacher there has agreed to discuss our suggestions with the board of management.
“We’ve also had interest from Brian Keating at the Scottish Submarine Museum in West King Street, who has lots of experience of some of the kinds of things we’re thinking about – because I think something interactive is going to be key to engaging a younger audience, rather than just static displays.
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“But we have a long way to go yet. Once we’ve decided on the path we want to pursue, then we have to start appealing for funds and applying for grants to make sure it can all happen.
“I’m also aware that we need more people, especially people who are younger than me, to be part of it.
“In five years’ time I’ll be 82, and while I hope to still be in good health and able to play a very active role in the Baird centenary, I have to be realistic and recognise that it’s possible I may not be able to.
“Everything requires people. We really need hands on board for this.
“But it has great potential for the town – and if it were to prove successful, in the long term Helensburgh might even get the John Logie Baird Centre that perhaps it should have had years ago.”
To find out more information or to offer your services as a volunteer to help turn the early ideas for television’s centenary into reality, email Stewart Noble on snobleg84@gmail.com.
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