Aberdeen History Society

11/11/2025

Something tae blaw aboot.

16/04/2025

Ricky Gervais on horse racing

16/04/2025

16/04/2025

The Munitionettes: Unsung Heroines of the Home Front

During the dark days of World War I, a new kind of soldier emerged—not on the battlefield, but in the heart of Britain’s factories. Known as Munitionettes, these brave women stepped into roles left vacant by enlisted men, working tirelessly to produce the weapons and ammunition that fueled the war effort.

By June 1917, an astonishing 80% of British weaponry and ammunition was being manufactured by these women. Day after day, they labored with minimal protection, exposed to toxic chemicals and constant danger. The risks were real: over 200 women lost their lives in explosions, accidents, or from the slow poison of chemical exposure.

Yet their sacrifice was not in vain. Their resilience and dedication not only helped Britain endure the war, but also shifted public perception. The Munitionettes proved that women could thrive in roles traditionally held by men—an achievement that gave powerful momentum to the women's suffrage movement in the years that followed.

Lest we forget the hands that shaped the shells, the courage behind the lines, and the legacy they left behind.

Some information sourced from Wikipedia.
Photograph courtesy of Imperial War Museums (Image file number IWM HU 96426).

15/04/2025

Enter for your chance

15/04/2025

Amazing Story of Christian the Lion

In 1969, London was full of life—new music, bold fashion, and even some surprising pets. That’s when two friends, John Rendall and Ace Bourke, walked into Harrods department store and did something unexpected: they bought a lion cub. They named him Christian.

At the time, it was legal to buy exotic animals, and the two friends fell in love with the little cub. They took him home and raised him like family. Christian lived in their apartment, played in their furniture store, and even went for walks on a leash in a nearby churchyard. Everyone who met him adored his playful, gentle nature. But as Christian grew bigger, keeping a lion in London became impossible. By 1971, John and Ace knew Christian needed to live in the wild where he belonged. With the help of George Adamson, a famous lion expert, they took Christian to Kenya and slowly helped him adjust to life in the wild.

A year later, John and Ace returned to Kenya to see if Christian remembered them. What happened next was incredible. When Christian saw them, he recognized them right away. He ran to them, nuzzled them, and hugged them like an old friend. The heartwarming reunion was caught on camera and became famous worldwide. Christian went on to live a full life in the wild with other lions. His story shows the amazing bond between humans and animals. It also reminds us of the importance of kindness, respect for nature, and doing what’s best for the animals we love. Christian’s journey—from a London apartment to the African wilderness—is a beautiful example of love, responsibility, and the wild spirit of nature that connects us all.

14/03/2025

Our Programme for 2025.

29/07/2024

Aberdeen History Society outing. Travelled in Peace’s Coach to Keith and then on to the Keith & Dufftown Railway. Superb treatment and an excellent lunch at the sidings café. Went from the sublime to the ridiculous as we ventured on to Tomintoul. Most places were closed and I baulked at purchasing an ice cream in the 24° heat because the counter area was festooned with Union Jacks. Herded folk back on the bus and headed off via the Lecht to Ballater for a welcome refreshment. Scottish hospitality at its best and sadly also at its worst.