Through the good offices of Messrs Sandilands and Smith, a field and two derelict farm cottages were made available to the club at Bankton Mains farm. It was a proviso that the cattle and sheep still had the grazing rights on the field during the week. It was not unusual for some cattle to view the training rituals whilst chewing the cud. Many were the varied comments by visiting players when they found out what lay among the tall grass.

The cottages were knocked into rough and ready changing and shower facilities by voluntary labour. Bryn Ebdon, joinery; Jack Lauder and Tom Baxter, electrical; Kenny Campbell, plastering and brickwork; Jim McMahon and me, plumbing. The latter two were ably assisted by Doctor Ross Munro. Others helped with the painting. The showers were purchased from the National Coal Board for Â£10.00 and sold off later by ourselves for Â£25.00

The rugby posts were four pine trees that were donated by the L.D.C..

Even this early, we yearned for a proper clubhouse, and it was with great enthusiasm that we set about dismantling the old wooden building that was the Ministry of Labour Office in Whitburn Road, Bathgate. This was donated to us by a benefactor, Mr Norman Pratt. He was a builder that had the contract for the demolition. The offer was providing that we did the job ourselves. Duly done, he stored the building for us, but it never saw the light of day again. Can't help feeling he knew what it was about.

Photo on the right Last game of sason 1968 - 1969

Standing L to R, Jim Irvine, Bill Henderson, Pete Lawson, Tom Baxter, Alwyn O'Neill, Tom Taylor, Ian Downes, Jm Sandilands (Ref), John Ritchie.

Front L to R: Kenny Campbell, Ian Wilson (Captain), Bryn Ebdon, Jack Nixon, Rab Denholm, Alan Kenny, John Stewart.