‘OLD Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath’ is being held at the Lochgelly Centre next month, and homegrown business, the Purvis Group, have thrown their support behind the event while remembering their own history.

The talk will feature a mix of old photographs and postcards as well as vintage film footage, including a slideshow on Cowdenbeath and archive film footage of Lochgelly, as well as music. The Purvis Group are supporting the event, and are making tickets available to local schools so that the children can learn more about their history and heritage.

Bob Garmory, business development manager at Purvis Group, told the Times why it was so important for them to get involved.

“Bob Purvis was approached by the organisers and asked whether he’d support getting a show on at Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath,” he explained, “Bob is Lochgelly born and bred and is very interested in the town in which he grew up.

“He immediately like the idea and fully supports it. On the night itself Bob will play host to invited guests, including business people, family and friends and local politicians. He hopes as many people as possible will come along and awaken memories of what Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath were. He’s keen to see the Lochgelly he grew up with and see what else is on show.” ‘Old Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath’ takes place on Wednesday 19th November with a matinee performance at 2pm and an evening show at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Lochgelly Centre box office on 01592 583303.

While the ‘Old Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath’ show might be a look to the past, the nature of Purvis Group’s family-owned business means that the company have their own history - and future - to reflect on.

The Purvis Group was formed in 1980, and at that time Robert Purvis Plant Hire was just a portacabin site on Cartmore Road. Bob’s father, with whom he shares his name, and his wife Ella set up the business and in the past 34 years it has grown significantly while remaining true to its roots in Lochgelly.

“We would never leave here, it would never happen,” said Bob Garmory, business development manager. “We’re very committed to the area and over the years been heavily involved in lots of activities locally. We sponsor Lochgelly Albert’s shirt and it’s probably the longest, continuous shirt sponsor for any football club in the country.” Over quarter of a century.

The Purvis Group also has a long association with Lochgelly High School, and through Bob’s daughter Lynne they encourage involvement and support the school’s employability programme. They offer the pupils help with CVs, mock interviews and placements, and attended an event last year where a pilot from British Airways made a presentation to the pupils. “There’s only four schools in the UK that BA work with and one of them is Lochgelly,” said Mr Garmory, who is passionate about the group’s connections with the high school. “It’s a chance to support local education and to contribute to the well-being of the area. We feel quite strongly about breaking the cycle. It’s the best way to raise aspiration and expectation and we ask the youngsters ‘can we help you?’ If every year the kids are attaining a bit more because of our help, it will make a difference. It’s the big thing that everyone is very proud to be involved in.” From the past to the future - Mr Garmory points out that Purvis Group always was and will remain family-orientated. Bob’s son Craig has a high profile role and drives the recycling and plant hire business, while daughter Lynne is the HR director. Even Bob’s grandsons are among the apprentices working for the group.

“It is important to Bob that his grandkids get grounding in the business,” said Mr Garmory.

“They all work hard in the business and have to do their job! They’ve got their granddad and dad looking over their shoulders all the time. It’s good for the continuity of the future of the company.

“Bob’s son and daughter have aspirations of continued growth and likewise his four grandkids. They are all looking to push further so Bob can’t sit on his laurels!”