THE centenary of Cardenden Boxing Club was celebrated in the best possible way on Saturday night when a packed hall at the Bowhill Centre heard stories about the club managed to develop to produce international fighters.

The development of the club was closely aligned with the pits of the ABCD villages and long time club secretary and former Scottish champion, Bill Burns, has been busy over the past few months alongside President George McIntyre and treasurer Sharon Abercrombie.

In addressing the company Bill said: "Boxing as we know it began in the village in 1919 just after the First World War and became an active part of the community and was a solid place for young people to learn the skills of the noble art.

"This was due to the total commitment of a few dedicated volunteers both as coaches and officials and included Kenny Herd, Jimmy Gardiner, Tom Carruthers, John Mitchell, Peter Munn and many more.

"However, without the support of the local coal fields it might never have progressed. As the miners clubs developed local championships came about under the banner of the Fife and Clackmannan Miners Boxing Championships. However, as the local pits started to close in the 1960s families began to move to the English coalfields.

"The local club still operated during this difficult time and produced many champions.

"The club had continued to develop over the years and produced a huge amount of championship boxers at District level, national level and even some participated at the Commonwealth Games".

Bill remembered many funny stories from the history of the club which had the gathering laughing.

Among the championship winners, were Bill, who lifted the Scottish Light Middleweight title; Barry Laidlaw, the Scottish Light Middleweight title; Davey Adams, who win a Scottish title; Scottish Youth title winners, Joe Park and George McIntyre; while Pete Munn won an East District belt.

Among who won caps for Scotland were Bill Burns, Joe Park, Pete Munn and Jim Izzard.

Also at the event were guests from St Mary's Boxing Club, Derry; and the Bulkington Club, in London, which had brought teams to compete in memorable contests at Cardenden.

TV presenter Billy Kay hosted Saturday's event with 200 people at the Bowhill Centre, including CABC members over many decades. There were also several presentations made during the evening.

David Wardle's pictures look back at the evening.