Clubs and societies were becoming more popular. The Boys' Brigade was formed in Glasgow in 1883 by William Smith, a Sunday School teacher. According to Fraser it was 'the first voluntary uniformed youth organisation'. The boys could learn many skills and work towards badges.This badge, which bears the coat of arms of Edinburgh, was awarded to members of the Boys' Brigade who helped run a rest hut for the army and navy between 1916-1919. The hut was sited at the foot of the Mound and it remained open continuously. It was staffed by the Boys' Brigade and provided meals as well as sleeping and washing facilities. Cinemas Dedicated cinemas were built from just before the First World War (1914-1918).This travelling show was typical of many that appeared in the early 1900s when great emphasis was placed on new technology - in this case the 'Life-Motion Pictures' (cinema) and the Traction Engine. The fact that electricity was used as a source of power was also played upon. The New Picture House opened in 1913 as one of Edinburgh's new 'refined' cinemas. Below is a photograph of the auditorium that was taken in 1914.The auditorium, with an elaborately coffered ceiling, had seating for almost 1,000 people. Its attractions included a full orchestra to accompany the silent films, and an air-conditioning system. Other leisure activities Travelling circuses were very popular.This poster is for John Scott's Royal British Circus. It emphasises its claim to quality by promoting its links with the Royal Family and its lack of vulgarity. It is promoting the 'modern' circus, which in this case includes a cinema presentation.As a major market town, Lanark was an attractive prospect for many travelling shows. Its location approximately midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh meant that shows received a larger audience than in many other similarly sized towns. In the Nineteenth century, fairs were common. In rural areas, there were agricultural fairs used for selling animals and hiring servants and farmworkers. Mining villages also held fairs. By the Twentieth century, fun fairs had replaced many of these.Below is an image which shows the Bo'ness Children's Fair in 1910. Crowds watch the procession, including the Boys' Brigade in short trousers and carrying rifles. One stall advertises 'The World's Newest Wonder'. Next to it is a ride driven by a traction engine and in front a fruit stall.The Fair was turned into a children's festival in 1897 to avoid the drunkenness associated with the traditional miners' holiday. Trips and holidays Far fewer people went away on holiday than today, but day trips were becoming very popular. This is a postcard of a steamer at Lochgoilhead, Argyllshire in 1912. It shows the passengers re-embarking for their voyage home as the sun sets behind the hills. They are probably going to the Broomielaw in Glasgow. The vessel is either one of the Lochlong and Lochgoil Company steamers.Glasgow is fortunate in being close to the Highlands. A steamer trip allowed people to get out of the polluted city to some fresh air. Relaxation was helped onboard by the quantity of whisky drunk. Soldiers fighting in the War also needed time to relax. Sports or sports days were a recognised way of occupying soldiers relaxation time and boosting morale. A picture can be seen below showing a group of soldiers by a river. Some of them are sitting on a bench while others stretch out on the bank. A makeshift boat and sail have been flung together and there are soldiers in it trying to paddle. The photograph's original caption reads, 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT. Tommies sport by a river whilst resting.'" />

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