This was a chance to build upon the event that we had in May, and just like that day, the range of stories, memories, and opinions about witch-related themes was great. It was a pleasure to listen to people just chatting away, not only about some specific points relating to the historical story, but also meore generally about how much the story means to Paisley, and indeed wider Renfrewshire.

One point of discussion was the famous story of the horseshoe. There was much debate about the original beliefs and superstitions that made people place this object above the grave. Some people on the day spoke about how they have their own collection of horseshoes as well! But don't worry, they don't have witches buried in their garden. It did show, however, that some beliefs and supersitions continue through the generations, although the meanings behind them, and the power of the associations, do change. Someone recalled a story about workmen who lifted the horseshoe when the road at Maxwellton Cross was being repaired in the early 1980's, and were about to throw the horseshoe away, until a woman, who must have been watching from her window, ran into the street to save it. If anyone knows who this woman was, please let us know! Others then said, aha! that's why the thread mills started to close, then!

Religious beliefs were central to the original story of the Renfrewshire Witch Hunt, and some people were keen to point out the influence that these had at the time, and how they have changed dramatically over the years. One of our guests remembered the stories that her grandmother used to tell her abou the devil when she was little. 'You were just told to believe it' she said.

We also chatted about Christian Shaw, especially the extent to which what was said about her experiences really did happen. Most people felt that she could not have experienced everything that was reported about her. But then, as someone else said, how did all of the adults who were involved, unanimously come to the same conclusions, and offer consistent evidence? This is an example of how great this story is. There are so many points to debate.

One thing that was unanimously agreed upon (apart from just how warm it was in Paisley that day!) was the importance of this story to the local community. It perhaps hasn't been promoted, or preserved, as well as it could have been in the past. Certainly, people have rarely been given a chance to have their say, to offer their opinion, and to have their voice heard. Together, we are beginning to change that.