Looking Back - Herald files

[Hughie]

From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on January 12, 2011

This edition of the Births, Marriages, Deaths and Files were already published as a text file see below:

Thanks to Tom AND George McGrattan for the original

[Hughie]

From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on January 19, 2011

150 YEARS AGO on January, 1861
THE members of Ardrossan Literary Society met in the Masonic Hall to celebrate the birth of Burns.

The brethren of the Mother Lodge, Kilwinning at their meeting the Honourable William Henry John North, of Lodge Apollo, University, Oxford, who was in due form received as an Adopted of the Ancient Mother of the Scottish Craft.

Mr Murchie, formerly of Irvine, has started a boat - building yard at The Braes, Saltcoats. There are two boat-building yards at The Braes.

Mr Thomas Chalmers, having taken over at Misk Farm, was generously treated to two days ploughing by his neighbours. Thirty-nine ploughs were in action on the Wednesday and twenty-seven on the Thursday.

The proper time of despatch of all mail from Ardrossan to West Kilbride is 6.30am, arriving in West Kilbride at Sarm.(?)

100 YEARS AGO on January, 1911
The Induction took place yesterday afternoon of the Rev G Buchanan, BD, to the pastorate of St Andrew's United Free Church, Dalry. The Rev James Dawson preached an impressive sermon and the Rev JCB Geddes, who presided, inducted and gave the charges.

The Anniversary Social of Saltcoats EU Congregational Church took place on Monday evening.

Last Friday in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court three Ayrshire workmen - Messrs Kenneth McNab, Thomas Brown and Daniel Campbell - who distinguished them- selves heroically some time ago by reason of their heroic conduct during at Nobel's explosives works, were publicly made the recipients of awards from the Carnegie Hero Fund.

50 YEARS AGO on January 27, 1961
When a colleague motoring on the back road from Irvine to Stevenson was approaching Todhill Farm the headlights of his car spotlighted a fox on the road but as he got closer to the animal it disappeared into a hedge.

Mr Owen Kelly, Hon Curator of the North Ayrshire Museum in Saltcoats, had a visit from Mr William Cuthbert, whose father was secretary of the Highland Land League. Mr Cuthbert, who had a minute book of the League in his possession, was making enquiries about Mr John Murdoch, a pioneer of the HLL, who died in Saltcoats in 1889.

Last week the pupils of primary 7B at Ardrossan Academy organised on their own initiative a sale of old toys, scraps storybooks, comics and gramophone records, in fact, anything considered saleable, including sugar, tablet etc.
The sale was duly advertised throughout the Academy by hand-printed bills and the youngsters succeeded in raising the sum of £9 138 6d for the Congo Relief Fund from their fellow pupils during the lunch break - a most commendable effort.

For some time the police have had reports about a man behaving in an unusual manner in Ardrossan and Saltcoats. It was rumoured that the police had taken a man into custody but this, according to the police, was not the case.

The new buildings erected in Saltcoats' shopping centre have improved the appearance of Dockhead street which, unfortunately, at certain points is much too narrow for the motor traffic using it.

25 YEARS AGO on January 31, 1986
The Jolly Roger will be flying over the most ambitious leisure development in decades. A Treasure Island theme park at Saltcoats Braes is the attraction which could bring tourists flocking back into the town. Plans for the £1.75M development have already been submitted to Cunninghame District Council and if it wins their backing the theme park will be open by Easter next year.

Treacherous road conditions on Wednesday morning caused a catalogue of accidents around Ayrshire. Fog. heavy frost and icy patches are being blamed.

The District Council has slapped a closing order on a house which was severely damaged by fire last weekend. The Environmental Health Department has placed the order on a house at 198 Glasgow Street which had been used to house DHSS homeless people. The large first-floor house had been converted to house more than eight homeless at one time with each bedroom having its own lock.

Vandals have caused more than £1000 of damage to the new Stanley Community Centre in Carrick Place, Ardrossan. Over several months the vandals have smashed wall tiles, stolen timber from the site, broken into the workmen's hats and caused damage to the inside of the community centre itself.

Stunned Saturday afternoon shoppers stood and watched as staff at Barclay's Butchers in Central Avenue, Ardrossan put out a fire-and did nothing to help as they battled to douse the blaze. After the flames were put out, customers continued to queue for their meat, said a Fire Brigade spokesman.

Thanks to Tom AND George McGrattan for the original

[down south]

What were the new buildings erected in Saltcoats' shopping centre, which so improved the appearance of Dockhead Street ? Well , firstly there was Corner Duncan's new shop, which was mentioned a few weeks ago. Then I would guess at Harris's electrical emporium, at the other end of the street; and possibly also the new shop of Co-op Hardware. I think it's a little too early for the building that housed Templeton's supermarket and the Electricity Board showroom, because I remember , just, the shops that were there before it, which I don't with these others. You have to remember I was only 4 at the time of this report !

Susan

[meekan]

I can’t remember a co-op hardware shop in Dockhead Street. Where was it?

[wellparkno9]

looking at the Braes Bar,it was to the right.

[Hughie]

From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on January 26, 2011

150 YEARS AGO on February, 1861
A WORKING man, Angus Phail, in four hours' fishing at the Quay End, Ardrossan, by means of a rod and line, secured twenty-three dozen coding

Kilwinning annual Winning's Day Fair did not bring the same show of cattle as in former years. The fair which used to be an important one in the country, will soon be numbered among the things dust were.

At a meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association in West Kilbride, Mr. D Cunningham jun, Chapchen????? read an extract from a sermon lately published on the Reformation.

A new barque, lunched from Bar and Shearer's yard, Ardrossan was christened Nyasa by Mon Kelso, Glasgow, daughter of the owner,

Stevenson curlers had a good day's sport on Ashgrove Loch. Saltcoats' new bowling green is in course of construction.

100 YEARS AGO on February 3, 1911
Irvine Burgh School Board met last Monday after- noon and appointed Mr Peter Morris<?>, FUIS, Rector of Irvine Royal Academy in place of Colonel Stuart.

At the annual social and business meeting of the Trinity United Free Church, Saltcoats last Thursday the office-bearers were elected.

The annual general meeting of Beith Liberal Association was held in the Club Room on Thursday evening, with the office bearers for the coming year being elected.

50 YEARS AGO on February 3, 1961
Last weekend a bus disappeared from a garage in Montgomerie Street , Ardrossan and was found abandoned in the North Crescent.

The remains of the tug that went aground on Horse Island some time ago have slipped off the rocks into deep water and are no danger to shipping.

Three young men who have not seen each other since their schooldays were reunited in Aden recently. They are Jim Lee whose father lives at Whitecraigs Road, Ardrossan, Murray McWhirter whose mother lives at Barrie Terrace, Ardrossan and Flying Officer Alec Smith of Argyle Road, Saltcoats. Alec Smith, who was born at Whiting Bay, Arran, is stationed at RAF Khormaksar Aden. He is a pilot on the RAF's giant Beverley transport aircraft.
Before joining the Royal Air Force, Alec took a BSc at St Andrew's University and was employed as a chemist with ICI. His father Mr Charles Smith, owns a newsagent's business in Springvale Street.
Murray McWhirter, formerly a Merchant Navy office, now works for International Aeradio, servicing the radio equipment of the many ships which call in at the busy Aden port He has been in Aden for two years. With Murray in Aden are his wife, the former Miss Jean Chestnut, of Cunninghame Road, Saltcoats and their two young children.
Jim Lee arrived in Aden in November to take up an appointment with the Air Ministry is an information officer.

As reported in The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald his fine novel, The Big Shot, was recently published. Tim will shortly begin reading his book on Aden Radio in the "Book at Bedtime" slot. His wife Betty is now at sea route to join him with their pet Labrador dog Satch.
Alex Murray and Jim meet once a week in the open- air Jungle Bar at the Offices Mess in RAF Khormaksar to talk over old times. According to Jim the topics of conversation range from Winton Rovers to the late Peter Brugi's "back shop.

25 YEARS AGO on February 7, 1986
A peak hour passenger had a shattering experience on the 7pm Ardrossan to Ayr bus on Tuesday night when vandals stoned an AA bus as it travelled Kilwinning
One window was smashed in the double-decker bus, injuring a downstairs passenger who was struck by a stone and flying glass, He was taken to Crosshouse Hospital and released after being treated for minor injuries

An attempt to burn down Winton Rovers' wooden stand this week was foiled by the quick thinking of an anonymous person but vandals still managed to cause around £400 worth of damage. Ardrossan Fire Brigade were called out to attend the fire on Sunday afternoon when they received an anonymous call.
A spokesman said: "Underneath the stand they have a store where they keep lawnmowers and nets Someone broke into it and set fire to the lawnmower by pouring petrol over them and lighting matches."

An angry official has accused company bosses of lying after 34 workers were issued with redundancy notices.
A storm of protest blew up on Thursday when employees of the Metallic Manufacturing Company, Ardrossan were told there was not enough work to justify a full staff. Transport and General Workers Union district officer Harry O'Neill says the workforce have been "hoodwinked".

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original

[Hughie]

From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on February 8, 2011

150 YEARS AGO on February, 1861
THE fine villa in South Crescent, Ardrossan belonging to Mrs Graham was exposed for sale at Glasgow and was purchased by Mrs Watson for a trifle more than £2000.

A detachment of the Volunteer Artillery from Glasgow practised at Ardrossan Battery for several hours.

At a sale of cats which took place at Overton, West Kilbride, the total sum obtained was £99 10s. The whole stock was sold to Mr Archibald Workman, Ardrossan.

A ball was held in the New Inn, Lagg. Arran to celebrate the 50th birthday of His Grace the Duke of Hamilton. Dancing started at 8pm and lasted until early in the morning.

100 YEARS AGO on February 17, 1911
On Friday evening a number of Liberals met in the Lesser Town Hall, Saltcoats for the purpose of forming a branch of the Young Scots Society in the district.

Mr Kenneth McNab, who was recently honoured for his heroism in connection with the accident at Ardeer Factory in which Richard Morgan lost his life through suffocation by poisonous fumes, has now achieved the high distinction of being awarded the King's Award for Bravery.

Last Sunday evening the Rev Berry Preston BD, who has acted as assistant parish minister in Stevenston for the last 16 months, preached his farewell sermon prior to his departure for Blackpore, near Calcutta, where he is taking up an interim appointment.

The fortieth anniversary of Mount Moriah Lodge No. 301 LO.G.T. was celebrated at a social meeting in the Lesser Hall, Kilbirnie on Friday night.

50 YEARS AGO on February 17, 1950
A Saltcoats man has received a football, size number five, autographed by stage, television and radio stars, and also by some well-known sportsmen. Kenneth McKellar, Jack Radcliff, Eric Brown, George Young. Billy Simpson, Nancy Rae, Alistair McHarg, Ian Black, Jack Milroy, John Little and Richard Dimbleby are only a few of the names on the ball. The man would like to sell the ball he does not approve of raffles and send the proceeds to a deserving children's home.

Some people in Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, have had their milk bottles stolen from their doorsteps. The bottles in some instances were for aged people. This is a mean type of theft, and a watch is being kept for the guilty persons.

A seabird which was brought into Ardrossan Police Station covered with black oil was taken away by a representative of the RSPCA to have its feathers cleaned before being given its freedom.

The large sum of money found in Saltcoats last week has not been claimed. A considerable sum of money was reported lost in Ardrossan on Tuesday but so far it has not been handed in at the Police Station.

An Ardrossan family sitting quietly in their home the other night were alarmed when one of their windows was cracked by a stone. When they went to investigate, the culprit had disappeared into the darkness.

25 YEARS AGO on February 21, 1986
A£1.5 million investment by a Kilwinning firm could create as many as 130 new jobs. Industrial Clothing Services Ltd of West Byrehill already employs more than 200 and is set to double its office capacity and expand its factory floorspace following a move into the fashion industry. The six-year-old firm is already a leader in traditional laundry services to industry and commerce and houses Europe's largest single dry-cleaning installation.

Council tenants will have to pay £1.64 a week more to keep a roof over their heads following the first rents increase in three years. Angry councillors say the blame for the rise lies with Mrs Thatcher's Government.

The Three Towns Festival Committee have pulled out all the stops to ensure that this year's event repeats the success of previous years. Scottish Ballet and the Glasgow Phoenix Choir are among the visitors.

Several schools in North Ayrshire were hit by EIS teachers' strike action on Wednesday. Following up on their one-day strike last week, Educational Institute of Scotland members at Auchenharvie Academy, Stevenston, St Andrew's Academy in Saltcoats and Kilwinning Academy were not teaching in their classrooms.

Electrification schedules for the Glasgow to Ayr and Ardrossan railway lines are ahead of target. West Kilbride and Ardrossan regional councillor Richard Wilkinson has greeted the news enthusiastically -but is still pressing for a statement on what is to happen to the line from Ardrossan's South Beach station to the ferry terminal.

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original

[Penny Tray]

This previous post describes the incident in which Kenneth McNab was heroically involved: -

GLASGOW HERALD
11 FEBRUARY 1911

A BRAVE SCOTTISH WORKMAN

Last night's "LONDON GAZETTE" states that his Majesty has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal of the second class to Kenneth McNab, under the following circumstances: -

McNab is an assistant foreman fitter in the factory of Messrs Nobel's Explosives Factory at Ardeer in Ayrshire.

On November 11, 1910, a man named Richard Morgan was repairing an electric wire on the top floor of a four-storey building when he was overcome by poisonous fumes given off by an overflow of acid on the ground floor. The fumes, which were dense and suffocating, soon filled the building, and McNab and two other workmen went up an outside staircase provided for cases of emergency, in search of Morgan, but receiving no reply to their shouts descended. McNab then, learning from other workmen that Morgan was on the roof, went up the staircase again, but without success. The sound of breaking glass and shouts were heard from the top floor, and McNab went up for the third time, and succeeded in entering the room where Morgan was. Crawling on his hands and knees he managed to grasp Morgan's hand and drag him out to the landing where he obtained assistance in carrying Morgan downstairs.

McNab showed presence of mind and persistent bravery in face of danger, though his efforts to save Morgan's life were unfortunately unavailing, as Morgan succumbed after some hours to the effect of poisonous fumes.

[Hughie]

From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on February 16, 2011

150 YEARS AGO on February, 1861
PROPOSED public hearse for Ardrossan. The Town's Games Fund was handed over to the Hearse Committee and workers in Barr and Shearer's shipyard and on the railway are contributing to the fund.

Mr Robert Boyd, Gateside, Beith, a pupil teacher in he parish school, was successful in the Government Training at the Established Training College, Glasgow. Mr Boyd gained a 2nd Class (2nd Division) Government Certificate and work at £21 10s yearly.

The launch of a sloop and four smacks in one day from Mr Joseph Russell's shipyard, Ardrossan was celebrated by the carpenters in a ball at Mrs Jamieson's Hall.

Ardrossan Coursing Club ran off the following races The Ardrossan Cup, The Harbour Cup, the Pavilion Stakes and the Sapling Stakes.

100 YEARS AGO on February 24, 1911
The office-bearers were appointed at the annual general meeting of Saltcoats Unionist Club.

Last Friday and in the early hours of Saturday, North Ayrshire was subjected to an incessant downpour of rain which caused flooding in Irvine and Dreghorn to an extent which has not been equalled within the memory of some of its oldest citizens.

At the annual social of St John's UF Church, Ardrossan, held in the Church on Tuesday, the Rev RM Anderson presiding, an enjoyable musical programme was sustained by Mrs Rees, Miss Florence Barr, Miss Wylie, Miss Macara and Miss Beckett.

The membership of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Golf Club is steadily rising, the number of ticket-holders now being 150.

Mr RL Alpine, formerly of Ardrossan, has been elected chairman of the Combined Unionist Association of Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay.

50 YEARS AGO on February 24, 1961
Abandonment of Ardrossan Town Council on Castle Hill was unsuccessfully moved by Police Judge Wm Currie at Monday night's meeting of the Council. He received no seconder for his motion. "I can't see a putting green paying its way, at any time, on Castle Hill," he said.

Fireplaces in new houses being built at Burns Terrace in Ardrossan have been damaged by vandals and several windows have also been broken. The police are investigating this matter.

A Stevenston man stopped one of our reporters this week and expressed himself very forcibly about Saltcoats Town Council not having erected some kind of memorial to Captain Betsy Miller of the brig Clytus Miss Miller died in May 1864 and was a very famous captain indeed in her day.

Saltcoats Town Council have built a bus stop at the shelter at the top of Countess Street. A shelter was certainly needed at this particular spot to protect people from the works of the weather.


25 YEARS AGO on February 28, 1986
The spectre of redundancy which has been hanging over Ardrossan Harbour's workforce struck this week with the loss of five jobs. And there was more bad news on the way as McCrindle Shipbuilders laid off seven employees and Norce Fabrication is believed to have slashed its staff to seven.

Labour councillors have hurled a volley of disgust at a Tory colleague - after he launched an attack on an official's ability to play fair on a massive new jobs prospect. Fairlie councillor John Riddell accused the district's planning chief of wearing two hats on the issue of oil rig company UIE's recent proposal that they set up in business at Hunterston.

Electronics form IBM and their Industry Department for Scotland have been slammed for turning their backs on the Metallic Manufacturing Company in Ardrossan. Prospective Labour Parliamentary Candidate Brian Wilson wrote to both of them informing them of recent redundancies at the Dalry Road Factory.

The devastation caused by hunger and starvation has been witnessed at first hand by Cunninghame North MP John Corrie. He has just returned from a week in Somalia -one of the worst-hit drought-stricken countries-and reported to the Inter-Parliamentary Union on his trip. Starving people have to be fed- and quickly said Mr Corrie. But the agricultural structure of Somalia has been so destroyed that a vast effort will have to be made to regenerate basic agricultural industry.

The new alterative to prison sentences has arrived in Ayrshire. Community Service Orders, first brought to Scotland in 1978, have now been brought in across the county. They are described as a viable alterative to custodial sentences imposed by Sheriff Courts. Instead of being sent to prison, offenders may be sentenced to carry out work of benefit to the community.

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original

[down south]

Surprised to learn that the bus shelter at the top of Countess Street was new within my time; I thought it had always been there. It was certainly needed !

There is of course a blue plaque now in honour of Betsy Miller, and a housing block named after her most famous ship; but if Bobby Lennox can have a statue put up to him in Saltcoats , why not Betsy ?

Susan

[meekan]

The bus stop mentioned was next to the down stairs toilet block and did not have a shelter. The smelly toilet bock itself is long gone but I’m not sure when the bus stop moved a few yards along the road towards Green Street. Maybe it was when the shelter was erected????

[Penny Tray]

I agree with Meekan. Certainly in the 1960s, the only thing that was located in the middle of the wide bell-mouth junction was the substantial red brick public toilet. There was no bus shelter, and I'm not even sure if there was a pole with a bus stop sign, but either way it was the busiest bus stop in the three towns. You used to worry, and it sometimes happened, that you wouldn't get on the first bus to come along because it became overcrowded, and you would have to wait for the next one. I was always going to Ardrossan, but I used to wonder where 'SALTCOATS NEW ENGLAND' was. There was always a mad scramble for that one. I've never thought about it before, but why was there an area in Saltcoats called New England?