Looking Back - Herald files

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on September 7, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on September 4, 1908
AT THE annual meeting of Saltcoats Swimming Club last Friday, office-bearers appointed were: Pres, Bailie RS Brown; Vice-President, Bailie Christie; treasurer, Percy Greig: secretary, H Gaul; committee - Messrs JL Myers, D McCall, Ex-Baille Miller, RH Watt, G Tumbull, John Miller, James Beattie, William Mathieson, Andrew Serv. ice, JB Mathieson, James Miller Junior, Joseph Keys, Andrew Fleck, Robert Borland, Alex McCall, Hugh Hunter and William Morrison.

ON Saturday last the pond at Saltcoats was occupied by a few of the Glasgow swimming clubs who held their annual captaincy, and other races.

THE ancient parade and races of Beith Cadgers took place Tuesday. Accompanied by Beith Instrumental Band, the procession paraded the streets and in the afternoon racing took place at Hill O' Beith.

THE Ayrshire Amateur Brass Band Championship competition was held last Saturday in the grounds of Place, Kilbirnie; Saltcoats band being placed second in the second section.

DALRY Public Hall was occupied last Friday by Mr John Clyde and his Company who presented the play The Manxman to a large and enthusiastic audience.

THE cycle race for the West Kilbride Merchants Cup was run last Saturday over two miles, the winners being: 1. John Brand: 2, T Muir: 3, A Wilson

50 YEARS AGO on September 5, 1958
AN EXPLOSION at Ardeer Factory, Stevenston, on Friday morning of last week shook five neighbouring towns - but apart from a few cases of shock or slight cuts no one at the factory was injured. A spokesman at the Nobel Division HQ in Glasgow said that the explosion had not occurred in any of the factory's process buildings but in a magazine in which explosives were being stored. After the mishap a pall of smoke hung over the blasting area of the factory and many anxious wives and mothers of workers watched it from Stevenson shore. It could also be seen from Irvine and from Ardrossan.

Several women gathered at the factory gate anxious for news, and three local clergymen were among people who called to offer their assistance if the incident were particularly serious. The blast shook windows and houses in neighbouring towns and one woman in Stevenston was standing outside her home with her child, holding a teddy bear, when the toy was blown out of her hand. In Kilwinning windows rattled and several in houses in houses in the vicinity of Eglinton Place were reported to have been broken. At Irvine, the blast was felt by people out shopping and here, too, windows shook violently, and eyes turned towards Ardeer. Housewives in Saltcoats and Ardrossan ran into the streets on hearing the explosion, and many people, fearing a disaster, phoned Ardeer Factory and local police stations.

MESSRS Fisher and Sons, Saltcoats, have completed the demolishing of the buildings at Stanley Farm, Ardrossan. They have started to demolish the Co-operative stables behind the Post Office, in Glasgow Street This building has in turn been a tenement, a printing work, engineering shop, masonic lodge, Joiner's shop, plumber's shop and stables. This firm are also demolishing a tenement building in Kilmahew Street.

THE attempt to beat the world's record for piano playing is, at the time of writing (Thursday) still in progress at Saltcoats Beach Pavilion Nineteen-year-old Glenn Dale, who was one of the artistes in the summer show at the Pavilion, and who began his piano-playing marathon at 9am on Monday moming, will require to continue playing until 10.30pm tomorrow (Saturday) to equal the existing record of 133 hours. He hopes to be able to beat the record by another half hour. Glen does not have to play all the time, but may of course, relax by merely playing one or two notes. He is maintaining his interest by playing requests for members of the public and enjoys conversing with sympathetic patrons.

25 YEARS AGO on September 9, 1983
A FORMER Army bomb disposal expert was rushed to hospital on Friday after a blast at Nobel's Explosives plant in Stevenston. Brian Reid (54) had his left arm ripped open, two fingers badly smashed and suffered shrapnel wounds to his face when a detonator when he was inspecting exploded. Mr Reid who lives at 27 Norman Crescent, Irvine has worked with explosives for the last 33 years and received the George Medal for his bomb disposal work during hostilities in Malaysia.

His wife Elizabeth said: "During the war when we were living in Hong Kong. I used to keep the phone near my bed, worrying that something might happen while he was defusing a bomb. "I never thought anything like this would happen after we moved back to Irvine." After the accident, Mr Reid was taken to North Ayrshire District General Hospital for emergency treatment to his injuries. This week he was said by a hospital spokesman to be doing fine". A spokesman for Nobel's Explosives said an inquiry had been launched to find the cause of the accident. A laboratory, in which the detonators were housed, was extensively damaged in the blast.

BOMB disposal experts rushed to Arran on Thursday to defuse a mine which was found outside Lamlash Bay the previous day. The fishing boat Mayflower discovered the mine at 2pm on Wednesday and, under instruction from the Coastguard, took it into the mouth of the Bay where it was slowly and carefully dropped into the water and marked with a buoy. As we went to press the bomb disposal team was travelling to the island and it was not known if the mine was still live.

CUNNINGHAME South MP David Lambie is all set to defy his own constituency Labour Party in the forthcoming leadership election. On Sunday, Cunninghame South Constituency Labour Party took the decision to support Neil Kinnock for leader and left-winger Michael Meacher for deputy leader.
But only two days after the meeting, Mr Lambie insisted he will not toe the Constituency Labour Party line. Instead he will be voting for the socalled dream ticket of Roy Hattersley as leader and Neil Kinnock as deputy. It is the first time since the formation of the new constituency that Mr Lambie and his local labour Party workers have come to "blows".

ARRAN Police are keeping a close watch on the island's shores. Last Thursday at 3pm a trawler was reported to be fishing illegally off Catacol and the police were asked to keep watch over it. They reported to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and a fisheries protection boat was sent to scan the coast. This is the second ...

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on September 10, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on September 11, 1908
A BODY to be known as the Ardrossan Musical Society was formed at a meeting held on Wednesday evening. Mr J. W. Blythe was elected president: Mr Wm. Harvey, Vice-President, and Mr McMurray and Mr D. Harvey, secretary and treasurer respectively.

AT the annual meeting of Saltcoats Horticultural Society office bearers elected were: President, Dr Campbell; vice President, Mr R. Blakely: joint secretaries, Messrs F. M. Fowlie and Wilson Wylie; treasurer, Mr James H. Orr. It was suggested that the three horticultural societies - Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston - should amalgamate as the Ardrossan show had collapsed and the Stevenston one was dying, but it was agreed to await an approval being made by the other societies.

A PUBLIC meeting was held in Ardrossan Town Hall on Tuesday when Provost Harvey presented the Royal Humane Society bronze medal to Mr Amand R. Muir, postman, for his bravery in attempting to rescue two lads from drowning in April.

AT a bakers' exhibition in London, Messrs Park Bros., Stevenston, have been highly commended for machine-made bread.

OFFICE-BEARERS elected at the annual meeting of Stevenston Literary and Debating Society were: President, Mr W. Gibson; vice-Presidents, Captain H. Wallace and Mr Adam Wilson, jun.. secretary, Mr J. M. Brown; treasurer, Mr A. C. Hamilton; committee, Messrs Wm. Sommerville, J. Forsyth, H. Banks, Andrew Steele, J. Morrison, James Green, Alex Green and John Downard.

THE annual tournament at Ardrossan Bowling Green was won by J. Barclay, who defeated J. Lambert in the final by 11 shots to three. The presidents prize at Saltcoats Green was won by A. Thom, who defeated Peter Reilly by one shot


50 YEARS AGO on September 12, 1958
THE Isle of Man passenger steamers make their last run of the season from Ardrossan tomorrow (Saturday) at 3:30pm. After Saturday the Arran steamer will be the only vessel carrying passengers from Ardrossan.

LAST week's attempt in the Beach Pavilion, Saltcoats, by 19-year-old Glasgow pianist, Glen Dale, to beat the World's non-stop piano playing record failed when Glen collapsed within an hour of reaching the present world record total of 133 hours. He had been playing continuously since 9am on Monday. The event attracted a great deal of attention in the town, and formed a major topic of conversation during the week. Opinion as to Glen's chances seemed about equally divided, but there was unanimous sympathy for him when he was forced to give up. and many women burst into tears when they heard the news.

When Glen collapsed, the Pavilion lessee, Mr Eddie Williams, attempted to revive him, and due to the excited feelings prevalent in the hall it appeared that some of the audience misunderstood Mr Williams' motive and there were angry shouts. The hall was cleared, but a disturbance continued outside until Glen Dale was assisted onto the balcony and explained that Mr Williams had acted on instructions from himself.

THE General Purposes Sub-Committee reported at Tuesday's meeting of the Education Committee of Ayr County Council that a letter was submitted by the Scottish Educational Department intimating approval of the proposal to provide a new Roman Catholic Junior Secondary School at Fudstone, Kilbirnie, to replace the existing St. Bridget's R.C. J.S. School, Kilbirnie, and suggesting that the basic accommodation should be as follows; seven primary classrooms and one for backward pupils, two secondary classrooms, one room each for arts and crafts, housecraft, housewifery, science, woodwork/metalwork, and gymnasium hall, general purpose room and Iibrary amongst others. The contents of the letter were noted and the suggestion as to basic accommodation was adopted

AYRSHIRE is soon to have a collection of more than 1000 photographs and prints giving a historic pictorial record of the country. Ayr Carnegie Public Library Committee, with Provost Wm. S. Lanham as chairman, have obtained 600 photographs and prints of Ayrshire taken by the late Mr Hugh Thompson, photographer, Annbank Station. These are being added to 400 other photo graphs of the county to form the new collection. The new pictures will add to the library's already extensive collection, started some years ago by former Ayr librarian, Mr D. E. Edward, Dundee.

25 YEARS AGO on September 16, 1983
ARDROSSAN-BASED McCrindle Shipbuilding has clinched an order to build two ferries for the Clyde. But news of the £468,000 contract from Strathclyde Region comes after a major set-back in an earlier bid for another vessel The McCrindle company had all but won a contract to build a ferry for the Shetlands when a competing foreign yard received a Government subsidy.

"Our price was competitive, our tender presentation was the best and our delivery was the best in as much as we could start cutting steel right away," says managing director Bill McCrindle. Just when it looked that McCrindle's would get the contract over opposition from four other British yards and three from Holland and Norway, a Norwegian yard came up with a Government subsidy.

OVER a quarter of Princes Street in Ardrossan could be demolished unless Cunninghame District Council stumps up at least £100,000. Five tenement blocks are in such a bad state that they are unlikely to remain standing for more than two years. They incorporate nine flats and eight commercial premises, including the Winton Bar and the newly refurbished Clydesdale Bank. The bill for major repairs to the property is expected to total over £250,000 Cunninghame District Council recognised the need for repairs at 46/72 Princes Street as long ago as 1979, when they designated the property a housing action area for improvement.

CURRIE Court residential and sheltered housing unit for the elderly was officially opened on Tuesday by Dan McMillan, regional councillor for Ardrossan. The new centre in Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, was named after William Currie who was Provost of Ardrossan between 1961-67. He was also accorded the honour of Freeman of the Burgh in 1973. In his welcoming speech, Mr Albert Long, chairman of the social work department of Strathclyde Regional Council, paid tribute to the work Mr Currie had done over the years for the town.

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on September 17, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on September 18, 1908
A DANCE run by the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston cab men and chauffeurs was held last Friday in Saltcoats Town Hall.

THERE are at present 111 unoccupied houses in Irvine. of a rental of £836 3s.

LAST Friday and Saturday, the four-act musical drama "My Irish Girl" was reproduced in the League of the Cross Hall, Saltcoats, by St. Mary's New Juvenile Dramatic Club. The play was written by a member of the society, Mr John McLoren.

LAST Monday a sale of horses and "here ye are's" took place on the Braes, Saltcoats, under the auspices of Messrs James and Andrew Murray, carriage hirers. 25 horses were exposed for sale at prices ranging from three to 20 guineas.

THE total rates fixed by Saltcoats Town Council amount to 3/11 d, an increase last year of 1d.

STEVENSTON School Board have appointed Mr James Scorgie to Kyleshill School and Mr James Gilmour to Stevenston School.

50 YEARS AGO on September 19, 1958
THE platforms at South Beach Railway Station Ardrossan, are at present being repaired. The full length of both platforms will be laid with asphalt except for nine feet from the boundary wall which it is stated, will be filled in with earth.

ACCORDING to Press reports a shore establishment necessary for the operation and maintenance of an anti-submarine boom to safeguard North Atlantic Treaty Organisation naval forces is to be built on the Ayrshire coast, probably at Fairlie. Work will be completed by the end of 1961, and it is believed locally that the channel between Fairlie and Cumbrae, a mile and a half across the Clyde, is to be an anchorage for ships of the NATO. fleet and that a boom will be made for their protection.

THE Glasgow motor vessel, Turquoise (279 tons), bound from Rouma in Finland to Ardrossan with a cargo of timber was on Tuesday night involved in a collision in dense fog a few miles northwest of Stroma island with the Granton trawler. TL Devin. The Turquoise sustained slight damage to its starboard quarter, and the helmsman, it is understood, was slightly injured.

FRIDAY of last week was "Irish Night in the Town Hal, Ardrossan, when, to a capacity audience, Peggy O'Neill presented her dancing team and celebrities The O'Neil School of Dancing gave an outstanding display of traditional Irish dances, despite the platform being too small to allow full scope to their undoubted talent. Jack Cruise, popular light entertainer, delighted and amused everyone with his seemingly inexhaustible store of humorous tall-tales and anecdotes and Birdie Gallagher held the audience enthralled by her singing She comes from Donegal and sings with great feeling and sincerity the traditional songs of her native land.

YOUNG persons who are at present setting off squibs should be careful not to injure any person. They should also remember that dogs are terrified by the noise.

THE budget meetings of Ardrossan and Saltcoats Town Councils were held on Monday night. At Ardrossan the rates were fixed at 24s 6d in the £. including a domestic water rate of 1/6d. This was no change in the total rates from last year. Al Saltcoats the rates were feed at 23s in the £, including a domestic water rate of 8d. This was a total increase of 2s 8d.

WHAT might be termed a historic event in the development of a well-known food processing company, which by the way, has its roots in Ayrshire, occurred last Friday afternoon in appropriately historic surroundings. The occasion was the official opening by the Rt. Hon the Earl of Eglinton and Winton, T.D., D.L. of a new food canning factory at Eglinton Park, Kilwinning, belonging to Messrs Robert Wilson and Sons (Est. 1849). Lid.

25 YEARS AGO on September 23, 1983
TWO Stevenston brothers risked their lives this week to end a pet dog's nine-day ordeal trapped on a cliff ledge. Andrew and James Wardrop climbed almost 300 feet up a cliff face near Portencross to bring the Jack Russell terrier to safely. Now Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officer Ian Thompson is to recommend they receive a special commendation The dramatic rescue took place on Tuesday afternoon, nine days after the dog, named Guinness had disappeared.

A DARING rescue of two children from the sea in June has earned two Saltcoats men bravery certificates. William Moon, of 11 Catacol Avenue, and Albert McClymont, of Kerr Avenue, both of Saltcoats, received certificates last week commending their action on June 21. The Chief Constable of Strathclyde police, Mr Patrick Hammill, praised them for their prompt action which saved the life of Richard Dolan, of Drumchapel. Glasgow. Unfortunately, his sister Beverley did not survive. She had not been able to stay on the the air bed which the children had floated out to sea on.

BRITISH RAIL (Scotland) will shortly be holding a "Railfair which will feature various types of locomotives. With work already begun on the £68m electrification of the line from Ayr and Ardrossan to Paisley, electrification will feature strongly in the show at Ayr on October 29 and 30. British Rail also promise a unique display of steam, diesel and electric engines. Among the famous locomotives will be the Flying Scotsman, Duchess of Hamilton, Union of South Africa, Maud and Sans Pareli. One of the equally well-known diesels on show will be one of the Deltics.

SQUARE-EYED local newspaper reporters tested their knowledge of television in a pilot quiz show at the Magnum last week. Teams from the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald and Irvine Times battled it out at the show, organised by Scottish Television. The Herald Team emerged victorious after half-an-hour of tough interrogation. Editor lain Ferguson, assistant editor Richard Walker and compositor Jack Kirkby defeated the Times team of chief reporter Hugh Boag, reporter Hugh Clavert and photographer John Keachie by 34 points to 21. The questions were expertly asked by Larry Marshall, well-known from his days with the One O'Clock Gang.

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on September 24, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on September 25, 1908
A MOVEMENT is on foot to Institute a weekly half holiday among the local shopkeepers.

OFFICE-bearers of Ardrossan Horticultural Society appointed were: - President, Major Charles Murchie: secretary, William Adam; treasurer. J Davies.

STEVENSTON Higher Grade School was officially opened last Saturday afternoon by the Hon Thomas Cochrane, the local Member of Parliament.

OFFICE-bearers appointed at the annual general meeting of Stevenston Glencairn Carpet Bowling Club were: - President. Hugh McKechnie: secretary, Mr William McDonald; treasurer, George Saunders.

FOUR working men in Dalry have had the enterprise to form themselves into a company to work a Coalfield said to exist on the farm of Kittyshaw near the town.

MR JOHN McEwing won the championship of Ardrossan Bowling Club, defeating Mr James Tyre in the final

50 YEARS AGO on September 26, 1958
THE Minister of Power has appointed Sir Alexander Fleck, chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries, to be chairman of his scientific advisory council. Sir Alexander, last year's president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, has spent a lifetime in the service of industry and applied science. He has rendered distinguished public service as chairman of many committees set up by Minister of the Crown to inquire into scientific matters and organisation of large industrial enterprises.

THE storm on Wednesday night caused slight damage to property in the district and yesterday morning chimney pots and slates were lying on several streets. At Saltcoats Harbour a small boat was sunk by the heavy seas.

IN future cases of arrears of rent or breach of tenancy, Council tenants in Saltcoats will be called before the Council's Finance Committee to be told they must confirm with conditions of tenancy. Failing compliance, it is stated, are to be enforced.

ABOUT 4.50pm on Sunday on the Largs-Ardrossan road, between Kilruskin Tolland Hunterston gates, a local boy cyclist was involved in a collision with a motor car. Fortunately the boy escaped with slight injuries, although his cycle was badly damaged.

AT the Stevenston Burgh Police Court on Monday four local men were each fined £10 for street betting. A Saltcoats man, who was charged under the Litter Act, was fined £1. For having no lights on a reflector on his cycle during the hours of darkness, a Saltcoats man was also fined £1. A Johnstone man on a charge of being drunk and incapable forfeited ball of £1.

THE 350th anniversary of St Margaret's Church in Dalry takes place on Sunday, October 12, and to mark the occasion the pulpit will be occupied by the Very Rev Dr Pitt Watson. In the evening, the service will be conducted by the Rev AH Minto, MA, STM.

THE bus service to the Fudstone scheme in Kilbirnle which started last Monday should prove a boon to shoppers returning from the town.

MISS Margaret Low, who celebrated her 100th birthday anniversary at Ailsa Hospital, Ayr, last Saturday, was born at Gravesend, Kent, where her childhood and youth were spent until her marriage. Her husband was a seagoing engineer and she frequently accompanied him on the journeys. After a time Mr Low secured an appointment at the Torpedo factory at Woolwich and in 1911 he came north with his wife in an official capacity to the newly-established Torpedo Factory at Greenock. On the death of her husband in 1941 Mrs Low continued to live at Greenock for a number of years until she was persuaded to make her home in Glasgow with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs HW Baker. She is now a patient at Ailsa Hospital and enjoying good health despite her age.

25 YEARS AGO on September 30, 1983
A SALTCOATS housewife became a television personality this week... thanks to a plan hatched by her husband from faraway Jeddah For Davy Thomson asked STV presenter John Toye to wish his wife Margaret a happy anniversary on Tuesday's Scotland Today programme... but Mr Toye went one better and came to Saltcoats to present Mrs Thomson with a bouquet in person. When local florist John Fleming arrived at her door at 11.30am with flowers from her husband, Mrs Thomson was thrilled... and when Mr Toye appeared from around the comer with another bouquet she was dumbfounded. It was a well-kept secret, I didn't realise anything was going on, said Mrs Thomson after she recovered from the initial shock. "It has been a terrific surprise." Mr Thomson, who was a foreman in Jeda, was unable to attend 15th wedding celebrations with his wife - but certainly made it a day to remember. The presentation was screened on Tuesday evening.

CLEANSING workers in the Three Towns are back at work this week, picking up a backlog of rubbish which has been littering the streets. Rats were spotted on a few occasions behind shops at Glasgow Street Ardrossan, on Monday but on Tuesday morning the bins which had attracted them were emptied and the problem solved. However the binman's dispute is far from over after meetings with Cunninghame District Council officials on Friday and Monday members of the Transport and General Workers Union and the General Municipal Workers Union agreed to end their strike but further negotiations are still due to take place before everything is back to normal. The question of whether cleansing workers should be allowed to take their vehicles with them at lunchtime will be discussed at those meetings. Rubbish at Lambie Court and O'Connor Court in Saltcoats, which was believed to be causing a fire hazard, was collected on Monday but the driver of the vehicle which picked up the bins claimed to have been harassed by his colleagues for working while the TGWU of which he is a member had called for industrial action.

PRIVATE house owners in Harvey Gardens have joined the battle to oppose a rehabilitation centre for reformed alcoholics being sited in Harvey Gardens The storm over the proposed centre reached new heights on Thursday night when a meeting between Harvey Gardens tenants, private housebuilders in adjoining streets and the Social Work Department took place. And the controversy has now spread beyond the Immediate area surrounding the house earmarked for use by the Social Work Department, John Corrie MP, is becoming involved and the Ardrossan Branch of the Conservatives are taking an active interest in the fight.

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on October 1, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on October 2, 1908
THE local post offices have been kept fairly busy this week supplying and filling up forms of application for the new old-age pensions. Fifty have been applied for in Ardrossan and sixty in Saltcoats.

MR William McEwan, the noted Scottish evangelist singer who has often assisted the local Y.M.C.A'S was this week given presentations by both the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Associations on his leaving for a tour of America.

AT the annual meeting of Ardeer Golf Club, Major Pearson was elected Captain; Mr George Kirkhope, Dairy, vice-captain, and messrs H. J. Silars, G. McConnell, A. Forbes and J. Greenlees, committee members.

THE formal opening of the new Higher Grade School in Kilwinning was carried out last Saturday afternoon by Mr Andrew, Chief Inspector of Schools for the West of Scotland.

WINNERS of tournaments at the West Kilbride Bowling Green are: President's prize, J. Oliphant; Overton Cup. R. Craig: Silver Jack, A. Jack; Marathon Cup, P. M. Jack: Junior's Prize, George A. Todd.

SALTCOATS Gas Works advertise for sale gas coke suitable for domestic uses at a price of 10per ton delivered in the town House coal from Auchenharvie Colliery is advertised at 13/- per ton, delivery by cart locally costing 9d per ton extra.

50 YEARS AGO on October 3, 1958
BELIEVE it or not. A TV set with a screen which is only about two inches square and actually functions, can be seen in a shop window in Saltcoats. The set was made by the firm's engineers for advertising purposes and is not for sale. It is certainly a clever piece of work and is attracting much attention.

DESPITE the number of wet days during the peak period of the summer holiday season the following facts and figures kindly supplied by the Burgh Chamberlains' officers in Ardrossan and Saltcoats, shows that the putting greens, tennis courts, etc.. were well patronised. 40,586 persons played on the Ardrossan putting greens this season, and the approximate number of vehicles paid for at the car park at South Beach Green was 3362. The total number of persons who paid for the use of the deck chairs was 14,044. During the good weather there were often queues waiting to hire the chairs.The Melbourne Park putting greens at Saltcoats attracted 51,440 players during the season and at Glebeland putting green the players totalled 3416. The number of tennis players was 1622, exclusive of season ticket members. The bowling green had 1705 players.

JOINERS working on the construction of the nuclear generating station at Hunterston, West Kilbride, went on strike for one day this week because they want "height money." Thirty-five men engaged on the building of two 190 feet high reactors, the first of which is now 70 feet high, declared that their work is hazardous and dangerous, especially during gales. They stopped work on Tuesday and were joined in a meeting by other sixty-five joiners employed on the site.

THE Arran passenger steamer from Ardrossan made her last trip of the season on Tuesday night. She now sails from Fairlie. The Sunday newspaper motor boat from Saltcoats to Arran has also made her last sailing of the season.

A pleasant little ceremony took place in the Eglinton Arms Hotel, Ardrossan, on Wednesday of last week when the ladies of Stevenston A/70, Red Cross Detachment, met to honour their former commandant, Mrs C. Penman, who now resides in Largs. Mrs Penman had held the post of commandant since 1944 and resigned because of her leaving the district.

25 YEARS AGO on October 8, 1983
BRIDEGROOM Brian Anderson received a rocket from his fiancé when he turned up for their wedding with a massive black eye. Because Brian had received a real shiner as events got out of hand at his Stag Party a few days earlier. But his wife Angela said this week: "I just burst out crying when I saw his black eye. It spoilt all of our wedding pictures. But we managed to have a good laugh about it later. Brain (24) and Angela (21) were married recently at the North Parish Church in Saltcoats. Brian had been out with his brothers and friends for a night in Saltcoats when he received the black eye in a mix-up between him and another man in Vernon Street

TRAFFIC Congestion in Stevenston Town Centre could soon be at an end. For a public meeting to discuss plans for a one way system in New Street and Afton Road is to be called.

Cunninghame District Council's planning committee this week faced the question on how improve pedestrians and vehicle movement, more than a year after similar plans had to be scrapped. Traffic was already disrupted because of work going on to replace the culvert on Main Street, when CDC unveiled its original ideas.

DYKESMAINS Primary School in Saltcoats has a long and impressive history. And part of its colourful past was recalled this week when a letter, dated November 5, 1918, referring to an ex-pupil, was discovered. The letter was written by a retired headmaster of Saltcoats Public School (from which Dykesmains took over), Mr Edward S. Wilson During World War One, there was a famous battle at Moeuvres in which William Gray, of Saltcoats, along with six other men, held the British Army's post at Moeuvres for more than 48 hours against a far larger number of Germans.

JUNIOR football's most ambitious young coach. Irvine Meadow's Alex McAnespie, has been given a great opportunity to test his expensively built side in the first round of the Scottish Junior Cup against cracks Newtongrange Star. This classic encounter is due for Meadow Park on Saturday, October 22 and brings together two of the junior game's most illustrious teams. And Meadow must clear this hurdle to justify their big name, big money squad.

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on October 8, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on October 9, 1908
AT ARDROSSAN JP Court on Tuesday a Norwegian captain was fined £25 for tobacco smuggling. This was the first smuggling case in the town for 28 years.

ARDROSSAN and Saltcoats Merchants Association at a special meeting agreed to have a weekly half day holiday during the winter months. In the course of discussion it was mentioned that some local shops remain open until 10pm or 11pm.

THE annual shopping competition for the merchants' prizes by the member of E Company 4th ASF took place last Saturday, the best three aggregate scores being Private A Forrester, 60: CS Brecken, 60 and Sergeant D Price, 58. Recruits Cup was won by Private J McAlpine.

ARDROSSAN branch British Women's Temperance Association, held a meeting on Thursday in the Town Hall, when 47 children were initiated in the Cradle Roll and Tiny Tots scheme of the local branch. This is the first initiation in Ayrshire.

OFFICE-bearers appointed at the annual meeting of Ardrossan Castle Curling Club on Wednesday were: - President, Mr Alex Wood; vice-presidents, Messrs JB Chrystie and J Crawford, secretary and treasurer, Mr W Bryce; committee, Messrs J Bell, G Baird, W Craig, B Torrance, W Brown, D Gemmell, D Haining. J Harvey, H Wallace, J Tyre, W Gardiner. and J Watson.

THE annual meeting of Saltcoats Female Benevolent Society was held on Monday, office bearers appointed being-President, Mrs Campbell, Lauriston; vice president, Mrs Donaldson: secretary, Mrs Allan, Royal Bank house; treasurer, Mrs Fullerton; members - Mrs Lamont, Mrs Rees and Mrs Sutherland. The object of the Society is the visitation and relief of the poor and destitute in the town, preference in relief being given to old residenters who have maintained a respectable character.

50 YEARS AGO on October 10, 1958
MR HUGH Faddes, postman, recently retired from Kilwinning Post Office, was presented last Friday in the presence of his colleagues with the Imperial Service Medal. In making the presentation, Mr M McLean, the Head Postmaster, Ardrossan, explained that these awards, which are approved by Her Majesty, are not given as a right for long service alone but as awards for long, zealous and meritorious service. He congratulated Mr Faddes on the high honour worthily earned in his 29 years service in the Post Office.

STEVENSTON Town Council have agreed to support a road safety campaign supported by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, aimed at improving the standard of driving of vehicles and riding of motorcycles. The campaign will be held between April 20 and July 18, 1959. The Council have also agreed to cooperate fully with the County Council on the necessity of guarding open fires.

THE shores and improvements Committee of Stevenston Town Council have asked the Burgh Surveyor to report on the practicability and estimated cost of providing an open-air draughts board on an appropriate site.

THREE trophies and nine class awards were won by the Rev Colin N MacKenzie, MA, minister of Erskine and Fergushill Churches at last week's Gaelic Mod in Glasgow. Mr Mackenzie won the Millar Weir Gold Medal and the Cassilis Silver Cup in the literary section and the Anglo-Chilean Trophy for folk tale narrating in the oral section. He won five first prizes - for short story, essay, play, original recitation of poetry by the reciter, and narrating a folk tale in the traditional manner. In addition, Mr Mackenzie won second prizes for long story, three songs for children; short Gaelic speech, and A Celtic design. Mr Mackenzie was Bard at the 1952 Mod.

25 YEARS AGO on October 14, 1983
GLUE and alcohol crazed teenagers could be part of an explosive mixture in Ardrossan's Chapelhill Mount area. Local residents have already approached the police and Cunninghame District Council in a bid to break up gangs of 14, 15 and 16-year-old youngsters who roam the area, either sniffing glue or after drunken binges. The youths have already broken down a door leading to the tank which holds the fuel oil for the residents' heating supply. As one angry tenant put it: "If that goes boom, then we might all go boom with it."
Secretary of the Chapelhill Mount Tenants Association, John Ferrol said: What we are complaining about is that they might break into the oil tank in some way. We are finding that they are going about gangs in the whole Chapelhill Mount area." The recent play provided by the district council has been an attraction to the youths, Mr Ferrol went on; "We're sick to death of it." Tenants were afraid to comment for fear of reprisals, but one other resident, who did talk to the Herald was the chairman of the Tenants Association, Jack Crocker, "Personally, I think the security around the tank is atrocious," he said.
The fact that it is off the road in the dark means that you could have a hundred kids up there and nobody would see them from the road. "If they put light in the tank, goodness knows what would happen." A senior police spokesman commented: "We have received the letter from the residents and we will be looking into the problem.
"We hope a senior officer will be able to attend the meeting." Director of Technical Services for CDC, Lewis Dickens, said that it was very unlikely that the tank could be breached in any way. He added that it was made of a thick gauge of metal and the houses were fed by underground pipe. The fuel used is an inflammable fuel oil, similar to paraffin. Mr Dickens said that he would have the tank inspected to check its security.

CDC will spend £2000 on repairs to pumps controlling the level of Ardeer Quarry. The decision to go ahead with the work on the two main automatic pumps was taken at last Wednesday's meeting of the council leisure committee. At the moment, a small stand-by pump is doing the work with the mains pumps only being operated when absolutely necessary. The committee heard that it was "imperative" to go ahead with repairs immediately at a cost of £2000. The total budget for maintenance of all buildings and equipment at Ardeer Quarry is only £1600 for the current year. Nevertheless the committee agreed to the repair costs

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original
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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on October 15, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on October 16, 1908
ARDROSSAN Post Office will now close at 8pm instead of 9pm daily. The authorities are making this alteration in various towns for reasons of economy

SALTCOATS Town Council have approved a plan of proposed alterations to their property in Nineyard Street to make an officer for the burgh surveyor and they intend to plant trees in Argyle Road and Gladstone Road.

PRIZE-winners at Stevenston Bowling Club for the past season were: Champion, Mr Alex Duff runner-up, Mr A Miller, double-handed medal - 1 Messrs A Wilson and Thomas Byron; 2. Messrs D Kelso and William Reid; Ballantine Cup - 1, Mr Alex Wilson; 2. Mr J Boyle; 3, Mr A Kilpatrick

LAST Sunday afternoon, James McDonald, an Anti-Popery lecturer from Kilwinning, attempted to give a lecture at Station Square, Saltcoats. The ire of the enormous crowd was soon aroused and several rotten eggs were thrown at McDonald, striking him on the face. There were interruptions and the police had to restore order.

BUTE County Board has decided to ask the Secretary for Scotland for powers to close the String Road, from Brodick to Shedog, Arran, to motor cars.

ARDROSSAN Town Council agreed to seek Lord Eglinton's opinion regarding the formation of an angling club in the town, as many people were now requesting tickets for fishing in the reservoirs.

KILWINNING Town Council at Monday's meeting had before them the first applications in the town for Old Age Pensions, submitted by three female residents. It was agreed that in each case the pension be 5/- per week.

50 YEARS AGO on October 17, 1958
MEMBERS of Saltcoats Town Council expressed concern at their meeting on Monday night about the speed of vehicles using the High Road, and decided to press the County Council to take some action in the matter. They think that the provision of a traffic roundabout at the Dalry Road-High Road crossing would help slow down speeding motorists. At the meeting, the Clerk read a letter from the Chief Constable of the County, in reply to a letter from the Council which asked for stricter enforcement of the speed limit on High Road. The Clerk also reminded the Council that he had written to the County Council on the same subject. The letter from the Chief Constable pointed out that during the past year 21 motorists had been charged with breaking the speed limit on High Road and were dealt with in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, with fines ranging from £3 to £9.

A YOUNG woman, who was knocked down by a car at the Border Cross, Saltcoats, last Saturday, was removed to Kilmarnock Infirmary but after attention was allowed home.

TO prevent destruction by vandals, public seats at Windmill Street, Saltcoats, are to be bolted to the ground next summer. The decision to anchor the seats was taken by Saltcoats Town Council this week, following a report by the Burgh Surveyor to the Shores and Improvements Committee that recently been thrown over the wall and damaged.

AT the Horse Show of the Year at Harringay last Saturday, 16-year-old David Goldie, Barassie Farm, Troon, was placed third equal in the Junior Show Jumper of the Year event, a splendid performance which was watched on television with a particular pride in the Troon area and no doubt in all parts north of the Border.

ACTRESS Edith Macarthur, whose home is in Ardrossan, is currently receiving high praise from the critics for her performances with Glasgow Citizens Theatre. For the last few weeks she played in the Australian play, Summer of the 17th Doll, and earned unanimous praise for her acting She is now portraying Kate Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer and when this play ends its run she will play Mme Ranevsky in the Cherry Orchard. She also took part last week in the radio play, The Great Montrose.

25 YEARS AGO on October 21, 1983
ONE hundred Jobs could be axed at Nobel's Explosives Company, Ardeer, unless union chiefs can persuade their bosses to make the cuts elsewhere in the Company. In an unprecedented move by ICI, Nobel's parent company. proposals have been laid out for the unions before any concrete decision is reached. They want to hear the workers' views before implementing ideas which are designed to counter the effects of the decline in demand for explosives which have been dogging the company for 10 years.

The blasting management plan to close two manufacturing units at Ardeer, bringing the total workforce down to 1500, with a further 1000 people employed in the organics division of ICI. at Ardeer. It could be towards the end of this year before the management's final decision is announced, leaving at least two months for the unions to argue their case.

NEC's factories at Penrhyndeudreuth, North Wales, which employs 160 people and Roburite in Wigan, with a staff of 120, will have blasting manufacturing concentrated there. The shift mechanised coal cutting and the drop in demand for explosives for quarrying have forced NEC to take their drastic move. They have discovered their supply of explosives is now in excess of demand and stiff opposition abroad has adversely affected their export market. NEC's two other small plants at Annan, near Powfoot and Dumfries won't be affected by the cuts as Annan only employs 150 people and Dumfries has only 50 But Nobel's in Ardeer, being the largest of the company's concerns will take the full brunt of the blow... that is unless there is an about turn after consultations. Union officials at Ardeer were unavailable for comment this week.

THERE are few better places to grow old than Stevenston. The town boasts facilities for the elderly that are second to none. The latest addition, Caley Court, was officially opened by local regional councillor Archie Lambie last Friday. Caley Court is a linked residential unit with rooms for 25 permanent residents and another 25 day Visitors. It was, said Councillor Lamble, the culmination of many years of planning. The unit was built on the site of the Caley railway line, which the former burgh council decided to flatten and develop. The project has not been all plain sailing. Cash cuts may have chopped it from the region's budget, had it not been for social work convener Albert Long's commitment to it. And the Kilmarnock contractors employed to build it went into liquidation towards the closing stages. But the problems were forgotten last Friday when a group of invited guests and Caley Court residents attended the opening ceremony.

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original
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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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Hughie, I always look forward to the files.

LAST Sunday afternoon, James McDonald, an Anti-Popery lecturer from Kilwinning, attempted to give a lecture at Station Square, Saltcoats. The ire of the enormous crowd was soon aroused and several rotten eggs were thrown at McDonald, striking him on the face. There were interruptions and the police had to restore order. 😷
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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on October 22, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on October 23, 1908
THE Golden wedding anniversary of the Provost and Mrs Donaldson, Saltcoats, took place last Monday, and a function was held in the E.U.C. Church Hall. Before retiral, the provost was station master at Stevenston.

AN 'At Home" was held in Stevenson Higher Grade School last Friday evening, when the teachers presented a silver salver, tea service and fruit basket to the headmaster, Mr John Taylor, and Mrs Taylor, on the occasion of their marriage. Songs were rendered by Mrs Taylor, Misses Duff and Stewart, and Mr Symington, and recitations by Misses Tumbull and Harvey and Mr J. M. Brown.

IN a competition for best-kept stations on the Caledonian Railway, first prize-winners were Saltcoats, Irvine, Kilwinning; and Ardrossan got a second prize.

Kilwinning parish Church Session have appointed Mr E. Lamble to the Eglinton District Mission in room of Rev. Alex Robertson.

A branch of the Scottish Tariff Reform League was formed in the Masonic Hall, Kilbirnie, last Friday, office-bearers appointed being; Chairman, Councillor John Higgins; vice-chairman, Councillor R. Fyfe; secretary, Mr John Gonegal: executive committee, Messrs J. Cook, W. Houston, Councillor Chapel, R. Park, Mr Primrose, F. McDonald and W. Shaw.

50 YEARS AGO on October 24, 1958
THE District Council at West Kilbride last week decided to give a grant of £75 to West Kilbride Institute and Public Hall in order to help meet immediate financial commitments. It was stated that the committee had a debit balance at the moment of £65, had no funds, and had been refused a loan by the bank. There was only sufficient cash to meet the caretaker's wages for one week and it was stated that unless help was given the Institute and Halt might be closed.

COUNCILLOR Ramsay drew attention to what he considered the dangerous condition of the north side of the carriageway on Dalry Road leading up to the railway bridge, and stated that, in his opinion, this required some form of protective kerbing. The Road Surveyor was instructed to take the matter up with the County Authorities who were responsible.

MISS Margaret McKendrick, whose parents, Mrand Mrs David McKendrick, reside at 51 Dalry Road, Ardrossan, has been awarded a gold medal for nursing at Oldchurch General Hospital, Romford, Essex. She has been adjudged the best nurse in three years. The gold medal is not awarded every year, only when an average mark of over 90 per cent is attained in theoretical and practical examinations. Margaret, who received her medal and a book on nursing from the Matron-in-chief, Queen Alexandra's Nursing Corps, yesterday (Thursday) is returning next spring to take a course in midwifery at Irvine Central Hospital.

MUNICIPAL house rents in Ardrossan are to be reviewed next month. This was decided at Monday night's meeting of the Town Council when a special meeting was fixed for Thursday, November 27, to carry out the review. The Council also decided to apply to the Secretary of State for dispensation to allow three of their members who reside in Council houses to take part in the debate.

AN enjoyable social evening was held in the Masonic Hall, Ardrossan, last Friday by the combined Ardrossan and Greenock Units of the R.N.M.W.S. There were about fifty members and friends present, and the company were honoured by the presence of the Provost of Ardrossan, Mr James Dorian.

THE Ardrossan and Saltcoats B.P. Woman's Club held their 13th birthday party in the Eglinton Hotel, Ardrossan, on Saturday, October 11, when Mrs Orr, the president, welcomed a large gathering of members and guests.

25 YEARS AGO on October 28, 1983
CUNNINGHAME District Council, has severed all connections with jobs agency ASSET - the Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Enterprise Trust - and is to go it alone to attract industry and jobs to the area. Instead of joining the other partners in ASSET when it becomes a company limited by guarantee. the district council is to set up its own Industrial Development Team, it decided on Tuesday. And the move to pull out of ASSET will almost certainly have an effect on the agency Cunninghame helped establish three years ago. But ASSET managing director Douglas Martyn is confident of the organisation's survival.

A SPECIAL committee are drawing up plans to ensure that Kilwinning's traffic-free main street gets off to a flying start. The new-look Main Street will be officially opened on December 3 - amid a flurry of pre-Christmas entertainment. The opening ceremony will be conducted by local radio personality, Lou Grant, during a morning packed with fun for shoppers. The ceremony will mark the conclusion of many months of planning and modernisation work, Including new paving for Main Street and facelifts for some of the property. The remaining facelift works will be delayed until after the Christmas shopping period.

A NEW Episcopal priest will be inducted into St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Ardrossan, today (Friday). He is the Rev. Stuart Symons who will be instituted this evening by the Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, the Right Rev. Derek Rawcliffe. Mr Symons will serve as Rector of St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ardrossan and Priest-incharge of the Irvine congregation of St Andrew's. The induction service is to be held in Ardrossan and will include many representations of the Scottish Episcopal Church as well as local clergy of other denominations. Mrs Jenny Symons is also to be licensed as a lay worker at the service.

CUNNINGHAME'S Ardneil Pipe Band will tour Brittany next year at the invitation of a local mayor. The request to play in France came after Pipe Major Gerry McClumpha spent a holiday there two years ago. He discovered that the French are very interested in pipe music, and because of that a visit has been arranged for June, 1984. Next year the band will set off on June 21 for the town of Nantes, where the Mayor of the town is accommodating them in a castle for the duration of their stay

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original
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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on October 29, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on October 30, 1908
NEWS has been received in Ardrossan that the barque, Fifeshire, commanded by Captain John Nichol of Ardrossan, had been totally wrecked in the Pacific on 31st August. Captain Nichol and all his crew, including an apprentice from Ardrossan, James Goodwin, managed to get ashore on one of the outlying Gilbert Islands, and they remained on the desert Island for six weeks until they attracted the attention of a passing steamer.

SALTCOATS Literary and Debating Society on Monday debated: "Can Saltcoats be made into a Scottish Blackpool? The essayist, Mr PW Hunter, opined that it could, with the amalgamation of the three towns, tramways in the district, the Crescent houses turned into hotels, and attractions near the town such as golf, cricket, football and a dancing saloon.

AT Saltcoats Ratepayers; meeting on Tuesday, all five candidates in reply to a question, expressed themselves as being opposed to mixed bathing at the bathing pond.

OWING to a continuance of dull trade, Nobel's Company in Stevenston have been compelled to suspend over 20 of their tradesmen, and Ardeer Foundry Company are following suit.

STEVENSTON Glencairn Carpet Bowling Club are in the throes of a competition for a prize of a pair of trousers presented by Mr William Taylor.

ST Innan's Angling Club, Beith, held their annual supper last Friday in the Saracen Hotel. Prizewinners during the season were: - A Crawford, D Hardie, J Grear, G Haddow, G Fulton, W Duncan, W McConnell, W Pattison and J Anderson. The prizes included a pair of jellies, botile of whisky, teaspoons, Tennyson's poems, a cod fish and an umbrella.

50 YEARS AGO on October 31, 1958
SEVENTY-FIVE joiners employed at the nuclear generating station at Hunterston, West Kilbride, stopped work this week because a claim for height and danger money was rejected by a civil engineering conciliation board in London. The joiners, who work on the erection of a reactor, may be joined by 150 workmates at the site. A claim that their work at height is dangerous and hazardous, especially during gales, was recently referred to the conciliation board.

When their claim was rejected the national executive of the men's union - the Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers-decided to withdraw the labour from the reactor construction until such time as the employers are prepared to negotiate at site level for an additional payment to the basic rate for work on the reactor. A spokesman for one of the site contractors said that they as well as the union were parties to the conciliation board, which was their highest negotiating body, and they had to accepts its ruling. The joiners, who stopped work on Wednesday, were still out yesterday.

Over 120 welders, caulkers and platers - members of the Boilermakers' Society - who have been out since Wednesday of last week because of a dispute over an unsuccessful claim for a guaranteed wage instead of piecework rates, were also still not at work yesterday.

FIREMEN from Beith and Ardrossan stood by with foam tenders late on Tuesday night when 10 tanker wagons containing inflammable tar products were derailed outside Beith North Station. At the time of the mishap the freight train was on its way from Ardrossan to Glasgow and was being hauled by two engines. No one was injured.

MR JAMES Gurney, a railway signalman at Princes Street signal cabin, Ardrossan, had an alarming experience while on duty early last Monday morning. About six o'clock, a bus, which was believed to have been turning from Princes Street into the lane, which leads to the rear of the SMT Bus station, struck the side of the signal cabin. The impact dislodged the cabin chimney, damaged woodwork and stonework, and broke several windows.
Mr Gurney was writing up his records at the time, and on hearing the crash turned round and discovered the stove of the cabin lying in the middle of the floor. He thought at first that the stove had exploded. Burning coals from the stove were strewn over the floor and because the way to the door was blocked, Mr Gurney climbed out a window and ran to the nearby railway station where he telephoned the fire brigade He then retumed to the signal box, gaining access through the window, and succeeded in gathering up the scattered coals before the fire brigade arrived. Although shaken by his experience, M Gurney, whose home is in Princes Street, remained on duty. He was relieved at 7.30am

25 YEARS AGO on November 4, 1983
AN EVICTION threat scandal has erupted in an Ardrossan council housing scheme. Tenants in the town's Chapelhill Mount area have been issued with eviction notices for failure to pay the bills-and it's all because a council accounting system can't tell the difference between rent arrears and heating bill arrears. A spokesman for the local tenants association hit out: The problem is that the fuel bill is lumped in with the rent bill can result in eviction. An elderly person getting a letter threatening eviction would be sent up the wall with worry.

CDC's director of housing admitted at a meeting of the housing committee this week that there was no way the finance department - responsible for debt collecting-knows if a tenant is behind on rent, or just heating charges. No council evicts a tenant because of non-payment of housing bills. But non-payment of a rent bill can result in eviction. All the finance department officials can tell is that a tenant is in arrears. There is no indication of what the arrears are so it is assumed that it is as a result of non-payment of rent, rather than the tenant being behind with a heating bill. Eviction notices, allowing a 28-day period in which to pay up or get out are then sent out... despite the fact that a tenant may be completely up to date with rent payments.

THERE's no more cash in a government kitty to help replace a "death trap heating system in an Ardrossan council estate. That was the message delivered to members of Cunninghame District Council's housing committee on Monday night. The council have asked for extra funds to be made available from the Scottish Office to allow them to replace the unreliable - and as some tenants would have it death trap" - system in the town's Chapelhill Mount area. The tenants association believes the system to be inherently unsafe in the words of a spokesman. There have been several fires in houses installed with the fuel-oil system and it has been claimed that some residents are afraid to use it at all.

A reply from the Scottish Development Department on the request for extra cash said: "It is normal principle that such works should be funded out of normal allocations. It is for the council to decide on the relative priorities of capital projects. In the circumstances, the department are unable to offer you a complementary allocation for the purpose. The council have yet to decide on the programme for the possible replacement of the system.

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original
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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on November 5, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on November 6, 1908
AT the municipal elections on Tuesday Successful candidates were: Ardrossan, Messrs Fawcett, Inglis and J. McKelvie. Saltcoats, Messrs H. Arnott, A. S. Miller and Jas. Miller, jun. With the exception of Mr McKelvie all had been retiring members.

REV. John MacMillan, formerly of Blantyre, was inducted to the charge of the EU. Congregational Church, Ardrossan, last Sunday.

LAST Saturday in the New Parish Church, Ardrossan, a memorial service was held at which a tablet to the memory of the late Rev. J. D. McCall was unveiled.

A dramatic recital was given in Saltcoats Town Hall last night by Mr Ernest Denny, London, under the auspices of the local Literary and Debating Society. To suit the convenience of the audience, the Largs train was delayed ten minutes at Saltcoats station.

ON Thursday evening of last week the new chambers which have been built for the Kilwinning Parish Council were formally opened by the chairman, Mr John T. Howat.

MISS Mary Anderson, Kersland School, Dalry, has been appointed to the vacancy in the Infant Dept. of Kilwinning School. AT a public meeting held in the Orange Hall, Glengarnock, last Tuesday, it was agreed to form "The Garnock Golf Club." Ground covering an area of 61 acres has been obtained on the farm of East Mains, and Mr R. Hamilton, Glengarnock, has been appointed captain

50 YEARS AGO on November 7, 1958
SPEAKING in the Town Hall, Ardrossan, on Monday night on Home Safety Precautions," Mr H. R. Mackay, South-Western area Firemaster, Kilmarnock, declared that on an average day in Great Britain 24 people died as a result of accidents in and around the home. Of the 7000 fatal home accidents each year, 1000 of this total occurred in Scotland, le, between two and three persons each day. The meeting, which was held under the auspices of Ardrossan Town Council in connection with the Government's "Guard That Fire" Campaign was presided over by Provost Dorrian, who deplored the fact that there was not a larger audience. Also present was Councillor Mcintosh, converer of the local Accident Prevention Committee.

WITHIN the next few years Stevenston might have an indoor swimming pool and baths, if the Town Council has its way. At their meeting on Monday night, the Council agreed, on a vote, to authorise the provost and Burgh Officials to obtain all necessary information about possible alternative sites and estimates of the capital cost and operative charges.

THERE is a house in the district with no chimneys. It seems odd to see a modern house without lums. It is situated at the Electricity Substation, Sorbie Road, Ardrossan. The heating and cooking is all done by electricity.

ARDROSSAN Town Council have joined the ranks of those who think that Scotland is being let down by the controllers of television, and in support of a campaign by the Scottish National party, they have decided to write to the Government protesting that more should and could be done to put Scotland on the television map. Before the Council at the last meeting was a pamphlet issued by the S.N.P. expressing their dissatisfaction with the present TV set-up and complaining that "Scotland is not to be submerged in a stream of Anglo-American ideas and culture, it is imperative that a Scottish Television Board be established now."

AFTER being on strike in support of a claim for height and danger money, 235 joiners employed on the construction of the nuclear power station at Hunterston, West Kilbride, went back to work yesterday (Thursday). 75 of the workers stopped work on Wednesday of last week because their claim for height money while working on the reactor section of the station had been turned down by a conciliation board in London

The strike took a more serious turn on Monday when the remaining joiners at the site also stopped work. The joiners returned to their jobs following a decision that their claim would be negotiated again at national level. Meanwhile, 124 welders, caulkers and platers, who stopped work at the site over a fortnight ago, were still out yesterday. The stoppage occurred because of a dispute over an unsuccessful claim for a guaranteed wage instead of piecework rates. The men are members of the Boilermakers' Society.

25 YEARS AGO on November 11, 1983
A GROUP of local ladies took their cue from their husbands and stormed a male dominated sport. They braved the sneers and jeers of male players and formed a women's snooker team at the Westbury Club in Saltcoats. But the men's laughter was silenced when the girls soundly whipped a prestigious Glasgow team in their first serious competition And they followed it up with another match with the Glasgow women in Saltcoats on Tuesday and this time the locals won by eight games to six giving them a trophy put up by the Westbury and the 147 club.

Susanne Little (25), Helen McGregor (20) Julie McKenzie (20). Cathy Barbour (37), Margaret Banks (30), al Saltcoats; and Jennifer Armour (26) and Debbie McCall (24), of Ardrossan, formed the team about four months ago.

A NEW A1 bus service begins running from Ardrossan to Paisley on Monday and the route is designed to save students time and money on their daily trips to college. A1 Managing Director, Douglas Blades explained: "Following requests from Paisley College of Technology, we decided to run a morning and evening bus especially for students."

SCOTLAND'S new Shadow Secretary, Donald Dewar MP, toured an Ardrossan engineering company's premises on Friday. The Labour MP for Garscadden was one of a party of six who toured the Kilmarnock division of McCrindle as part of the Labour Party's industry group activities. The men were shown round the facility by the firm's managing director, Bill McCrindle, before splitting up to see other factories.

AYR United and Kimarnock have named a top squad of players to take on an Ayrshire Junior Select at Abbey park, Kilwinning this Sunday in a match for the lan Cashmore Benefit Fund. And the seniors are taking the game seriously! Jim Fleeting, the former Ayr United skipper, who is now with Clyde, is the man behind the Ayr/Killie select "We had a tough game against the juniors a couple of years ago in a charity game for Teresa Beattie's Gamma Camera Appeal Fund and we will not be taking anything for granted on Sunday."

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original
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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on November 12, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on November 13, 1908
AT the first meetings of the Town Councils after the elections, Mr JB Chrystie was elected as Provost of Ardrossan, and Mr William McGavin was chosen as a Bailie in Saltcoats.

SALTCOATS Town Council agreed to purchase an ambulance litter for the burgh as, it was stated, a journey in a here-ye-are" is not a soothing experience for an injured person.

WEDNESDAY last saw the first of the new half-holidays for shops in Ardrossan and Saltcoats, most of the establishments closing at 2pm.

LAST Friday evening a social was held in Saltcoats Christian Institute to welcome Mr Anderson from Bonnybridge, newly appointed town missionary in Saltcoats. Mr John Crawford presided and sons were given by Misses Jenny Elliot, McCallum and McMaster.

THE first batch of claims for old age pensions to the number of 34 came before Saltcoats Town Council on Monday and were passed. There are over 100 claims in all.

MR William Muir has been appointed Junior Baillie by Kilwinning Town Council, and Mr J Smith was re-appointed Police Judge.

OVERCROWDING in houses is not uncommon in Ayrshire. Recently a case came before the County Council of diptheria occurring in a family of two parents and six children, all occupying a one-room house with a cubic space of only 1453 feet.

50 YEARS AGO on October 14, 1958
AFTER being on strike for three weeks because of a wages dispute, 124 members of the Boilermakers Society employed at the nuclear power station site at Hunterston, West Kilbride, returned to work on Wednesday, following a decision that their claim should be discussed at a conference on the site between representatives of the employers and the union.

The men, who work on the construction of the station's metal sphere, are seeking a guaranteed wage in place of piecework rates. They claimed that the conditions under which they worked were "abnormal" and that the piecework system of payment was unsatisfactory. A special allowance to compensate for the conditions was demanded.

LAST week Miss Marion Gray, who for the past 15 years has been infant Mistress in Eglinton District Primary School, Kilwinning, retired after 44 years' service as a teacher in Ayrshire. To mark the occasion Evelyn Johnstone, a pupil in the Infant Department, asked Miss Gray to accept an oil painting from the pupils of the school and wished her a very happy retirement. Later Miss Gray was entertained to tea when Miss JC Welsh, in a neat little speech, on behalf of the staff and friends, presented her with an electric con vector heater, Mr F Ferguson, headmaster, Mr WTH Inglis, Director of Education, Mr D Savage, Member of the Education Committee, and Mr J Murray, School Convener, all paid tribute to the sterling worth of Miss Gray and the outstanding services she has rendered to the school and community. Miss Gray suitably replied.

MR John Barbour, who was adjutant and second-in Command of the No.1138 (Ardrossan) Squadron of the Air Training Corps, has been promoted to Flight Lieutenant, and becomes Commanding Officer of the squadron. He replaces Mr JS Johnston, who has relinquished his commission because of pressure of work.

THE Remembrance Day parade organised by the local branch of the British Legion took place in Stevenston last Sunday morning. After mustering at the Grange Cinema at 10am. the parade marched down New Street to the War Memorial, where a short service was held. The parade was headed by Stevenston Pipe Band, and organisations represented were the British Legion, Ardeer Army Cadets, including the Cadet Pipe Band, the Boys Brigade, Life Boys, Boy Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides, Brownies and Girls Guildry.

THE Congregational Church Sunday School held a Morning Market in the church hall last Saturday and the very gratifying amount of £20 5s realised

25 YEARS AGO on November 18, 1983
THE desecration of an Ardrossan War Memorial has left residents shocked and horrified. Wreaths of poppies laid at the Garden of Remembrance in Glasgow Street on Sunday were found shredded and discarded on Castle Hill on Monday morning. Of the seven wreaths discovered by Richard Addie, an employee of Cunninghame District Council only four could be replaced at the memorial. The rest has been tom apart when they were thrown over the back wall of the Garden. Especially angry at the destruction are the Community Council who organised a parade of 400 people from the Barony Church to Glasgow Street on Sunday, Chairman Mr John Ferrol stated: "It is an absolute disgrace." CDC were represented by Councillors Hannah Pollock and Marjorie Forrest. Mrs Pollock was upset when she heard what had happened. Blessings and benedictions were given by the Rev Donald McKay at Sunday's service. The following day he was horrified to hear of the wreaths being vandalised. "IT is disgusting," he said. Group Scout Leader Bob McSherry attended the service, along with members of several of the town's youth organIsations. He suggested that in future the wreaths should be tied in position, but was annoyed "such a terrible thing should happen." The Orange Order in Ardrossan paraded to the Garden of Remembrance for a separate service earlier on Sunday and laid their own wreath. "I can only state my feelings of utter despair at the blacker side of human nature," commented Mr William Woods, a member of the Order. But he pointed out that whoever destroyed the wreaths are in a minority. Many of the people in the parades were well-balanced youngsters".

STEVENSTON enjoyed a second helping of good news on the jobs front this week. A new marketing company moving into the town's industrial estate hopes to take on up to 60 new workers. Energyze Limited will take over part of the former engineering workshop at ICI's Nylon Plant, which closed about three years ago. The firm will market and install energy conservation equipment, including solar panels, heating pumps and insulation materials. And it hopes to expand into manufacturing, although not for at least two years. Energyze Limited was formed by managing director Frank Smith, who has now moved to Kilwinning from Edinburgh, and Edinburgh solicitor Terry Neilson.

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original
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