Camels for the Stevenston Desert

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Hughie
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Camels for the Stevenston Desert

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Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
June 1, 1951.

Camels for the Stevenston Desert

We have received the following letter from the secretary of Ardeer Thistle F.C.

Dear Sir,
At a recent meeting of the Committee of the above Club, it was decided that, in order to clarify our position in our endeavour to resume the activities of Ardeer Thistle F.C., we should circularise the Western League Clubs giving all available information,

On 5th November, 1947, a public meeting was held in Stevenston, when it was unanimously resolved to resuscitate old Ardeer Thistle F.C., which went to the wall in May, 1930. Endeavours were made by the publicly appointed committee to find suitable playing accommodation, but they were unsuccessful until the end of 1950, when they acquired a lease of ground at Ardchoille, Stevenston. A further public meeting was held on 4th December, 1950, and the same office bearers and committee were elected to carry on.

Plans were submitted to and passed by the County Planning Authorities, the development charge paid and a contractor was engaged to level the pitch, etc. Unfortunately, constant inclement weather has held up the project, and our ground will not be ready until the late Spring of 1952.

At the same time we have been kindly granted the use of Stevenston Higher Grade School ground until Ardchoille Park is ready. Playing days include any Saturday afternoon, and week nights by arrangement. The ground is enclosed, of regulation size, and has a substantial handrail. For stripping accommodation, we have acquired the use of the Templars' Hall, adjacent to the ground.

Public response to the committee's efforts has been excellent, and it is undeniable that Stevenston wants Ardeer Thistle F.C. The population of Stevenston is in the region of 12,000 and this, we feel, is adequate to give our team the support necessary. We would like to quote our local newspaper at the time of Ardeer Thistle's resignation:

"It would be little short of a catastrophe to allow such an old established Club to go to the wall. Stevenston without Ardeer Thistle is like a desert without camels."

This has been the feeling of the general public in Stevenston since that time.-Yours faithfully,
W. MANN
24 High Rd., Stevenston
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Hughie
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Re: Camels for the Stevenston Desert

Post by Hughie »

This is a photo of Willie Mann and Provost Morrison taken at the opening of of Ardeer Thistle's ground at Ardchoille Park in 1953.

Image
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