Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on July 11, 2007

100 YEARS AGO July 12, 1907
A SOMEWHAT rare event for Saltcoats, a church wedding, took place on Tuesday, the contracting parties being Mr Lewis Fullerton, Hamilton Street, and Miss J Greenhill, EU Church manse.

BUSINESS people in Stevenston will be pleased to learn that a telephone public call office has been opened in the shop of Messrs Lawson Bros, Shore Road.

ARDROSSAN Town Council have complained to the G&S W Railway Company that vehicular traffic is being delayed at the level crossing in Princes Street

KILWINNING Town Council have agreed to proceed with the erection of a town hall on a site at the Byres. The estimated cost is £1851 Including furnishing and fittings.

MISS Janette Logan Kirkwood, Saltcoats, has been granted a certificate by the Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

ON Friday a social gathering was held by members of Erskine EU Church, Saltcoats, to make a marriage presentation to the Rev WM Bingham.

ARDROSSAN bowlers (James Cook. RH Dunlop. W Tannock, J Barclay. J Lambert, JP Wallace) beat Saltcoats bowlers (J Breckenridge, A McIntyre, G Armour, J Hamilton, A Thom, J Yuille) by a majority of six shots.

50 YEARS AGO July 12, 1957
ARDEER Factory Safety Fuse Canteen was packed on June 28 when workers in that department gathered to say goodbye to a popular foreman. Mr John Arnott, who was retiring that day after 42 years' service with the Company. Even before the meeting, Mr Amott had been the recipient of a gift when as a complete surprise to him, girls in spinning and yarn winding sections presented him with a Parker Pen and Pencil Set.
In the canteen, Mr MG Thomson, chief superintendent of the department, recalled that Mr Arnott was one of the stalwarts who came from Regent Factory, Linlithgow, which he joined In September, 1915, and that he was one of that fine body of men who came from that Factory in 1935 to lay the foundations of Ardeer Safety Fuse department. Mr Thomson presented Mr Amott with the Company Scroll recording his long service. For this company gift Mr Amot had chosen a table, which was too bulky to be presented at the meeting.

Mr James McKenzie, 10 Paisley Street, Ardrossan, and his wife, were injured when their motorcycle was involved in a road accident on the Maybole Road, four miles south of Ayr, last Sunday. They were taken to Ayr County Hospital. Mr McKenzie suffered a leg injury and Mrs McKenzie received head injuries.

THE Housing Factor has reported to Saltcoats Town Council that certain gardens in housing schemes are not up to standard, and the Housing Committee have decided to visit some gardens and thereafter decide what steps are necessary to effect an improvement

TRAFFIC in Main Street, West Kilbride, was dislocated for a few hours on Monday when a large commercial van broke down and all buses and heavy vehicles had to be diverted via the Glen Road and Alton Street.

LAST Saturday saw the retiral of a former Ardrossan railway goods guard, Gabriel Haddon, 6 Smith Street, Ayr. He began his railway life at Ardrossan on February 3, 1919. During the depression he moved to Ayr and resided there until his retiral last Saturday. Changes that have taken place during his service included the passing out of the solid wooden buffers and the disc used as a tail lamp. Mr Haddon was popular with his fellow workers and he had a great sense of humour. His fellow workers wish him every happiness in his retirement.

25 YEARS AGO July 23, 1982
AFTER a four month tour of duty in the Falklands Islands, West Kilbride man Angus McMillan, returned home this week safe and sound. Twenty-two-years-old Angus was welcomed by his parents, Mr and Mrs Archie McMillan at their home in 10 Meadowfoot Road, West Kilbride. He has been a member of 45 Royal Commando for six years.

A FAILURE in a public address system meant a big disappointment for 20 animal lovers at South Beach on Wednesday. For the breakdown In the equipment meant that the scheduled pet show, which they had all high hopes of winning, had to be postponed. Beach Leader John McCann, was the man who had to break the bad news to the crowd. And although the system was finally fixed, it was too late to save the competition. This was a blow for all the entrants, and the disappointment in the face of 15-year-old Lilian Fleming. Elm Park, Ardrossan, and her pet. Radar, sum up their feelings. The organisers hope to reschedule the show for about two weeks.

AN ambitious £200,000 scheme which will transform the appearance of Countess Street in Saltcoats, has just been launched by Cunninghame District Council and the Scottish Development Agency. The established shopping street has felt the pinch during the past few years and now the two bodies intend reversing its decline by encouraging shoppers to retum. The three stage programme to upgrade Countess Street will begin in September and the whole process will cost £200,000.
Shop owners are being asked for agreement to the work. They will only have to pay for essential repairs while the SDA will smarten up their shop fronts for them. Phase one will begin with the CDC-owned Town Hall and two adjoining premises having their fronts painted. This work is expected to be completed in six to eight weeks. The remainder of the shops, including those on the corners of other streets, will get their facelift in phase two of the project, which is due to begin at the end of October or the beginning of November this year. With a one month break, so as not disturb Christmas shoppers, the work is due to be completed at the beginning of 1983.


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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on 18, July 2007 [/b]

100 YEARS AGO on 19, July 1907
LAST Sunday there passed away at his home in Dockhead Street, Saltcoats, Mr Frederick John Locke Scobie, known throughout the theatrical world as John Locke. For 25 years from 1880 he wrote all the pantomimes at the Royal Princess Theatre, Glasgow, and in all wrote between three hundred and four hundred pantomimes and other plays for theatres all over Britain. He took an active interest in local affairs and served on Ardrossan School Board.

THE rainfall between six o'clock and nine o'clock on Saturday was the best since March and Fair Saturday was one of the worst specimens experienced for a long time.

ON Saturday afternoon 24 public rest seats procured by the Musical Fete Committee were formally handed over to the Burgh of Saltcoats. The presentation which took place in Melbourne Park was made by Mr Walter Freer the initiator and leading spirit of the Committee

ON Friday there were no fewer than 23 departures of steamers filled with holidaymakers from Ardrossan Harbour; seven ships want to Belfast four to Portrush, three to Isle of Man and the rest to Arran. On Saturday there were 18 departures and on Monday 14.

AT Kilmarnock Sheriff court three prosecutions were brought against motorists for driving at a rate of speed greater than 10 miles an hour between Beith and Dalry

PASSES in the Preparatory Divisions of the Trinity College, London musical examinations have been gained by Master Arnold Fulton, Saltcoats, and Miss Jemima Blair, Saltcoats.

SOUTH Beach green has been the platform for all sorts and conditions of meetings and entertainments this week - among the big them being temperance orators, socialists, phonograph selections, Indian club displays, conjuring feats and farcical boxing matches.

AT Saltcoats Post Office the total number of postcards received for delivery from last Saturday until yesterday was 22,520, and the number of despatched was 52.000.

50 YEARS AGO on 19, July 1957
ARDROSSAN Town Council at the monthly meeting on Monday night agreed that the Town Clerk should write to the Scottish Home Department protesting against the refusal to authorise a pedestrian crossing on Stanley Road, near its junction with Millglen Road, and pointing out that as time went on the need for such a crossing would become more apparent.

The Council look this action following the reading of a letter on the subject from the secretary of the Scottish Home Department. The letter stated: On the introduction of zebra crossings in 1951 the number of pedestrian crossings was reduced because the great increase in the number of such crossings throughout the country since they were first introduced had resulted in many of them being disregarded. The policy of limiting the number of crossings has been carefully maintained since 1951, in order to prevent the system again lapsing into disrepute. New pedestrian crossing ero really only authorised where there is a clear need for them

EDDIE Williams and his company of entertainers at the Beach Pavilion attracted a large and enthusiastic audiences, among whom are many local folk.
The company are sparing no effort to stage bright and spectacular shows and their current programme, which opened last night and continues until next Wednesday, is entitled Bonnie Scotch Lassie o' Mine. Highland Shows are always very popular, and this one which includes a clever scene, Hame tae the Glen complete with a waterfall should draw a happy crowd to the hall.

MISS Janet Smith, the Ayrshire Lawn Tennis girl champion, has also won Ardeer Maxwell Trophy for the third year in succession. Janet is the daughter of Mr and Mrs AC Smith, Dalry Road, Kilwinning.

25 YEARS AGO on 23, July 1982
RAF Sergeant Donald Maxwell made it to the church on time-by the skin of his teeth.
For had the ship Atlantic Conveyor not been sunk by two Exocet missiles during the Falklands War. 19-year-old Donald would have had to cancel his wedding plans.

But on Saturday the wedding went ahead as scheduled to provide a happy ending to the disaster story of the Atlantic Conveyor. And it meant the end of weeks of worry for Donald's parents Pastor Frank Maxwell and his wife Mary. Pastor Maxwell of the EU Congregational Church, Saltcoats, pronounced the blessings at the church wedding in Elmdon, near Cambridge where the bride, Heather Rawing lives. But the bulk of the wedding was taken by Heather's father-the Rev John Rawling, Vicar of Elmdon.

Sgt Maxwell, an air load master serving on Chinook helicopters, lived with his parents at 36 Courthill Street, Datry, before being stationed at RAF Oldham, Hampshire, where he first met his bride-to-be. It was a high flying romance, Heather's father was writing an article on flying for a magazine and took her with him to the RAF base. And it was Sgt Maxwell who was to take them both for a fight in a helicopter. From there it was a whirlwind romance. But although the wedding plans were complete It looked as if the whole thing would have to be postponed when Donald was sent to the Falklands.

When the Atlantic Conveyor was hit in the South Atlantic, Donald managed to escape and was plucked from the freezing water to the safety of HMS Alacrity then brought back to Britain - just in time to save his wedding

THE COVETED title of Miss Ardrossan, the annual personality contest, was awarded to 26-year old Margaret Priest on Friday night. Margaret, a cook in St Peter's Primary School, works part-time in Flioz disco where the contest was held. She withstood tough competition from five other girls to win the 1982 title.

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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But on Saturday the wedding went ahead as scheduled to provide a happy ending to the disaster story of the Atlantic Conveyor. And it meant the end of weeks of worry for Donald's parents Pastor Frank Maxwell and his wife Mary. Pastor Maxwell of the EU Congregational Church, Saltcoats, pronounced the blessings at the church wedding in Elmdon, near Cambridge where the bride, Heather Rawing lives. But the bulk of the wedding was taken by Heather's father-the Rev John Rawling, Vicar of Elmdon.
*Played village football or tried many a time in Elmdon. Good story that.

THE COVETED title of Miss Ardrossan, the annual personality contest, was awarded to 26-year old Margaret Priest on Friday night. Margaret, a cook in St Peter's Primary School, works part-time in Flioz disco where the contest was held. She withstood tough competition from five other girls to win the 1982 title.
* Flioz disco - Maybe it was Rioz in the Kilmeny.
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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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THE COVETED title of Miss Ardrossan, the annual personality contest, was awarded to 26-year old Margaret Priest on Friday night. Margaret, a cook in St Peter's Primary School, works part-time in Flioz disco where the contest was held. She withstood tough competition from five other girls to win the 1982 title.
* Flioz disco - Maybe it was Rioz in the Kilmeny.
Most likely, Brian. I was well gone from the district then.

Margaret Priest and all the Cunningham district queens are shown in this topic : Cunningham District Queens 1983
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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on 25, July 2007

100 YEARS AGO on 26, July 1907
The opening services of Saltcoats Free Church were held last Sunday. This church is in the building known as Landsborough Hall in Bradshaw Street, formerly the Free Church Academy, founded through a legacy by Miss McLeish, sister-in-law of the late Dr Landsborough

Master James Lyle of Saltcoats has been successful in winning first prize for drawing in the Children's Paper.

The building of Stevenston Parish Church has commenced on a site in the Glebe Grounds adjacent to Bog Green Cottage.

Ardrossan Pipe Band still has a debt of exactly £30 and to help defray it a collection was taken at a band concert on South Beach Green last night. The collection raised exactly 26/- and one button.

An endowment bazaar was held for the Whiting Bay Church of Scotland, Isle of Arran was held last week in the village and raised £1294.

From the advertisements in this edition of The Herald, we learn that house coal from the Auchenharvie Pit is on sale for 13- a ton, phonograph records at 9d each and cameras for boys at 6d and 11- each. Wallpapers are available from 1d per roll.

50 YEARS AGO on 26, July 1957
The Beith bus strike caused a general calmness throughout the town over the weekend. The many workers who are employed out of town appeared to have had arrangements well in hand for traveling to their respective jobs on Monday morning.

Ayrshire's county regiment, the Royal Scots Fusiliers, will cease to function as a Regular Army unit by 1960. It is one of four famous Scottish units to lose their individuality through the re-organisation plan announced in a White Paper on Wednesday, and by the end of 1959 it will be merged with the Highland Light Infantry. The Seaforth Highlanders and the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders are also to be merged.

On Thursday of last week Mr Robert Lawson of Ardrossan Road, Saltcoats, complete fifty years' service in the employmentot Messrs Arthur Guthrie and Sons, printers and publishers of The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald. During the last 24 years Mr Lawson has discharged the duties of forman compositor, a position that once filled by his late father, who also had the distinction of serving the firm for fifty years. Mr Lawson's colleagues in the Herald office join in expressing the hope that Bert's health will enable him to carry on for some years yet.

The Lawson family connection with the firm, which started in 1873, is being continued into the third generation. Bobby, the youngest of Mr Lawson's three sons, has recently completed his national service with the RAF and returned to his duties in the caseroom at the Herald.
To mark his anniversary, Arthur Guthrie and Sons and made Mr Lawson the gift of a television set.

Mr Michael McNamara, a Saltcoats man who is the chief engineer on the Australia Star of the Blue Star Line, writing from Wellington, encloses some shipping news cuttings which mention Ardrossan very often regarding arrivals at and sailing from Wellington. Mr McNamara states that in Wellington, a small whisky is one shilling (no nips) and a glass of beer six pence. The bars close at 6pm.

Children are being cut daily on broken glass at Saltcoats shore and some of the wounds require stitching.

The Summer Revels show The Gay Nineties at the Beach Pavilion features a colourful and lively Can-Can and comedians Eddie Williams and Joe Long keep their humour clean. Other entertainers appearing include Anne Mulliken with her accordeon and Billy Redman with his xylophone

25 YEARS AGO on 30, July 1982
Surprisingly sunny weather has brought hundreds of day-trippers to Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston during the traditional Glasgow Fair. The sun has shone for most of the two-week holiday, but if that has brought a smile to many faces, the same cannot be said for that of the average trader.

Although the good weather has encouraged a higher quota of of visitors to the Three Towns during the last fortnight, shopkeepers and businesses are not pleased by the results. Owner of the Beach Amusements Mrs Caroline Dawson said: "A fortnight's good business does not make up for the bad business before it." At the Nonsuch Amusements in Saltcoats, Mrs Sarah Graham agreed that business during the Fair has been good and added that the weather had helped significantly in bringing in to play the gaming and video machines. On the waltzers at Saltcoats fairground, Louise White, whose father runs the ride, said the shows had been busier. "Nobody ever hears anything about Saltcoats nowadays - it's all about Irvine, commented Miss White.

Guarding 2000 captured Argentinian soldiers in the Falkland Islands was one of lan Rae's duties as a Stoker with HMS Hermes. Along with 24 crew from the aircraft carrier the Kilwinning man spent a month of his five-month stay in the war zone onshore with the prisoners. lan (17) of Underwood explained that even after being captured, the Argentinian men were under the impression that they were winning the war. He said that English-speaking soldiers were surprised to discover that HMS Hermes was still afloat. They were told it had been sunk early in the strife. lan will now be able to spend his 18th birthday at home with his family this Sunday.

A united effort is being made for part of North Ayrshire to be made into an Enterprise Zone. Ayrshire is in the running to be included in the latest round of Zones to be created.


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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on 1, Aug 2007

100 YEARS AGO on August 2, 1907
THE official opening of Saltcoats Bathing Pond, fixed for July 27, was cancelled as the pond could not be completed. It is hoped to have the pond ready for next year.

LAST night a deserted female baby about a month old was discovered under a seat at the Castlehill, Ardrossan, and was given into the charge of the Inspector of the Poor.

PREPARATIONS are being made for the extension of the Co-operative Society's central premises in Boglemart Street, Stevenston, by the demolition of the old houses recently purchased by the Society.

THE new Masonic Temple in Beith was consecrated last Saturday afternoon, the opening ceremony being performed by the Rt Hon the Earl of Cassilis

ARDROSSAN Model Yacht Club last Saturday held the annual competition for the Barbour Challenge Silver Medal and the winners were A McLean, R Crawford and W Crawford.

IN the Abstract of Accounts of Ardrossan Parish Council it is mentioned that there are 27 lunatics chargeable to the parish and living in institutions, one having been in Cunninghame Poorhouse since 1860. It is also stated in the Abstract that the education rate has risen steadily from 4d in 1896 to 1/5d today in 1907.

IN a cricket match, Ardrossan St John's Church team (R Blythe, D Harvey, A Bain, A Shearer, R Sweet. Wyle, A Murchie, DB Goodwin, Mcke, J McMurray and N Newton) defeated Crawford Lodge X1 (D Geddes, W Wood, FLyon, A Crawford, W Gilchrist, R Geddes, H Crawford, J Marshall, a McNidden, W Arthur and A Gilchrist.

AT a meeting of eight football clubs on Saturday It was resolved to form a new Junior League for Irvine District. The clubs taking part were Ardeer Thistle, Irvine Vics, Newmilns, Kilbirnie Ladeside, Vale of Garnock, Kilwinning Rangers, Irvine Meadow and Darvel

50 YEARS AGO on August 2, 1957
IN the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr JS Maclay, Secretary of State for Scotland, intimated that he had decided it was in the national interest to grant the application of the South of Scotland Electricity Board to construct a nuclear generating station at Hunterston, Ayrshire.
He had, he said, considered the report submitted by Sheriff Harald R Leslie, QC, and had reached the decision in accordance with the conclusions of that report. The application would be granted subject to certain conditions, and certain undertakings given by the Board relating to particular, to amenities and safety. The cost of the station is estimated at about £37,000,000 and the output of electricity amounting to about a quarter of the output in the South of Scotland district, is valued at £4,000,000 a year.

LATE on Sunday night, when a Prestwick driver was proceeding along the main road in the vicinity of Hobsland Farm, his car collided with a cow which had strayed on to the road. Both the car and the cow were damaged. But there's no point in crying over spoiled milk.

THE prompt action of Mr David Evans, Titchfield Road, who is an employee of Troon Town Council averted what might have been a serious drowning accident on Tuesday afternoon at Betsy's Kim, Troon. A seven-year-old Kilmarnock boy, who was accompanied by his mother, was playing among the rocks when he slipped on a patch of seaweed and fell into deep water. Without thought for her own safety, his mother jumped in to his rescue but both were immediately in difficulties. Attracted by her cries for help Mr Evans, who was passing at the time on a burgh cleansing vehicle, ran to the scene, and divesting himself of his boots, he plunged into the sea and with the assistance of his mates were able to save both the mother and her son

25 YEARS AGO on August 6, 1982
A SALTCOATS minister praised his congregation and the Fire Brigade this week after a blaze that could prove a blessing in disguise. For the Rev John Robertson's North Parish Church burst into flames early on Monday evening of last week and a fireman told him: "Another 15 minutes and we would not have been able to save the building. The heat would have built up and the roof blown off - the building would have been like an incendiary bomb." An unfortunate incident caused the fire. Men working on re-fitting the roof with blowtorches finished their work at 4.30pm. And at 7:30pm the roof was ablaze. It is thought a spark from one of the blow torches may have caused the fire. After the fireman had saved the building, the Rev Robertson was given offers of help from members of his congregation to clean up the debris.

He said: The response from the congregation and other people not attached to the church was very touching. But for Rev Robertson and his congregation the fire may not have been so terrible... the contractor who was working on the root had agreed to make good all damages. And so this week tradesmen were busily re-plastering the ceiling before the painters came in to give the interior a fresh coat of paint

SPEEDING trains late at night and in the early hours of the moming are the bain of many Cunninghame residents... houses from West Kilbride to Stevenston shake with the noise from the heavily laden iron ore trains travelling from Hunterston to Ravenscraig in Lanarkshire. To monitor the noise levels a survey was set up.

But the readings given in the survey were false according to Stevenston Councillor Sam Gooding. He said: "When the noise monitors were in use the trains slowed down, and as soon as the survey finished they put the foot down again. A further survey on the noise levels was ordered but is not yet complete due to the train strike. The survey is now going ahead in the Stevenson area.

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on August 8, 2007

100 YEARS AGO on August 9, 1907
SALTCOATS Dean of Guild Court on Friday last granted warrant to the County Council of Ayrshire to erect a new police station in Green Street, Saltcoats.

IN Saltcoats Town Hall last Saturday evening Mr WT Rushbury produced the romantic drama, Second to None. The hall was packed and the drama was well received.

THE lighting in Stevenson United Free Church is being improved, but last Sunday morning the building was smelling so badly of gas that the service had to be held in the gospel hall in New Street

OWING to lack of entries the proposed sorts of Beith Football Club which were to have taken place last Saturday were cancelled. The day of mixed amateur sports is past.

AT the annual general meeting of the Ayrshire Miners Union on Saturday a motion was carried to affiliate with the Anti-Swearing League.

50 YEARS AGO on August 9, 1957
TWENTY-two windows have been broken at St Peter's School Annexe, Ardrossan. If this is considered a pastime then playing fields are a waste of money.

A BOY who fell from a height on the Castle Hill Ardrossan, was fortunate to get off with a shock Parts of the hill are very dangerous, especially for children.

MR William D Jones of Ardrossan Bowling Club made history last week by becoming the first Ardrossan bowler to win the Scottish Bowling Association's Single-handed Championship at Queen's Park, Glasgow. Willie has been a keen bowler for years, and to win the championship was one of his main ambitions. His record in bowling is a formidable one. Since 1949 he has played the Queen's Park games on five occasions and has been capped six times in internationals. He has twice won the Ayrshire Bowling Association singles championship and has been champion of the Ardrossan club six times.

FOR a Staff-Sergeant to be presented with his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, after 18 years' service with the Seaforth Highlands, on the Cairngorms at a height of 2.500 feet above sea level, is surely something unique in the military history of Scotland. It was recently the experience of Staff Sergeant John O'Neill of the Seaforth Highlanders and now with the Edinburgh University OTC. The Staff-Sergeant is one of the four sons of Mrs Helen Neill, 5 Paddockholm Road, Kilbirnie, serving with the Forces. As a boy he worked in Knox's machine shop. The presentations of the Long Service Medal was made by General Delacombe, Royal Scots, during a session in the training of the OTC.

THE large crowd which attended the Bonnie Lesley celebrations were high in the manner of praise in which the event was carried out. There was not a hitch, and the fine summer's day added to the success of the show.

THE dispute over the dismissal of a steward on the Clyde pleasure steamer Marchioness of Graham, which was followed by a threat of strike action by the catering staff on board the vessel was settled on Monday night. After a meeting the general manager of the Caledonian Steam Packet Company issued a statement in which he said that the steward had been reinstated. He added that there would be an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the dispute

25 YEARS AGO on August 13, 1982
A BEITH guardsman was greeted at home this week by a young soldier who only a few weeks earlier had tried to carry him to safety across & minefield in the Falklands - and lost part of his leg in the process. Twenty-two-year-old Timothy Gilmour was it twice in the leg by Argentinian machine gun fire. But as his fellow guardsman David Camuthers tried to carry him away he stepped on a mine. Both guardsmen were blown away and David was left with a shattered leg

Timothy returned to his parents house at 28 Oakwood Drive on Tuesday night and 19-year-old David, who lives in Pollok, Glasgow, was there to greet him. Timothy's mother Betty Gilmour said: We put flags up around the house and had a party into the earl hours. David was there with his artificial leg. But he was in great spirits and was even up dancing." The action began when the men, both in the Scots Guards, were moved on to the Falldands in landing crafts. They mounted a diversion attack on Mount Tumbledown. Timothy was the number two man on a machine gun. They moved forward in an early morning assault when he was called upon to man a gun post.

Timothy, who is married with three young children, said: was feeding the rounds into a machine gun but was hit just as I got down. A Drum Sergeant in front was hit through the head and killed. I was injected with morphine and was being carried through a minefield by a sergeant but he was getting very tired after carrying me for a couple of kilometres across rough ground. "David Carruthers said he would come along and carry me. He picked me up, took about five steps and walked into a landmine. We were both blown away, David's leg was hanging on by a bit of skin."

The two men were taken to a hospital boat. Two days after the first attack father-of-three Timothy celebrated his 22nd birthday with two holes in his left leg. He was given two presents-a bacardi and coke and a wheelchair. For a month he was treated in the Woolwich Military Hospital.But this week he was released to come home and visit his parents George and Betty Gilmour in Beith. Timothy was brought up in Belth and educated at Garnock Academy He now lives with his wife Isobel in London They have three children, Michele (3). Samantha (2) and Angela (1)

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on August 15, 2007

100 YEARS AGO on August 16, 1907
ON Saturday afternoon the second exhibition of the Cunninghame Arts and Crafts Club was opened in the hall of St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Ardrossan. Among the artists exhibiting are Mrs WD Kerr and Mr James Wylie.

In the new edition of Gospel Harmonies, the words of the missionary hymn Who Then Will Go
are Mr William S Erskine , president of Ardrossan YMCA.

THERE passed away at the Manse, Saltcoats suddenly on Tuesday morning, the Rev W Rossi Brown, minister of Ardrossan Parish for the past 19 years.

THE Channel Squadron of 14 battleships and three cruisers under the command of Admiral Lord Charles Beresford arrived in Lamlash Bay on Monday morning.

CAPTAIN John Nicol, and the ships carpenter named Hurder, both of Ardrossan, were saved when the ship Glencairn went aground at Tire Al Fuego, Captain Nicol had on board is wife (the daughter of David Bell) and child.

IN West Kilbride building operations have begun in connection with the new tenement to be eructed on the field on the west side of Well Street.

CAPTAIN Thomas Bannatyne, a native of Ardrossan, has been honoured in Australian on leaving to take up an appointment in Singapore.

50 YEARS AGO DAY on August 16, 1957
TWENTY-nine year-old Nina Paterson, of 4 Gladstone Road, Saltcoats, was chosen as Miss Saltcoats at the Beauty on Parade Show sponsored by a Glasgow newspaper and held In the Beach Pavilion, Saltcoats, Thursday afternoon. The judging panel was headed by Mr Eddie Williams, resident comedian at the Pavilion Miss Paterson went forward to the All=Scottish final held at Prestwick bathing Lane on Wednesday of this week.

RETIREMENT presentations to Mr Tom Brodie, Research Department, after more than 45 years service with ICI and their predecessors were made in the conference room at Ardeer Factory. There he received his certificate of service from Dr David Trail director Nobel Division and formally accepted his choice of Company gift.

A SALTCOATS born lady, Mrs James McLay, recently performed the christening ceremony at the launch of a 45.000 tonship, SS Petrolene at the Kure Shipyard, Japan. Mrs McLay is the elder daughter of the late Mr Archibald Scott and niece of Mr Thomas Scott, Argyle Road, Saltcoats.

SOME excitement was caused when a motor cycle caught fire in Bank Street, near Irvine Cross last Friday atmoort, A few buckets of water put out the blaze before the arrival of the Fire Brigade.

SHOPKEEPERS in Saltcoats have been warned by the police to examine Royal Bank of Scotland £5 notes. A forged note was passed in the town recently.

A TWIN pioneer aircraft of Scottish Aviation Lid was due to leave Prestwick Airport last weekend for Aden and Asmaria where it is to undergo rigorous testing in tropical conditions. The route to Aden was by way of France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and the Lebanon, and, following the last to be made at Aden, the journey will be continued to Asmaria in Ethiopia.
The aircraft is expected to be away for a six weeks period. The pilot is Captain John Blair (co-pilot), Mr Tom Halliday and also making the trip are John Bayne, William Clark and Ernest Alder engineers; James Limond, electrician; Mr David Semple, Inspector and four members of the firm's design offices.

25 YEARS AGO DAY on August 20, 1982
A LAST-Minute lifeline could save the owners of commercial property owners in Ardrossan's Princes Street from bankruptcy. For the district council could consider shelving a plan for major structural improvement in the troubled street because of lack of grants from the Scottish Development Department. But although this possibility is a Godsend to commercial property owners it will be a bitter pill to swallow for many of the private householders. Their houses are deteriorating quickly and the improvement plan would give the buildings a new lease of life. They - as private householders - qualify for grants of up to 95 per cent for improvement work but the commercial property owners quality for no grants.

Under Soon Development Department regulations they will only give a grant towards the first £8,500 of work. Some of the flats in Princes Street need more than £16,000 of work done to them. The district council have written to the SDD asking for a raising of the grant allocation... if it is not given the whole plan could be shelved. Hoping that it is shelved are the owners of Winton Bar and Maxim Chinese restaurant and of the Bute and North Ayrshire Conservative Association buildings. For if the work goes ahead they will be left with massive bills. All the district council can offer - under law - to the commercial owners is a loan at 12 percent interest.

A SPECIAL meeting of Ardrossan Presbytery agreed unanimously to support North Ayrshire MPs in their fight to secure Enterprise zone status for their area. Saltcoats elder, Mr Finlay Turner approached Presbytery members at the August meeting urging them to lend the weight of the church to the project. No discussion was necessary as all members were fully in favour of the zone being introduced. The Presbytery has been concerned about unemployment in the area for some time and sees the possible enterprise zone a step in the right direction.

Letters of support for the plans are being sent to the Prime Minister the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary of State for Scotland George Younger and MPs John Corrie and David Lambie. Mr Corrie's plea for support from local organisation in a recent issue of the Herald brought the situation to the attention of Presbytery members. The proposed zone is within the bounds of Ardrossan Presbytery.


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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on August 22, 2007


100 YEARS AGO on August 23, 1907
ON Monday afternoon the Countess of Eglinton entertained the members of the Irvine, Kilwinning and Saltcoats branches of the Scottish Mothers' Union at Eglinton. About 200 guests attended.

AT a social evening held by Saltcoats Literary and Debating Society last Friday to make a presentation to Mr John Miller, Town Chamberlain, on his marriage, a programme of song and story was sustained by Messrs TS Scott, William Orr, JG Bowman, JM Orr, W Wyllie, GW King and WM Miller.

SALTCOATS bandstand has now been filled with splendid lights and the concerts by the Burgh Band attract good audiences in the evening.

FARMERS and dealers are recognising the advantage of a weekly auction market at Kilwinning and are giving Mr Dugald Mckinnon hearty support.

MR and Mrs Durward Lely and Company gave a public rendering in Dalry Public Hall last Friday of lan McLaren's Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush. Mr John Clyde was the principal actor.

FOUR eels, averaging 33 inches in length, stopped the whole water supply for the town of Beith last Friday morning.

THE following teachers have been appointed to Kilwinning Public School: - Mr FG Ririe, Mr HB Wallace, and Miss Marshall.

50 YEARS AGO DAY on August 23, 1957
THE 14-year-old Ardrossan gini, Elizabeth Murdoch, Winton Place, who had been missing from home for 12 weeks, was found in Kirkcaldy and handed over to Ardrossan authorities.

ABOUT 100 women employees at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot, Beith, are to be paid off and their jobs given to suitable male Government employees in the district who have been declared redundant. Announcing the decision in Glasgow on Tuesday, Mr James Thomson, an official of the Transport and General Workers' Union, said the changeover would be gradual and would take several months to effect.

WITH a scratch 72, three strokes better than his clubmate Jack Cannon in the playoff over Ravenspark course on Wednesday night, Jimmy Walker, of Irvine Bogside, won the Marymass Quaich, previously held by Sam Ferguson, of Ravenspark.

A PRESTWICK girt, 17-year-old Miss Mary Murray, of 7 Salisbury Place, was elected Seaside Queen of Scotland at the Beauty an Parade Show, held in Prestwick Town Hall on Wednesday of last week. The show was the grand finale to a series organised at various holiday resorts during the summer season and Miss Murray was chosen from a leet of 15, all of them winners of preliminary contests.

AN inflatable sailing suit saved 19-year old Edward Stephen, of 2 Second Avenue, Heatherhouse Road, Irvine, when his Firefly dinghy capsized in Fintry Bay, Cumbrae on Saturday. Sightseers rescued Edward's companion, 24-year-old lan Cochrane, of Kirkgate, Irvine. Edward was in the water for an hour and was unconscious when he was pulled aboard a motor launch belonging to Mr William Gray, Largs, which made a three-mile dash from Largs after a police call from Miliport. The dinghy was on the rocks being buffeted by heavy seas and a strong wind. Edward who, like lan is an engineer in Irvine, recovered consciousness while being taken to the shore. Both young men were immediately transferred to the Lady Margaret Hospital at Millport from which they were later allowed home.

THE car park at Fairlie School is most unpopular and is considered a positive danger when the school is in session.

AT 11pm last Friday two private cars were involved in a collision on the Beith to Dalry Road. Fortunately no one was injured.

25 YEARS AGO DAY on August 27, 1982
A STEVENSTON firm have doubled their workforce in a month because a sales campaign has been so successful. Ayrshire Double Glazing may have to move to bigger premises it orders continue at the same pace, according to director. Tracey Hulbert. After launching a sales campaign in Ayrshire, the company have carried out work throughout the Ayrshire coast, from Ayr to Largs. As a result, extra joiners and sales staff have been employed, bringing to seven the number of employees.

Mr Hulbert places the company's success with their low profile selling. "If someone does not want double glazing we are not going to pressurise them into doing it," he said, "We think that is one of the reasons why we are getting so much business. The company also encourage customers to visit their factory in Moorpark Industrial Estate, where aluminium frames are made.

WASH-day blues will not be as intense for Stevenson mothers now because a path has been made down the muddy slope behind Auchenharvie Academy. Many children take the shortcut from their home to the school every morning and in wet weather their school clothes could look like they had been Immersed in mud by the time they reached their class. Time and again, parents complained about the dangerously slippy, muddy slope... and finally they have had a path made. A petition organised by Stevenston mother, Mrs Janet Miller, capped the campaign with 93 signatures and Cunninghame District Council obliged by making a stone path through the mud. On occasions pupils who had fallen on their way to school had to be sent home for dry clean clothes, but these days are nearly gone.

All that remains now is the crossing of a muddy field which, although not as treacherous, still dirties clothes. Like many parents in Stevenston, Mrs Miller will no longer dread 13-year-old son Brian's school clothes on wash days. Mrs Miller, of 17 Diddup Drive, commented: "Shoes were a disgrace after coming down the path and trousers got scattered with mud." She was delighted to hear that her door-to-door collecting of names had paid off and is now looking forward to seeing a path across the field to the right of the school. She said: "The field is as muddy as the path was but I believe there will be a path there soon too."


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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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All that remains now is the crossing of a muddy field which, although not as treacherous, still dirties clothes. Like many parents in Stevenston, Mrs Miller will no longer dread 13-year-old son Brian's school clothes on wash days. Mrs Miller, of 17 Diddup Drive, commented: "Shoes were a disgrace after coming down the path and trousers got scattered with mud." She was delighted to hear that her door-to-door collecting of names had paid off and is now looking forward to seeing a path across the field to the right of the school. She said: "The field is as muddy as the path was but I believe there will be a path there soon too."

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on August 29, 2007

100 YEARS AGO on August 30, 1907
MR JOHN Hogarth, agent of the Ardrossan branch of the Clydesdale Bank, died at his residence. The Garth on Friday.

THE annual race to Fairlie by West Kibride Cycling Club for the Merchant Cup was won by Mr Archibald Wilson, second being Mr James Wright.

WINNERS of special prizes at the Ardrossan Flowers Show held in the Drill Hall were:- A Forrester, G Armour, JC Wilson, J Crawford, Mrs A Anderson and HS Smith.

AN inspection of the Ardrossan Lifeboat was made by Lieutenant Hal, the district inspector. The boat was taken out by the tug off the North Shore and was there exercised and the Inspector reported everything satifactory.

THERE seems to be a great demand for houses in Stevenston. Mr John Reid, builder, proposes to build another block of houses off Burnbank Street.

ON Sabbath evening last. Mr Duncan, missionary, who has had charge of the Biggart Mission Hall meetings in Dalry for the past three years preached his farewell sermon to a large gathering.

ON the occasion of leaving for a business appointment and as a mark of appreciation and respect, Mr Robert Craig has been made the recipient of the works of Shakespeare, Thackarny?, Borrow, Boswell and Gatkal? from the teaching staff of Kilwinning Public School of which he was an esteemedmember for many years.

50 YEARS AGO on August 30, 1957
AMONG the improvements that have been made at Androsan Harbour is the demolition of the foreman docker's entrance to the harbour.

The ground has now been levelled off with a flower plot at one end, and at the other and there is now a large cement foundation to store large buckets, grabs and other equipment for loading and discharging.

A NEW pavement has been laid from the end house in Hill Place, Ardrossan, down to the main Road, alongside Winton Park, The pavement runs along that vacant piece of ground ground opposite the Rovers ground.

THE storm last weekend prevented the motor boat making its usual Sunday run with the newspapers The weather was also responsible for the Irish Coast failing to make her usual run from Ardrossan to Belfast.

THE Commencement of work at the new atom(?) station at West Kilbride has certainly increased traffic in Dalry, lorries are running all day with blaze(?) from the old No7 pit bing.

LAST Friday, the first ship of 16,000 tons deadweight to occupy the newly enlarged berth at Ardrossan Harbour's North Montgomerie Pier was the MV Khasiolla with a cargo of aviation and motor spirit, and other oil products for the Shell Refinery.

The storm Saturday and Sunday was felt in Fairlie. Many trees were damaged and autumn leaves began to fall early. An auxiliary yacht was washed ashore and severely damaged.

ALMOST a thousand people stood in the rain and the cold on Monday evening to wish public baptismal service conducted by Mr John M Moore, Supendendant the Tent Hall Glasgow.

The baptisms - 47 in all - took place at Saltcoats bathing pool, and each candidate was, in turn immersed in the sea-water of the pool, while Mr Moore, with the aid of a microphone, made the baptismal deliverance.

ON Tuesday night about 6 o'clock the Troon lifeboat the James and Barbara Alt??? (coxswain, Arthur Pearce) answered a call answered a call, following a report of a vessel in distress in the sea off Arran. The lifeboat, whoever, was recalled with half an hour, a message having been received that the distressed ship had been taken to tow by a fishing boat.

25 YEARS AGO on September 3, 1982
A HUGE Basking shark was harpooned and brought into Ardrossan Harbour to be butchered on Tuesday evening. The fish was caught in the Clyde from the fishing boat Fran Leon, skippered and owned by Mr Howard McCrindle.

Although shark fishing as an industry died in Ayrshire 300 years ago because of over fishing , there is still a wealth of uses for the dead fish and at this time of year, the sharks can still be seen in large numbers in the Clyde. It is believed that the valuable liver was extracted before the remaining fish was carried off to be sold in either Gill????? or in London Fish markets. Sharks are not protected under the "weak" 10G81 Wildlife and Countryside Act, commented a member of friends of the earth who added that the fish have nervous systems and die in great pain when harpooned.The Fran Leon was back at sea on Wednesday and Captain McCrindle was unavailable for comment on rumours that this basking shark is a one-off and that he intends making their capture a commercial venture.

THE new car ferry for the busy Caledonian MacBrayne Ardrossan to Brodick route could be in service by the summer of 1984. That's the news which follows the announcement, that subject to final negotiations, the £6.7 million ship will be built on the Clyde at the Port Glasgow Shipyard of Ferguson-Alan.

But two years is still a long wait for the long-suffering residents of Arran who have fought long and hard for this replacement ferry. But Caledonian MacBrayne are confident the islanders will be pleased, according to Scottish Transport Group managing director Mr Ian Irwin. He said this week: "Caledonian MacBrayne management have consulted representatives of the Arran residents during the basic designs stages of the new vessel and we are confident that the final product will be accorded a warm reception by the islanders. Engine power to give added maneuverability in and out of Ardrossan Harbour has featured prominently in the planning.

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on September 5, 2007

100 YEARS AGO on September 6, 1907
THE finances of Ardrossan Horticultural Society are so unsatisfactory that a reduction of 12.5 per cent had to be made on the prize money.

ON Saturday afternoon last the first swimming gala in the new pond at Saltcoats took place under the auspices of the Glasgow Eastern Swimming Club. There was no formal opening ceremony, this being postponed until next year.

A VISIT was paid to the Town Hall, Saltcoats, on Friday evening last by Mackenzie Murdoch's Merrymakers and a good audience welcomed them. The three stars were Mackenzie Murdoch, violinist, Happy Hayworth and Alex Lauder (brother of Harry Lauder).

THE Rev Francis Cronin, St Mary's RC Church, Saltcoats, has been translated to Mossend and succeeded in Saltcoats by the Rev William Carmichael

MR THOMAS Harvey has been appointed agent of the Clydesdale Bank in Ardrossan in succession to the late Mr John Hogarth.

AT Kilwinning Flower Show the principal prizewinners were G Richmond, T Trodden and J Smith

THE Glengarnock Phosphates Company started their new works last Friday in the premises lying between the Caley Railway and the Steelworks.

MR JB Orr, who has acted as second master in Kyleshill Public School, Saltcoats, for the past four years is leaving to complete his studies at Glasgow for the BSc degree.

50 YEARS AGO on September 6, 1957
ON Sunday last, September 1, special services were held in Courthill Church, Dalry, to mark the centenary of the erection and completion of the present church buildings. There had been an earlier church on a different site in Courthill since 1785, but the existing structure was dedicated and first used for worship on August 9, 1857. To mark the occasion a completely new lighting system had been installed, and the dedication of this new electrical installation formed part of the morning service. To mark the importance of the event the Kirk Session was constituted and occupied special seats, and with them were associated a number of elders representative of all the other Presbyterian congregations in the town. Evening worship took the form of a united service, attended by all the local congregations.

THREE steeplejacks provided some entertainment last week on the spire of St Paul's Church, Fairlle. The William Fife Memorial weathervane had developed a fault, which they quickly put right.

ANOTHER inshore minesweeper of the latest type will be launched from the Fairlie yard on Monday. The Countess of Eglinton will perform the launching ceremony and she will be accompanied by an influential platform party.

SIR Alexander Fleck, Chairman of ICI, has been elected President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science for 1958.

A PARTY of boarded-out children from Newcastle, in the temporary charge of Mr J Smith, Ayrshire County Welfare Officer, and accompanied by ex-Provost James Reid of Saltcoats, chairman of the County Welfare Committee, visited the North Ayrshire Museum at Saltcoats last week. Mr Thomas Scott was the guide.

ON the motion of Provost Forde, Stevenston Town Council at their monthly meeting on Monday night unanimously agreed that ICI Ardeer Factory management be approached to meet representatives of the Town Council to discuss the question of future labour requirements at the factory - "in view of conflicting reports regarding redundancy and the dismissal of workers arising from re-organisation and automation".

SOME visitors to Stevenston seemed surprised when a boy appeared cycling down New Street with a monkey perched on his shoulder.

25 YEARS AGO on September 9, 1982
ARDROSSAN Rugby Club have been tackled by Cunninghame District Council over their controversial floodlight pylons at the Memorial Playing Fields. For the pylons have not been constructed to comply with the strict planning regulations. Now Rugby Club officials look almost certain to be told to get them into line or pull the structures down. The warning came at a meeting of Cunninghame District Council Planning Committee on Tuesday night.

Before the committee was a petition signed by more than 30 residents along the High Road objecting that the 38ft floodlight pylons were "Visually obtrusive" and a temptation to children who had been seen climbing on them. The petition, highlighted in The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, prompted an immediate investigation by the planning department, which revealed that a platform had been constructed at the top of the pylons and not the crossarms as had been agreed in the plans.

The Rugby Club were told to remove the platforms and install crossarms and were warned that failure to comply may result in the district council taking enforcement action to have these platforms removed or have the pylons completely removed. Planning Director Mr Allan Reid recommended to the committee that it was "not acceptable" that the floodlights were installed with the platforms. And he went on to recommend that if the Rugby Club failed to agree to have the platforms removed enforcement action should be taken to have crossarms installed. The committee unanimously agreed.

A MAJOR facelift could be on the cards for Ardrossan. The Scottish Development Agency now look almost certain to go ahead with a major feasibility study into environmental improvements of the Harbour area. And that's good news for Ardrossan whose harbour area has had to face a steady decline in recent years.

The new ferry for the Ardrossan to Arran route should be ready by the summer of 1984 and if this could be coupled with a facelift at the harbour Ardrossan could reap the benefit. The Agency were keen to see an early start to the study - which would cost in the region of £15,000 - and this week Cunninghame District Council gave their backing to the plan. And at Tuesday's Planning Committee meeting, members agreed to contribute £250 towards the bill as a gesture of goodwill.

Thanks to Tom McGrattan for the original
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