Stevenston - On This Day In History

Published stories from each town's past.
Penny Tray
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

Post by Penny Tray »

GLASGOW HERALD
30 JUNE 1868

FATAL COAL PIT ACCIDENT

Late on the night of Friday a frightful accident occurred at the Redan Pit, Stevenston, which resulted in the death of a man named FRANCIS MULLEN.

It appears that deceased, with two other men, was engaged repairing the sides of the shaft, the platform on which they stood being suspended from the cage by means of chains. This platform was being raised by the engine to a spot where some repairs were wanted, and on coming to a stand the erection gave way in the centre.

Mullen was precipitated to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of some 80 yards, and when found he was quite dead, his body presenting a frightful appearance in consequence of having been impaled on a piece of wood from the scaffold.

The other two men, named Blair and McGowan, saved themselves by clinging to the chains and climbing up to the cage, from whence they were drawn up to the top.

Mullen was interred on Sunday, and being a member of the 7th Ayrshire Rifle Volunteers, his remains were followed to the grave by some 60 members of the corps, under the command of Captain Forrest.
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Penny Tray
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
30 JUNE 1876

SAD TERMINATION TO A DAY’S OUTING

Mr Duncan McIsaac, keeper of the Buck’s Head Inn, Dalry, met with a painful death, late on Wednesday night while returning from the coast in a four-wheeled brake along with some friends.

The party, of whom Mr McIsaac was one, left Dalry in the morning for a drive along the shore by way of Largs and Ardrossan, and had reached Stevenston about ten o’clock on the way home, where a call was made at McCulloch’s Inn.

After the journey had been resumed, one of the horses became restive, and Mr McIsaac, who was driving, left his seat in order to lead the animal a short distance, and on his attempt to enter the vehicle again, he missed his footing and fell before the wheel, which passed over the lower part of his body.

When lifted up he said, “I’m killed, I’m dangerously hurt.”

He was placed in the machine and driven home as quickly as possible, but he died shortly after reaching his own house.

Dr. Sloan was called in, but he could do nothing for him, as he had received a fatal rupture in the bowels.

His wife, who was in the vehicle at the time, was a witness of the sad accident.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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CASUALTY OF WAR
30 JUNE 1916

Died on service, Private PETER MALCOLM, (26), Service No. S/22156, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – born at Kinross; enlisted at and resident of Stevenston.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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CASUALTY OF WAR
1 JULY 1916

Died on service, Private THOMAS DYET GRAY, (27), 14TH Battalion London Scottish Regiment – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – son of Mr John Gray, 6 Ardoch Crescent, Stevenston.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Mr John Gray, 6 Ardoch Crescent, Stevenston, who is in the service of the Stevenston Co-op Society, has been officially informed that his son, Private T. Gray, who has been reported missing since 1st July, 1916, is now concluded to be dead, and his death is presumed to have taken place on that date.

Private Gray, who was 27 years of age, was a native of Stevenston, and educated at Stevenston Public School. He had worked in Glasgow and Belfast, and prior to enlistment had charge of the Saxone Shoe Company’s branch establishment in the West End of London.”
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
2 JULY 1874

STEVENSTON SCHOOL BOARD

The monthly meeting was held yesterday.

A letter was read from Mr Fullarton of Kerelaw, resigning his office as chairman, and his seat as a member of the board, in consequence of the increasing infirmities of old age.

The meeting accepted the resignation with great regret, and expressed wishes for his comfort and happiness in his retirement.

A letter was also read from Dr. Gaff, intimating his resignation, which the meeting accepted, and agreed to appoint members to the vacant seats and a permanent chairman at the next meeting.

The clerk was instructed to write to the kirk-session, as representatives of the former managers of Kyleshill School, inquiring as to the bequest of £50 left for that school by the late Mr William Brown of Parkend.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
3 JULY 1894

ORGAN FOR STEVENSTON PARISH CHURCH

The church is presently undergoing extensive alterations and improvements.

A new organ built by Messrs Bevington & Sons, London, from a specification by Mr J. B. Lawson, organist, has been erected, and will shortly be opened. The organ is constructed on the most improved principle. The case is of pitch pine, with richly decorated front pipes, and the beautiful design of the instrument harmonises most effectively with the general character of the church.

It has 2 manuals, 13 sounding stops, 4 couplers, 4 composition pedals, and 764 speaking pipes.

The organ has been placed in the gallery facing the pulpit, the choir occupying seats fronting the instrument.

The church otherwise has undergone renovation, the effect of which has been to beautify and enrich it. Two handsome stained-glass windows appear on each side of the pulpit, the rich colouring having a most effective appearance. The pulpit is painted in oak and walnut. Above the sounding board are three panels, the centre one having a painting of the burning bush. On each side of the pulpit are beautifully painted scrolls with texts. The choir bench has been removed, and an ornate platform erected, stained in oak, carpeted, with communion table and ecclesiastical chairs of special design, and having large palms in pots at each side. Improved lighting is secured by a handsome corona over then platform.

The whole of the alterations add very much to the appearance of the church.

The cost of the new platform, the organ, and slight structural alterations will be about £550, and of this sum Mr Patrick Warner of Ardeer has contributed £100.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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EVENING TIMES
4 JULY 1957

ICI OPENS NEW SCHOOL FOR APPRENTICES

A significant new development in industrial training was launched at Stevenston, Ayrshire, today with the opening of the new apprentice training school and education department of Imperial Chemical Industries, Nobel Division.

Besides affording facilities for the basic training of apprentices before they enter the workshops, the department provides three-month courses for foremen and potential foremen, shorter courses for supervisoroy and commercial staffs, and accommodation for conferences.

The creation of the new school at Stevenston marks a stage in ICI's education policy evolved to keep pace with the rapid progress of the chemical industry in Britain.

CONTINUOUS PROGRESS

With a great many of the company's products batch production has given way to continuous processes, and a vast construction programme of highly instrumented and mechanical plant is under way.

This has had increasing emphasis on the problem of recruiting and training skilled craftsmen, and the school is intended to supplement existing schemes such as the "day release" plan under which apprentices are given a day off to attend technical classes.

The school was officially opened by Sir Ewart Smith, A deputy Chairman of the Company.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
5 JULY 1877

STEVENSTON SCHOOL BOARD

This board held their usual monthly meeting on Tuesday night – Mr Lockhart in the chair.

The officer reported that a large number of children were absent from school on account of measles.

Two parents were dealt with on account of the irregularity of their children’s attendance at school.

Accounts were passed.

The inspectors report regarding Stevenston Public School stated the total grant at £249 2s. The report was considered satisfactory.

It was agreed to get some painting and repairs done at Kyleshill School during the holidays; to dispose of old property commonly known as Kerr’s property; to make some repairs at the house of the teacher of Stevenston Public School; and to appoint a female assistant in Kyleshill School.
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Penny Tray
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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CASUALTY OF WAR
5 JULY 1919

Died on service, Sapper J. McCALLUM, Service No. 93204, Corps of Royal Engineers – Theatre of war, Home – buried at New Street, Cemetery, Stevenston.
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Hughie
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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Penny Tray wrote: Mon Jul 05, 2021 7:25 am buried at New Street, Cemetery, Stevenston.
Here's a photo I took of the headstone some years ago - unrelated to my family as far as I know.

Image
Penny Tray
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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Great photo Hughie. I find it sad though, despite having researched several sources, including his entry in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records, that not even his final resting place reveals his Christian name. Neither does "J. McCALLUM" appear on local War Memorials, so his link with the Threetowns, other than being buried in the New Street Cemetery, remains meantime unknown.
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Penny Tray
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
6 JULY 1880

ARDEER BOWLING TOURNAMENT

The bowling tournament at Ardeer green, Stevenston, opened yesterday shortly before eleven o’clock. The weather was rather unfavourable, a drizzling rain falling.
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