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 November 19, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on November 24, 1908
AT the annual meeting of the Saltcoats and Ardrossan Royal Arch of Freemasons the following officers were appointed: - RMW WP Flinn; SM H Flinn; SWR Mack; JWJ Blain; Secretary, WM Gillies; Treasurer, DB Dewar.

LAST night the committee of Ardrossan Horticultural Society met in the Station Hotel to make a presentation to Mr David Bell, nurseryman, who retired from the post of treasurer. Major Marchie made the presentation and songs were sung by Messrs Brown, Watson, Adam, Bruce Wilson, McCall and Taig.

A LECTURE on An Evening With Tennyson was given on Tuesday in Ardrossan Town Hall by the Rev RM Adamson of St John's Church. Renderings of the poet's songs were given by Misses AE Cook. Macara and F Barr.

ARDEER Bowling Club held a smoker on Monday in the Bowl House when prizes were presented to the season's winners as follows:- Championship, A Duff, runner-up, Adam Miller. Ballantine Cup-1, A Wilson; 2, John Boyle; 3 R Kilpatrick. Doublehanded Medal -1 Adam Wilson Junior and Thomas Byron; 3, David Kelso, and William Reid.

AT the annual meeting of Dalry Curling Club the following were appointed office-bearers for the year. President, Mr Alex Willison; vice-president, Mr William Spier, secretary, R Thomson; treasurer, AG Wilson; Committee - Messrs G Wilson, JW Walker, John Guy, John Brown, George Kirkhope, Robert Marshall, Allister McDougall and Robert Malcolm.

50 YEARS AGO on November 21, 1958
MR William Green, a plant superintendent in Acids Department, Ardeer Factory, has retired after 43 years service to IC and its predecessors and in the staff canteen recently received presentations from the Company and his friends. The Company gift and scroll of service were presented to him by Mr Ralph Ashcroft, works man ager, who said that a retirement presentation was not one in which they normally rejoiced. It was however, an expression of esteem and gave friends and colleagues an opportunity to say goodbye. Mr James Brown made the presentation on behalf of friends and colleagues. He recalled that Mr Green had served in the Royal Army Pay Crops during and after the First World War, and described him as one who could speak authoritatively on acids manufacture."

AS considerable trouble is being experienced with the silting sand at the outlet of the storm water overflow sewer on the North Shore, Ardrossan - it requires almost daily attention to keep it clear-the sewer is to be extended seawards for 24 yards as to obtain a clear outlet. The estimated cost is £220.

ORGANISED by the British Legion, Poppy Day in Saltcoats realised the following: -Sale of Poppies, £125 8s 2d; magazines, £2 12s; wreaths, £27 1s; total, £165 1s 2d. This sum includes £5s 9s 110 the retiral collection at the morning service in South Beach Church.

THE Roads and Parks Committee of Ardrossan Town Council have considered the future use which might be made of Castle Hill Gardens and have agreed that, in the first instance, the Housing Committee be asked to indicate whether they considered the ground could be used for housing purposes.

TWENTY-one-year-old Michael Hughes had the surprise of his life recently when he came across a pup, a few days old lying among a pile of rubbish which he was shovelling into a furnace. His quick eye saved the pup from being buried alive, for all he saw moving was his tongue. Michael, who stays at 18 Kirkhall Drive, Ardrossan, works with the burgh cleansing department and his discovery was made on Wednesday afternoon of last week at the destructor near the gas works. The pup could quite easily have ended up in the furnace, for its coat was so dirty that it was almost unrecognisable. Michael picked up the animal and carried to a washhand basin in the destructor building. He washed it and fed it with a crushed aspirin tablet. Then he put it into a cardboard box lined with rags to keep it warm, and placed the box beside the furnace. When he finished work in the evening he took the pup home and because it was so young he fed it with milk from a babies bottle. Michael told the Herald that the puppy lay comfortably in the box beside the hearth and there to keep it company was his two-year-old collie bitch, Sheb.

25 YEARS AGO on November 25, 1983
ARDROSSAN children could have been contaminated by atomic waste in a horror nuclear blunder, An MP claims. George Foulkes, MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, was called in by an Ardrossan mother whose daughter recently underwent a bone marrow operation in Glasgow's Yorkhill Sick Children's Hospital. During visits to the hospital the woman - who refused to be named-became aware of 22 youngsters from Ayrshire being treated for leukaemia and other cancer-related diseases... illnesses which can be related to radiation pollution.

She claims atomic waste may be responsible. Now Mr Foulkes is demanding answers from Scots Secretary George Younger on radioactivity levels on the Ayrshire coast area of waste discharges from Hunterston Power Station. He also wants to know of any contamination from the recent leak at Windscale- now called Sellafield - in Cumbria. Mr Foulkes told the Herald: "I think with the number of children involved, the proximity of Hunterston and the Sellafield leak, the coincidence of it being something is too great.

"Radiation levels are increasing very rapidly. I am trying to get the latest figures, but according to the 1981 figures, the radiation level in fish caught off the west of Scotland is 30 per cent up on the previous year." Mr Foulkes added that the Hunterston Station was operating at 83 per cent of its maximum permitted level of radiation discharge. "It certainly looks as if people are keeping quiet about this," he said. The mother who raised the alarm said: "I know leukaemia could be caused by other things, but I'm very alarmed that there could be a problem like this in a wee town like Ardrossan."

CHAMPION swimmer Gillian Bone from Saltcoats created a new record last Saturday at the Incas Speedo Championships in Stirling. Thirteen-year-old Gillian-who has become a regular record breaker - did a 100 metre backstroke event in 1m 09.8secs. The previous record was 1m 12 secs. She then scooped a silver medal in the 100 metre freestyle event. And on Saturday, at the Cadbury Championships in Grangemouth, she scored a personal best of 1m 09.3secs for the same type of event

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on November 26, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on November 27, 1908
THE Irvine and District's Water Board's new central offices, adjoining the recently opened Parish Offices in the Byres, Kilwinning, were formally opened last night by Mr R. Blakely, Chairman of the Board.

SERGEANT Sourbetts, who has been on recruiting business in this neighbourhood for some time, has been struck by the large number of otherwise eligible young men from whom he has been compelled to withhold the King's shilling on account of the condition of their teeth.

AT the annual meeting of the Ardrossan and West Kilbride Farmers' Society office-bearers elected were: Pres.. Wm Hogarth, Whitlees: Vice-pres, Dugald McKinnon; directors, Messrs R. Hendry, A. McKinnon, W. Whyle (Border). Hugh Hunter, Wm. Kean, John Stevenston, David Craig. Wm. Wylie (Hylmsbyre), Arch. Crawford, A. Keoch, W. Kidd and John Gray.

IN his discourse last Sunday evening. Rev. R. H. Adamson, St. John's U.F. Church, Ardrossan, discussed the game of football, mentioning among its dangers those of over professionalism and of people watching the game instead of Indulging in
athletic exercise themselves.

A Congregational Guild has been formed in Erskine Church, Saltooats, to promote the social side of the congregations life. The President is the minister, Rev. W. M. Biggam, vice president, Mr George Hepburn: secretary, Mr James Boyd, treasurer, Miss Mary Miller.

THE seventh annual competition and exhibition of Kibirnie Chrysanthemum Society was held on Saturday in the Good Templers Hall, Kilbirnie, special prizes being awarded to James W. Dunlop, Ronald Barclay, J.C. Sharp, John Martin, W. D. Alexander.

50 YEARS AGO on November 28, 1958
THE Roads Committee of Ayr, on March 3, decided to ask the British Transport Commission for an early decision on the question of the electrification system they propose to adopt for the railways in the Saltcoats-Ardrossan area to enable the County surveyor to proceed with the design details for the reconstruction of Bridge number three, Dalry Road, Ardrossan.

THE Road Safety Committee, reported to the County Council on Tuesday that there was submitted a list showing the names of the 66 whole-time drivers of County Council vehicles who had been Royal Society for the prevention of Accidents for completing the year 1957 without being involved in any accident on the public highway or elsewhere for which they were in any way blameworthy.

FOR many years it has been a matter for regret that there is, in this district, no original work to commemorate the five youthful years spent by Sir John Lavery in the North Ayrshire Town of Saltcoats. There are, of course, many reproductions. Two were actually presented by Sir John to Saltcoats Town Council and now hang in the Lesser Town Hall, Saltcoats. When the North Ayrshire Museum was opened last year it was realised that there was a Lavery gap which could not be filled by reproductions no matter how high the quality Recently the opportunity occurred to but a painting. typical of Lavery's work and representative of the portraiture for which he was so famous. The picture which has been acquired is circular and measures 24 inches in diameter.

A ROBIN has taken up an unusual residence in a Kilwinning bar in the town for the past few weeks. As the day draws to a close it hops around the bar; then finally perches on a picture for the night unperturbed by the patrons of the bar

THE new lavatory building at Stevenston shore coast a few thousand pounds to build, as it is an elaborate affair It is now up to the ratepayers to see that it is protected and not singled out for attack by vandals.

25 YEARS AGO on December 2, 1983
PART of Ardrossan's historical heritage was restored to its rightful position in the last few days. The town clock on top of the Masonic Lodge is back and keeping good time once again, according to secretary of St John's lodge No. 320, Douglas Rae. The clock, which has always been known as the town clock, was damaged beyond repair in the hurricane-force gales that lashed the Ayrshire coastline earlier this year. It was well over a hundred years old and had been working erratically before the storm damage, so it was decided that the new clock would be electronically operated.

STEVENSTON railway station will be left unmanned and Saltcoats without staff after 3pm if shock British Rail proposals become a reality. And this week a top union official described the plans as "an open invitation to vandals". Mr Dick King. Scottish Secretary of the Transport Salaried Stall Association, was also disturbed at the loss of 13 jobs at stations on the Kilwinning to Largs line. British Rail proposals for the line are contained in a document circulated to unlons earlier this month.

PUBLIC pressure to keep Ardrossan's only frozen food shop open has resulted in an amazing about turn by its owner. Mr W. Atha announced last week that Cunninghame District Council's refusal to allow him a cold store behind the shop was forcing him to close. He is not lodging an appeal against the council's decision but will keep Myka Frozen Foods at 181 Glasgow Street open meanwhile. Letters and telephone calls from regular customers have been flooding into Mr Atha's office leaving him feeling really guilty about the decision to close.

A £3.4 million nuclear training simulator designed to increase safety and efficiency was opened at Hunterston B power Station by Secretary of State for Scotland, George Younger, on Monday. It is believed to be the most advanced simulator of its type in the world and is a replica of the power station's control room. Practical experience in dealing with problems which may occur at the nuclear plant can be simulated on the highly sophisticated equipment, which replaces written exercise training. Instructors can simulate difficulties with the running of the station and gauge the control operators' reactions and ability to cope.

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on December 3, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on December 4, 1908
YESTERDAY forenoon the opening ceremony and dedication service took place of the new Parish Church of Ardrossan, which stands on a splendid site in Caledonia Road, Saltcoats. The door was opened by Mrs McIssac, Parkend, Saltcoats, and the prayer of dedication was offered by the Right Rev Theodore Marshall, DD, Moderator of the General Assembly.

A LARGE crowd filled Saltcoats Town Hall last Friday evening on the occasion of the annual ball of Mr William Fotheringham's juvenile pupils. All 80 pupils wore fancy dress, and special dances were executed by Misses Gretna Machray, Kathie McMillan, May Craig, Joan McMillan, Greta Morrison, Violet Short, May Hamilton, May Young. Jeanie Campbell, Lizzie Caldwell, Daisy Campbell, Minnie Izatt, Robert Miller and Bob Fotheringham.

A BILLIARDS match between cueists of Ardrossan and Saltcoats Unionists resulted: - Ardrossan (Captain Pugh, P Morrison, David McDowall, R Craig, Duncan McDowall, S Goodwin, A Syme, G Laidlaw) 946; Saltcoats (M Boyland, James McGregor, W McLellan, J McKerrow, W Craig, W Allan) 1131.

A CORRESPONDENT appeals to ladies not to wear Merry Widow hats at lectures etc in local town halls; he wishes to be able to see the stage.

LAST Sabbath evening in West Kibride Town Hall, Mr Robert Logan gave an interesting address on Where Are The Dead? About 400 were present.

50 YEARS AGO on December 5, 1958
TO mark the occasion of reaching the retiring age a representative company met at the Railway Staff Association Club, Ardrossan, last Friday to honour Mr John Wilson, boilermaker, who had been with Ardrossan Locomotive Depot for nearly 32 years. Mr AC Manuel, who presided, spoke of the high esteem Mr Wilson enjoyed among his workmates and made reference to the new era of advanced mechanics where boilermaking would be a thing of the past.

Mr Wylie, locomotive foreman at the Motive Power Depot, made the presentation of a wallet of notes to Mr Wilson. He spoke highly of his abilities and expressed the sentiments of the gathering in wishing him and his good lady a very happy future. M Wilson suitably replied.

IT is over 70 years, we understand, since Handel's Messiah was performed in Ardrossan and on Sunday evening, December 14, the Barony Church Choir are presenting the work in the Church. If they are not entirely breaking fresh ground, they are at least providing something now for most of the present generation in Ardrossan.
Soloists will be Margaret Walker (soprano): Sadie Parker (contralto): Duncan Whannell (tenor), and Alex Carmichael (bass). The church choir is to be augmented for the occasion, and a string ensemble will be led by Dr John Gibb. Dr Percy Ellis will be at the organ, and the conductor will be Mr James Johnston, Attention is drawn to the advertisement which appears on the front page of this issue.

ON Wednesday shortly after 5pm, which is a busy period for buses, a double deck bus driver stopped his bus in Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, and ran back to a boy who had flashed his hand torch into the driver's face. This is a dangerous trick and one that should not be repeated.

AT 10.55pm last Sunday a collision occurred in Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, between a double deck bus and a motor car. Both vehicles were damaged but no person was injured.

TO mark the occasion of reaching the retiring age a representative company met at the Railway Staff Association Club, Ardrossan, last Friday, to honour Mr John Wilson, boilermaker, who had been with Ardrossan Locomotive Depot, made the presentation of a wallet of notes to Mr Wilson. He spoke highly of his abilities and expressed the sentiments of the gathering in wishing him and his good lady a very happy future.

25 YEARS AGO on December 9, 1983
TWO councillors angrily stormed out of a meeting this week to protest at their Labour colleagues' stand on the Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Enterprise Trust (ASSET). Councillors Sam Gooding and Tom Morris accused some members of "viciousness" whenever ASSET was discussed. As they stormed out of Wednesday night's leisure committee, Councillor Gooding advised other councillors to follow them. Only two did - and raised voices were heard from an adjoining room. The row brewed when the council was faced with a request from ASSET to renew their lease on offices in Saltcoats Town Hall. Councillor Diane Davis suggested they should only be given six months, so the council can consider a use of their own for the rooms. She was backed up by Councillor Tom Dewar, but defeated in a vote. The committee agreed that council officials should meet with ASSET to discuss the terms of the lease. Councillor Tom Morris followed Mr Gooding's lead and left the meeting, followed shortly by Councillor Tom Dewar, who later returned.

THE public response to the pedestrianisation of Kilwinning's Main Street has surprised even its strongest supporters. The town's district councillors were amazed at the turnout for the official opening ceremony last Saturday. Councillors Jim Clements, Graham Ritchie and Drew Duncan were delighted at the response. More than 2000 people turned up to watch WestSound personality Lou Grant open the new-look street and to enjoy the various entertainments. "It was such a success that we hope to stage other entertainment in the street regularly during the spring and summer," said Councillor Clements.

STEVENSTON electrical contractor Alan Munro was a happy man on Saturday...for his five-yearold horse Mr Sunbird romped home in the first race at Newcastle to complete a great double. A Few weeks ago the hurdler won at Ayr and made a dream come true for his proud owner. "It has always been my ambition to win a race at Ayr," commented Alan "and being able to follow so quickly with another win was a great achievement for the horse and trainer Dick Allan. 1 must also praise jockey Neal Doughty. The race was being run too slow for the horse so he kicked for home early."

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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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

100 YEARS AGO on December 11, 1908
MESSRS Ferguson, Saltcoats, have been appointed mole-trappers to the Irvine and District Water Board

THE new police station erected in Saltcoats has been taken possession of this week by the police authorities. Sergeant Duffus from Irvine has been appointed to Saltcoats.

ON Monday and Tuesday, Ardrossan Amateur Dramatic Company performed "A London Vagabond" in the assembly hall, the actors being Hugh Skillen, John Cance, J. H. Kerr, Peter Kean, D. McLachlan, Ben Tait, Peggy Barr, Lizzie Gilroy. Jean Dunkeld, James MacFarlane, Sally Leckie and Annie McEwing.

AT the annual meeting of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Merchants Association, held last Tuesday, office bearers appointed were: President, J. D. Fullerton; vice-president, Adam Wilson, jun.; secretary R. Harper; treasurer, Peter Kerr, committee (Ardrossan), Messrs Wm. Bryce, Jas. Anderson, Jas. Watson, Chas. Crinean (Saltcoats). Messrs Jas, Dunlop, A. Dunlop, R. C. Wilkie, Thos. Patrick (Stevenston), Messrs T. C. Banks, D. Frew, T. Oswald and Jas. Gilmour.

AT a concert last Friday evening in the League of the Cross Hall, Saltcoats, a laughable sketch entitled, "The Wigmakers" was performed by H. Brodie, J. Linney and P. McNamara.

AT Stevenston Literary Society meeting this week Mr Gibson and Mr Brownlee debated railway nationalisation, Mr Gibson, advocate of "pro.." triumphed in the end.

50 YEARS AGO on December 12, 1958
THERE were snow showers in Ayrshire on Wednesday night after a day of heavy rain. While the snow did not lie long after daylight on Thursday. some people had alarming experiences while it lasted. Forty members of St Paul's Woman's Guild, Fairlie, were stranded in a bus on the blizzard swept, Largs-Kilbirnie road during Wednesday night, and three service buses with about a dozen passengers were also stranded on the same road.

IN little over six weeks the congregation of St. Cuthbert's parish Church, Saltcoats, have raised more than £730 towards the cost of the church's new £1000 system of electric lighting and oil-fuel heating. This remarkable achievement is one which highlights the enthusiasm of the congregation who, this week, celebrated the jubilee of their present church building. The week's celebrations began on Sunday with special services of commemoration, and on Monday evening a congregational social was held in the church hall.

AN Indian Bazaar, organised by the Missionary Committee of the Ardrossan Congregational Church, was held on last Friday evening. The gaily decorated hall was set out as an Indian market, and goods were sold by stall holders dressed in Indian costume. The company was welcomed by Rev. Jean Thomson, who asked Mr James Mitchell, president of the church, to open the bazaar. Trade was brisk and as a result of the sale of goods on show, over 230 was realised for the London Missionary Society.

ARDROSSAN, Saltcoats and Stevenston Cage Bird Society's annual open show, which was held last Saturday in the Beach Pavilion, Saltcoats, was altogether a successful affair and attracted over 900 entries. The standard of entries was particularly good and there was some keen competition in many of the classes. Mrs J. G. Love, Saltcoats, gracefully presented the principal awards.

SIXTY-five guests attended a reception in the British legion Hal, Stevenston, last Saturday evening to honour Mr and Mrs Campbell Blair, 8 Moorpark Road West, on the occasion of their golden wedding. And for the happy couple it was a real red letter day, with countless things to remind them of December 4, 1908 - the day they were married in the High Kirk Manse.

25 YEARS AGO on December 16, 1983
PERMANENT pedestrianisation could be coming to Saltcoats as early as April next year. Under a scheme considered by Cunninghame District Council's planning committee last week, the town's Dockhead Street and part of Green Street would be traffic free at a cost of £200,000. Instead of dicing with cars, lorries and motorcycles, shoppers will be provided with medallions in a ceramic material outlining the town's history, coloured paving blocks, and a seating area at Chapelwell Street entrance to the street. A detailed scheme for the treatment of Dockhead Street after pedestrianisation was presented to the Saltcoats Area Committee of the planning committee last month.

STEVENSTON has been chosen as the base for a new company aiming to spread the word on energy conservation throughout Scotland. Energyse Ltd., which specialises in insulation, solar heating and energy recovery has taken premises at Stevenston Industrial estate which will serve as the company's head office and West of Scotland depot. Twentythree people will be employed initially but with the success the company looks forward to that number should reach 52 over the next three years.

ARRAN'S links with the mainland rail network are under threat in a working party report which also proposes British Rail job cuts. The threat comes in a report from Strathclyde Regional Council's working group, looking into what it calls the "soaring cost of subsidising west coast services At the same time as recommending the go-ahead for electrification of the Ardrossan South Beach to largs line, it sees no justification for extending the electrification from South Beach to Ardrossan Harbour. Instead it sees a feeder bus service to Kilwinning from the harbour as being one of the most economical alternative for travellers.

ARDEER Golf Club has two rare captains, for they are the first married couple to hold these positions at the same time since the club was formed more than 100 years ago. Tom and May Cunningham, of 31 Hyslop Road Stevenston, were astonished by the coincidence as anyone when they are elected as captains of the men's and women's sections of the club in September and October respectively. "It was pointed out to us last year when I became the vice-captain and match secretary at the same time as Tom became vice-captain. "We knew then we would be the first named captains," Mrs Cunningham said.

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

150 YEARS AGO on December 1858
Three Brothers, Ardrossan, was wrecked 20 miles westwards of Thurso and became a total loss. She was owned by Provost Barr, Ardrossan.

THE Rev Mr Cruickshanks, Stevenston, has been requested to distribute among the poor in the town 50 loads of coal, the kind donation of the Earl of Eglinton.

THE fastest passage of the year from Quebec to Ardrossan was made by an Ardrossan master. The ship did the run in 18 days.

BY the kindness of a friend, Bailie Drape, Ardrossan, has enabled to distribute 15 carts of coal among deserving householders in Ardrossan.

100 YEARS AGO on December 18, 1908
THE first man to be lodged in the new police cells at Saltcoats was allowed to go with an admonition at court on Monday. The distinction was gained by a vagrant.

OFFICE-bearers elected at the annual meeting of Ardrossan Castle Burns Club were: - President, Police Judge Crawford; Vice Presidents - the Rev JK Cameron and Mr William Tannock; Secretary, Mr Wiliam Adam; Treasurer, Mr James Tyre; committee, Messrs Bryce, Wilson, Galloway, Currie, Finn, Gardiner, Muirhead, Gibson, Barclay.

THE annual concert under the auspices of Erskine Church, Saltcoats, Sunbeam Club was held on Friday in the Church Hall, the artistes being Miss Mary B Stewart, Mrs Beveridge McGillvray, Mr Wiliam Hunter, Mr Conrad Stich, flautist: Mr JH Rimmer, cornet, and Mr William McGeachin, pianist.

THE congregation of Saltcoats and Ardrossan Free Church have extended a call to the Rev WS Heron, Partick, to minister to them.

NURSE Parker will be grateful to receive supplies of clothing of any description for the children of the poor people of Stevenston, where there is much poverty and suffering at the present time.

WEST Kilbride YMCA Mission was brought to a close on Sabbath evening last when Mr Patrick Mulrine, ex-convict and now evangelist, gave an address (in convict garb) on his unregenerate days.

THE valuation of the Burgh of Saltcoats for the year 1908-09 is: £42,418-an increase of £407 over last year: the Parish of Ardrossan portion is £31,443; the Parish of Stevenston portion is £10,785, respectively and 26 per cent of the whole.

50 YEARS AGO on December 19, 1958
ON Tuesday when a motor lorry was passing the Barony Church, Ardrossan, and making for the harbour, a two-cwt soil of carpet fell on to the roadway unknown to the driver of the vehicle. Two persons passing at the time witnessed the incident, and one of them went to the harbour and informed the driver who returned to uplift his lost cargo.

IN last week's issue of the A and S Herald, a Dalry reader complained about the filth which covers the streets and pavements of Dalry."

THE large Christmas tree now erected every year in front of Castlecraigs was put up this week complete with fairy lights. The Hunt Ball is generally the first organisation to hold their dance after the lights are switched on. The ball takes place tonight Friday) in Castlecraigs.

HE passed away peacefully at his residence, 2 Byrehill Road, Blacklands, on December 13, Kilwinning's oldest resident, Mr James Frew. He was 93. Born in the old village of Bartonholm Mr Frew spent most of his working life in the coal mines around the district, until these were closed some years ago. A keen angler, he spent many happy hours along the Garnock River. Fishing was not his only hobby, in the garden he was at his best and many amateur gardeners were about the district can thank Jimmie" for his practical advice.

THE local Fire Brigade were called out last Friday to deal with a slight outbreak of fire in a newsagent's shop at Dalry Cross.

LAST Friday night a bus load of members and friends of Kilbirnie's East Church Woman's Guild attended a mannequin parade at Ryeside Mills, Dalry. Five models took part and the proceeds were donated to charity.

25 YEARS AGO on December 23, 1983
BRITISH Petroleum are pressing to start drilling for oil or gas off Ayrshire, it was claimed this week. Cunninghame South MP David Lambie said BP would start drilling in the Firth of Clyde as soon as official permission was granted. He will now press the Government to issue drilling licences quickly. But BP itself was keeping quiet about the claim when contacted by the Herald this week. A spokesman confirmed that the company had carried out seismic tests in the Firth of Clyde. But he would only add that the technical data from the tests were still being examined. "We are not in a position to discuss whether we are likely to take it further at this stage," he said. He refused to confirm or deny suggestions that BP planned to, or had already, applied for a drilling licence.

Mounting rumours of an oil or gas exploration of Ayrshire has already prompted action from both Strathclyde Regional Council and Cunninghame District Council. Malcolm Waugh, chairman of the region's highways and transportation committee, revealed to the Herald that an action plan had been drawn up to cope with a possible "boom". But he was not willing to reveal details about what the plan contained. He said: "We are taking the rumour very seriously and in event of them being true we would be ready to step in with a programme very swiftly. "foil was discovered it would change the Ayrshire scene altogether, commercially and employment-wise."

SEVENTY jobs have been saved at the Nobel Explosives plant at Ardeer. The happy Christmas time news was made public after a detailed emergency survival plan was put to management by union shop stewards. ICI - the parent company
had proposed the axing of 100 jobs at the explosives factory unless the workers could come up with an alternative package to save cash.

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on December 31, 2008

100 YEARS AGO on January 8, 1909
ON Tuesday evening the ordination and induction took place of the Rev Edward Gillespie to the charge of the Stevenston Free Church.

AT a meeting last night, the congregation of the Parish Church, Saltcoats, agreed to sell the building in Manse Street, Saltcoats, known as the Established Church Lecture Hall to the Saltcoats Lodge of Freemasons for the sum of £800.

THE first weekly instalments of the old age pensions were paid last Saturday and the post offices were kept busy. The oldest pensioner in Ardrossan was 95 years of age. Many of the old people could not sign their names, but simply made their mark.

WHEN the New Year was ushered in, the steamers were paid last Saturday, and the post offices were kept busy. The oldest pensioner in Ardrossan was 95 years of age. Many of the old people could not sign their names, but simply made their mark. THE Saltcoats branch of the League of the Cross held its annual social on New Year's night when the following were entertained: Miss Murray, Miss OʻShane (solos): Miss Coogan (dances); Mr Lindsay (readings): Mr McQuade (comic songs). and Miss Edgar (accompanist).

AMONG the prizewinners at the sixth annual exhibition of the Irvine Arts and Crafts Club were - J Wyllie, Ardrossan (painter work); R Houston, Kilbimnie (fine arts): James Rorison, Saltcoats (pencil work); J Barbour, Kilbirnie (photography): Mrs Beard, Saltcoats (thread work), and Miss Lamont and Mrs Orr, Saltcoats (knittings).

50 YEARS AGO on January 9, 1959
EIGHTEEN employees of the Ailsa Shipbuilding Company, Troon, were recognised for their services to the Company at a presentation ceremony on Wednesday of last week, the first of its kind to be held under the Long Service Awards Scheme recently inaugurated by the board of directors. Five members of the staff with 40 years of service or over and 13 members from the yard and the engine works with 50 years service or over qualified and they received, according to their choice, a gold wristlet watch or an easy chair or a canteen of cutlery or a radio. The presentations were made by Mr James Ritchie, managing director at two informal ceremonies held in the directors' room at the canteen. Mr Ritchie was accompanied by Mr AM Brown, secretary, and Mr A Chapman, Mr Smith and Mr CK Roscamp of the managerial staff.

"A MAN of the highest integrity, obliging and courteous; a man who could be relied upon at all time." Such was the tribute paid by Mr DJ McDonald, Kilwinning Burgh Surveyor prior to going to Stevenston, when referring to Mr Thomas Fulton, who retired at the end of last year after 34 years' service faithful service with the Town Council. For 30 years Mr Fulton held the position of foreman A native of Kilwinning, he resides at 14 Bankhead and is a 'weel kent figure in the community On Wednesday December 31, Mr Fulton was made the recipient of a gift from the Provost, Councillors, staff and colleagues of the Town Council to mark the occasion of his retirement Mr James Hamill, on behalf of the subscribers made the presentation. In the course of his remarks, he expressed the sentiments of the company, the regret and loss at Mr Fulton's departure after long and loyal service to the Burgh Council He wished his wife and family every happiness in the future. Ex-Provost Fleming also expressed his appreciation of Mr Fulton's long and valued services to the council.

NEW Year was ushered in by miserable cold wintry showers which no doubt kept many would be first footers" indoors. Altogether it was very quiet.

ABOUT 12.30pm on Wednesday, December 31, a motor car was involved in collision with a horse and cart at the junction of Main Street, Bridgend and Bridgend Lane, Kilwinning. Both car and cart were slightly damaged, but no-one was injured.

PROVISION of a bus shelter opposite Winton Road, to serve workers proceeding to Ardeer Factory is to be included in Irvine Town Council's estimates for the next financial year. Bus shelters to be bought by the Council from Ayrshire Dockyard Co Ltd will be finished with aluminium sheeting at a cost of £119 10/-each.

25 YEARS AGO on January 6, 1984
A young father-to-be saved a 61-year-old Saltcoats man from almost certain death today as he lay unconscious in his burning flat. Gordon Hunter (22), a unemployed process worker of 1 Rennie Place, Saltcoats, braved thick black smoke last Wednesday to rescue George Torrance -a neighbour. The young hero explained: I was in my bed about midnight when my mother, who lives in the same block of flats, got me up, knocking on the door and saying there was smoke coming up into her house above George's flat. "I was just dressed in shorts. I went out and looked through the front window but the smoke was belching out. I went round and saw a back window open and just went in through it." Before finding the old man, Mr Hunter was forced to make thee trips into a living room choked with smoke. "When I opened the living room door I just couldn't breathe. I had to go back out, get a breath, and then go in feeling my way around.

"When I went in for the third time actually fell across him. I pulled him out. Another couple of minutes and he would have been away, said Mr Hunter. Mr Torrance was rushed to North Ayrshire District General Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns. He lives alone, He was discharged on Wednesday afternoon. On the night of the fire Mr Hunter's wife, Margaret (21) was due to give birth to the couple's first child. Even the shock of the fire was not enough to persuade the baby to make an appearance." Mr Torrance was badly smoke damaged before a tender from Strathclyde Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze in the ground floor home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

GALES reaching 75 miles per hour swept the coast this week leaving a trail of havoc in their wake. Chimney heads in Stevenston and Dalry were blown down and Cunninghame District Council had reports of five chimney cans being swept away between Saturday and Tuesday. Two windows in Irvine houses were also shattered as storms scoured the district and up to a dozen houses had rain pouring into them where slates were tom from their roofs. Sailings between Ardrossan and Brodick were disrupted on Saturday and did not get back to normal until Wednesday.

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 January 7, 2009

100 YEARS AGO on January 8, 1909
ON Tuesday evening the ordination and Induction took place of the Rev Edward Gillespie to the charge of the Stevenston Free Church.

AT a meeting last night, the congregation of the Parish Church, Saltcoats, agreed to sell the building in Manse Street, Saltcoats, known as the Established Church Lecture Hall to the Saltcoats Lodge of Freemasons for the sum of £800.

THE first weekly instalments of the old age pensions were paid last Saturday and the post offices were kept busy. The oldest pensioner in Ardrossan was 95 years of age. Many of the old people could not sign their names, but simply made their mark.

WHEN the New Year was ushered in the steamers were paid last Saturday, and the post offices were kept busy. The oldest pensioner in Ardrossan was 95 years of age. Many of the old people could not sign their names, but simply made their mark.

THE Saltcoats branch of the League of the Cross held its annual social on New Year's night when the following were entertained: Miss Murray, Miss O'Shane (solos): Miss Coogan (dances): Mr Lindsay (readings): Mr McQuade (comic songs). and Miss Edgar (accompanist).

AMONG the prizewinners at the sixth annual exhibition of the Irvine Arts and Crafts Club were - J Wyllie, Ardrossan (painter work): R Houston, Kilbirnie (fine arts); James Rorison, Saltcoats (pencil work), J Barbour, Kilbirnie (photography); Mrs Beard, Saltcoats (thread work), and Miss Lamont and Mrs Orr, Saltcoats knittings).

50 YEARS AGO on January 9, 1959
AYRSHIRE CID are investigating the theft of a quantity of platinum gauze worth about £5,000 from Ardeer factory. The gauze, which is used in the manufacture of nitric acid, disappeared during the New Year holidays while equipment was being overhauled and most employees were away. Chief detective-inspector James Walter, of Ayr has taken charge of the inquiries. An ICI spokesman said that while the whole loss was substantial it would not hold up production.

ABOUT 71,000 men born between July 1 and September 30, 1939, are due to register for National Service tomorrow (Saturday) at local offices of the Ministry of Labour and National Service. It is expected that their call up will start about the middle of the year unless for some good reason they ask for early call-up.

GALE-FORCE winds and driving rain ushered in the New Year and locally, the weather was presumably responsible for a quiter-than-usual Hogmanay, although quite a number of people braved the elements and went first-footing.

Ardrossan Harbour had to wait two days for its first-foot, the Burns-Laird cargo vessel Lairds Rock, which arrived from Belfast at 2.30am on Saturday with a cargo of scrap. Ships berthed in the harbour on New Years eve heralded the start of 1959 with blasts from their sirens at midnight. The weather at Hogmanay, however, was the poorest it has been during the holiday period in recent years and on New Years day the squall worsened, with the wind coming in gusts of over 60mph and rain sweeping in from the sea.

ABOUT 360 old people attended the annual reunion organised by the Saltcoats Old people's Welfare Committee held in the Beach Pavilion on Tuesday evening.
They were welcomed by the chairman of the committee, police Judge T. D. Lindsay, J. P. and before the meal Grace was said by Rev. H. Kirkwood, Erskine Church. The Provost, Magistrates and Councillors and their wives were all present at the function.

ON Wednesday night, December 31, a private car was stolen from a garage in Saltcoats. On Sunday, January 4, the car was found in Glasgow, abandoned, after being involved in an accident. The vehicle had its original registration plate removed and another put in its place. Some gear had been removed from the car.

25 YEARS AGO on January 6, 1984
NEW Year failed to live up to a Christmas boom for many local hotels. Local hoteliers told the Herald that Christmas had been far busier than expected and business was up on previous years. But New Year, traditionally an even busier time for publicans, was quieter. One hotelier blamed the drop in trade on the number of people out of work. Mr Robert Pentleton, manager of the Ardchoille Hotel, Stevenston, said: "Unemployed people received double giros just before Christmas. The first week they had money but by the second they had none.
"New Year was disappointing for us but Christmas week was very good, busier than usual."

THREE Ardrossan sisters recently had the chance of a lifetime - to become models for the day. And it was all thanks to big sister Jackie Cockburn who works for the girls' magazine of the same name. While they were planning articles for the magazine recently, Jackie (21) suggested it would be fun to have before and after pictures of four differently aged girls, and who better could they choose than herself and sisters Wendy (18) Sandra (15) and Maxine (12).

AFTER 30 years' service as a chaplain, a former Stevenston man has been awarded a CBE in the New Year's honour's list. The Rev. Alexander Glen Bowie (55) was totally surprised by the award which comes in the year he retires. Born and bred in Stevenston, he attended Irvine Royal Academy before going to Glasgow University. When he graduated he served as assistant at Beith High Church and then in 1955 joined the services. Before he reached his current post as a Principal Chaplain with the Ministry of Defence in London, he saw service in Germany, Cyprus and parts of the United Kingdom. He now lives in Cambridgeshire but when he retires he hopes to come back to Scotland to take over a parish.

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 January 14, 2009

100 YEARS AGO on January 15, 1909
AN ARDROSSAN engine driver was killed and five railwaymen were injured yesterday morning when a mineral train ran into an empty passenger train just outside Stevenston station.

AT the meeting of the Saltcoats magistrates on Monday, Mr Picken reported on the number of persons under his charge as probation officers for 1908. There were 12 persons on probation during the year and their conduct was satisfactory.

IRVINE and District Water board at their meeting on Wednesday heard a letter from a firm of pipe manufactures offering to take three Board members to Paris at the firm's expense to inspect the manufacture and use of pipes there. The offer was unanimously accepted.

IT was stated at the monthly meeting of Ardrossan Parish Council on Tuesday that there were 75 empty houses in the Ardrossan part of the parish, and 41 in Saltcoats.

A YOUNG People's Guild was constituted at Ardeer Church last Friday evening, with the Rey William Steele, president Messrs H Rollinson and James Frew, vice-president, and Miss Joan Donaldson,
secretary.

THE following office-bearers were appointed at the annual meeting of the Ardrossan Tree of Life Lodge of Ancient Free Gardeners - Bro WA Haining: DM Bro Allan Gilfillan; secretary, Bro RH Dunlop: treasurer, Bro William Tunnock.

50 YEARS AGO on January 16, 1959
TUESDAY of this week was a notable day in the history of Kyleshill Primary School, Saltcoats, which had one of its two main buildings badly damaged by fire three-and-a-half years ago, causing the loss of nine classrooms. The fire had a drastic effect on the organisation of the school, some classes having to be accommodated at Saltcoats Special School and at Auchenharvie.

At the beginning of last term, however, many of the "exiled" children were able to return to Kyleshill where the damaged building had been rebuilt and modernised. The cost of the work, including new fumishings and equipment, totalled £25, 220 and on Tuesday afternoon the building was formally opened by Mr Robert Kennedy, MA, Rector of Marr College, Troon, and former Depute Director of Education for the County.
Reconstruction work at the school has brought about a remarkable change in the layout of the building - and of course, a change for the better. While there are only four new classrooms in place of the former nine - and 175 of the school's 560 pupils will still have to be accommodated at Auchenharvie-there is, in addition, a commodious assembly and dining hall, which is also fitted for use as a gymnasium, as well as a modern kitchen, spacious cloakrooms, a medical room, head teacher's room, adequate toilet accommodation and stores. The new furnishings add to the clean attractiveness of the school and rooms are better lit than before, with larger windows. Decoration is pleasant yet practical.

ON Sunday, January 25, the bicentenary of Robert Burns, the Post Office at Alloway, Ayr, will be open between the hours of Sam and 1pm for the acceptance of registered and ordinary letters. This correspondence, as well as letters posted in the Alloway posting boxes up to 5pm on that day, will exceptionally be date stamped "Alloway, Ayr.

A DOUBLE-decked bus skidded on the icy surface in Baird Road, Kilwinning on Thursday night of last week, striking and knocking down from its base a bus sign post. The bus was slightly damaged, but fortunately no-one was injured.

THE "Pawn Corner in Kilwinning will soon be no more, Demolition squads are busy taking down the building that once was occupied by Mr McQueen, who carried on business as a pawn broker. The site will be used for the widening of Almswall Road,

ELECTRICAL connections are now being made to the new lamps in Bay Street and Pier Road, Fairie. They should be in use shortly.

25 YEARS AGO on January 20, 1984
A YOUNG woman had a miraculous escape from death as hurricane force winds brought tons of falling masonry through the roof of her house. Thirty-three-year-old Susanna Conway had been in the room only moments before a block of chimney stacks, came crashing through into the upstairs bedroom of the house at 213 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan. The morning after - last Thursday- she and her husband, 35-year-old Hugh were still getting over the shock and trying to salvage anything they could from the upstairs rooms. She told the Herald: "It happened about twenty past five on Wednesday night. "I got the fright of my life. I was in the room just before changing the bed linen and I heard this crash." Mr Conway is still waiting for builders; estimates for repair work, but thinks it could cause at least £20,000.

The same night, large pieces of stonework from the roof crushed the Conways' Vauxhall Viva which was sitting outside at the time. The couple are living with relatives in Ardrossan's Nithsdale Road.

In another incident a 34-year-old driver made a dramatic escape from the flooded River Garnock, after his car was swept off the Kilwinning to Dalry Road last Friday morning. Donald McGillvray, of Bourtreehill, Irvine, was driving to work when the accident happened near Dalgarven Mill. He managed to clamber on to the roof of his semi-submerged car and then clung to a tree branch for more than half an hour before rescuers came to his aid. One bid to drag him to safety failed when police officers tried to reach him with a rope. Eventually firemen managed to pluck him from river bank.

AN ARRAN couple had a lucky escape when their caravan home was destroyed by fire. John and Jean Montgomery left the caravan at Black Rock, Sliddery at 5pm on Thursday to stay with relatives as gales were blowing and they were afraid the van would be damaged while they slept. But when they returned at around 8.15pm on Friday, they found only the ashes of what had been their home. Police believe the fire was started by lightning in the storm. The couple's personal items were all bumt and nothing in the caravan would be retrieved. They are presently staying with relatives on Arran until they can find a new home.

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

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This is how the Glasgow Herald reported the first item: -

GLASGOW HERALD
15 JANUARY 1909

SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT STEVENSTON - DRIVER KILLED AND THREE MEN INJURED

Yesterday morning shortly before seven o’clock a collision took place on the Glasgow & South-Western Railway about 300 yards east of Stevenston Station.

A workmen’s train, which leaves Ardrossan at 6.25 for Stevenston, had discharged its passengers and gone to the points to change to the other line to get back to Ardrossan. While it was stationary a mineral train also from Ardrossan crashed into it. The mineral train was travelling at a fair speed, drawn by a light pilot engine going tender first, and when it struck the passenger engine the tender tilted over, broke the cab, and crushed ROBERT WILSON, the driver against a wheel of his engine and killed him.

The fireman THOMAS BELL, was also injured on the head, shoulder, and leg, but managed to walk to the station.

The two guards, JAMES STEWART and JOHN SCOTT, on the mineral train were also injured.

On the passenger train the driver, the fireman, and guard escaped injury but suffered from shock.

During the day large numbers of people visited the scene of the collision watching the removal of the damaged engine.

Shortly before 9 a.m. the first train got through, and before noon both lines were worked.

The following is the list of casualties: -

KILLED

ROBERT WILSON, 36, engine driver, 209 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan.

INJURED

THOMAS BELL, fireman, Winton Street, Ardrossan – dislocated left shoulder and leg bruised.

JAMES STEWART, guard, Glasgow Street, Ardrossan – cut on face, which had to be stitched.

JOHN SCOTT, guard, Glasgow Street, Ardrossan – leg injured.
Last edited by Penny Tray on Fri Jan 14, 2022 10:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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From the Archives of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald published on January 21, 2009

150 YEARS AGO on January 1859
HUGH Baillie, Hugh and William Lockhart, sons of local farmers, were entertained to a complimentary supper on the occasion of the three leaving the country. Eighty gentlemen were sat down to supper in the Saracen Hotel, Saltcoats.

MARY Wellwood, a pupil-teacher in Ardrossan Parochial School, has been admitted into the Glasgow Established Church Training College as a Queen's scholar.

ROBERT Craig, Saltcoats, intimates that he has on order a funeral carriage to hold four inside and with a hearse underneath. The people of Saltcoats hire the carriage at 7/- a time and the people in Ardrossan and Stevenson pay 10/-.

THOMAS Kirkhope, Ardrossan, is offering for sale Barleith coal at 6/4d per cart delivered to your town.

100 YEARS AGO on January 22, 1909
ON Wednesday last that world-famous combination, the Bosses o'the Bam Band visited Saltcoats and gave two presentations in the Town Hall to large and enthusiastic audiences.

DURING the past week the Stevenston Co-operative Society have entered into possession of their reconstructed buildings in Boglemart Street. The street has been a good deal widened at this part,

IN the Saltcoats Police Report for December last it is stated that there was less drunkenness in the town than for the corresponding period for the past 10 years.

AN ENTERTAINMENT was given by Saltcoats Trinity Church Band of Hope last Friday, an orchestra being composed as follows:- 1st violins, Messrs JG Bowman, James Porteous, Robert Wilson, John Mathieson; 2nd violins, Misses Becket, Hunter and Kerr, cello, Mr Hugh Logan, piano, Miss Duncan, conductor Mr William Wylie.

SALTCOATS Town Council have agreed to plant trees-plane elm, maple and lime-in Argyle Road, Gladstone Road and Guthrie Road.

POSTMEN in Saltcoats are to have a half holiday on Wednesdays between September and AprWORK of excavation is to be camed out at Saltcoats Bathing Pond to give employment to the poor of the town. The men are to be paid at the rate of 4d an hour.

50 YEARS AGO on January 23, 1959
MR THOMAS Jones, sub-officer at Ardrossan Fire Station, has been appointed Station Officer in succession to Mr Patrick Watters who was promoted Divisional Officer with the Western Fire Area at Paisley. Mr Jones took up his new post on Friday of last week. His career in the fire service began in 1945 at the South Wales Training School at Newport and in August 1947, he was transferred to Ardrossan, where he remained until November 1953 when he was temporarily seconded to Ardrossan with the same rank in September of last year. Mr Jones served for 11 years in the armed forces with the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Field Artillery, his service beginning in 1935. He was abroad for six years, took part in five campaigns and was twice wounded. Recalling the time when he first came to Ardrossan from Wales, Mr Jones said this week: 1 have never regretted the move. Scotland has always been good to me." He is a married man with a family.

AS a contribution to the Burns Bicentenary, the South of Scotland Electricity Board are staging a "Burns visit to Ayr this morning. In company with Jean Armour and Highland Mary, Burns will arrive by coach in Burns Square, there to be joined by Soutar Johnny and Tam O Shanter riding a grey mare. Burns will open new mobile Electricity Service Centre and then the party will proceed to the Town Hall, calling for a stirrup cup at The Tam O' Shanter. Rabbie and his friends impersonated by members of the Dramatic Club) will look in at the Electrical Exhibition in the Town Hal, where Rabbie will explain the newest electrical appliance to his friends.

FIVE Ayrshire schoolchildren were involved in road accidents during the month of December - one cyclist, one passenger and three pedestrians. All of the accidents were slight.

25 YEARS AGO on January 27, 1984
AN ARRAN postwoman was trapped in her car for eight hours by a raging blizzard on Monday. Mrs Alice Lennox (47) was found by a rescue team after her husband had raised the alarm. She was returning to Brodick Post Office after delivering mail in Shiskine when her Land Rover became lodged in deep snow.
She tried to walk to safety but drifts of up to 10 feet forced her back to the car stuck on the island's string road Mrs Lennox had telephoned her office just after 1pm to say that she was setting out and her husband, Jackie, became alarmed when she had not returned home to Crest hill, Brodick, at 6pm. After searching in vain for her himself he called in the police and two rescue parties took up the hunt. Four of Mrs Lennox's colleagues from Brodick, including Postmaster Andrew White and Postal officer Ron Murray, set off in one direction. And Police Sergeant John Beck, PC Robert Gilbert and Special Constables Stewart Lambie and his son, Stewart both members of Arran's Mountain Rescue Team, set off in the other.

Sergeant Beck's team found Mrs Lennox after a two-hour search, attracted by her regular signals with the car lights, Mr Jackie Lennox said later: "My wife was quite soaked when she got home after 10pm but after she had something to eat and drink she felt better. "She phones me during the day now to tell me where she is because the snow is still bad." And Mrs Lennox said: "I was just relieved to see the lights of the rescue party on the hill."

On the mainland, diners at the Montgreenan Hotel near Kilwinning were stranded when they found the road home was blocked with snow. Among them was Stewart Mills, out for a meal with his wife Margaret, and another couple from Troon to celebrate his 63rd birthday. Mrs Mills said: "We will never forget this birthday. When we got there everything was fine but then the blizzard started."

ARDROSSAN Shipbuilding boss Bill McCrindle's business flair has won him a prestigious award. He is one of six businessmen to win an Award for Excellence from The Director, the official magazine of the institute of Directors - and the only Scot. Mr McCrindle, according to the magazine, is a classic example of the self-made and self-motivated entrepreneur with the flair and drive to pass these qualities on to others." When he received his award in London he put down his success to persistence. Mr McCrindle (44) formed his company when he was in his twenties with just £10 capital. Today the McCrindle Group consists of five companies, with headquarters in Ardrossan, providing specialised engineering services from shipbuilding to medical equipment.

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

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This is how the Glasgow Herald reported the 1859 departure of Hugh Baillie, and Hugh and William Lockhart: -

GLASGOW HERALD
17 JANUARY 1859

LEAVING FOR NEW ZEALAND

On Thursday last the 13th instant, Messrs HUGH BAILLIE, junior, Springvale, and HUGH and WILLIAM LOCKHART, Knockrivoch, were entertained to supper in the Saracen’s Head Inn, Saltcoats, on occasion of their leaving for New Zealand.

Between 90 and 100 gentlemen sat down to supper.

R. K. Barbour, Esquire, banker, acted as chairman, supported on the right by the three guests of the evening, and on the left by the Rev. D. E. McNab; William Lockhart, Esquire, Mayfield; Alexander Adam, Esquire, Saltcoats; Hugh Baillie, senior, Esquire, Springvale; Robert Hunter, Esquire, Chapelhill; and William Lockhart, Esquire, M.D., Stevenston, officiated as croupiers.

In the hall we observed D. Cunninghame, Esquire, Chapelton; Robert Crawford, Esquire, Ardneil; Bailie Drape, Ardrossan; Lewis Fullerton, Esquire, Ardrossan; Mathew Henderson, Esquire, Ardrossan; Mr Hunter, Rothesay; John MacCulloch, Esquire, M.D., Stevenston; James Lockhart, Esquire, Glasgow; Thomas Shaw, Esquire, Saltcoats; Mr James Wyllie, Border; Mr Kirkwood, Dykesmains; Mr Watt, Middlepart; Mr Allan, Muirlaught; Mr Hunter, Glenhead; and Mr Bannatyne, Ardrossan, etc., etc.

The Rev. McNab asked a blessing, and after supper returned thanks.

The cloth being removed the chairman in a very felicitous manner, gave the usual loyal and constitutional toasts, which were duly responded to.

[In a long addition to this newspaper article there is a description of toasts and replies thereto, including toasts to -

“Lord Eglinton, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Lord of the Manor”;
“Parents of the guests”;
“The Evangelical clergy of Scotland”;
“Farmers of the district, and Mr Cunningham, of Chapelhill”;
“Town and trade of Saltcoats, with the health of Mr Thomas Shaw, one of the oldest merchants”;
“Banking interest”;
“The ladies”;
“Shipping interest, coupled with the health of Bailie Drape”;
“The town and trade of Ardrossan”; and
“Friends in foreign lands”.]

Various other toasts were given, and the meeting broke up, after spending a delightful evening.
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Re: Looking Back - Herald files

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Thanks for that, PT. The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald never mentioned where they were going - see below.

This from my early research days. The "Y" indicated they were all born in this shire.
Image

Ardrossan And Saltcoats Herald 15, January 1859
COMPLIMENTARY Supper.
-On Thursday evening, upwards of 80 gentlemen sat down to supper in the Saracen's Head Inn, Saltcoats, The meeting was convened to do honour to three young men, Hugh Baillie, and Hugh, and William Lockhart, sons of farmers in the district, who are about to leave their native land. R. K. Barbour, Esq., banker, occupied the chair, supported right and left, by the guests of the evening, Rev. Mr M'Nab, and Mr Lockhart of Mayfield; Wm. Hunter, Esq., Chapelhill, and Dr. Lockhart discharged the duties of croupiers. After the cloth was removed, and the usual loyal, and patriotic toasts given, and responded to, the chairman rose and gave the toast of the evening. In doing so, he remarked that since they had formed the determination of emigrating, he could only urge them to be true to themselves, and to go forward, with his and the company's best wishes.

The land they were going to was but in its infancy, was very fertile, they were young men, and the best of examples had been set before them, and he hoped they would be an honour by their conduct and success in life, to those who were now to wish them "God speed," and to the old country. The toast was responded to with three times three, Mr Hugh Baillie rose, and replied for himself and his two companions, and thanked the company for the very gratifying manifestation of good feeling. It would cheer them in the long voyage that lay before them, and would add a regretful feeling at the parting from so many kind friends. Toast and song followed till about ten o'clock, when the large company broke up pleased with the happy evening spent.
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