Saltcoats - On This Day In History

[meekan]

I can’t think where that could have been, seems like too small a location. Maybe it was smaller then??

[Hughie]

Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
August 23, 1946

Calling Saltcoats Variety Fans!
On my way through crowded Argyle Street, Glasgow last Saturday morning I met a man who until the outbreak of World War Two was a kenspeckle figure in the entertainment word down Saltcoats way (writes & Gazette reporter).

All Saltcoatsians who liked their variety shows in the flesh instead of over the air used to be weekly attenders at the Beach Pavilion during the summer months, and all were intrigued by the modest little man in check plus fours and old-time watch chain who used to appear at the end of each performance to announce the following three days' perormance.

You will recall how he spoke in a quick, decisive manner and invariably ended with the phrase, spoken in one quick breath, "I remain your faithfully Hector Donald."

Hector is just as of yore, right down to the natty cap, the check plus fours and watch chain, and the staccato speech. Only now, instead of managing a summer variety show, he is joint editor of a fourpenny bi-weekly production about the "dugs" This is called The Big Four Star Greyhound" and carries full details of all the races in and around Glasgow. A line under the title announces it as "The most up-to- date and authentic greyhound publication in circulation."

Mr Donald, however, hopes to be returning to his first love the show busines, and to be amongst you once again at Saltcoats next summer. He hopes the Beach Pavilion will by then be de-requisitioned and that the Town Council will grant his application for its lease to house variety shows promoted by him as in the past. As its last lessee he thinks he has the moral right to it, and we feel sure the people of Saltcoats and their representatives on the Council will endorse the hope. Till that day this likeable little man remains - yours faithfully - Hector Donald.

[Hughie]

Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
September 12, 1952

George Medallist in Shipyard Accident
Harry Forde (40), 30 Esplanade Cottages, Saltcoats, fell from staging into the dry dock at Ardrossan shipyard on Tuesday. He was removed to Kilmarnock Infirmary where he was found to be suffering from a broken wrist and finger. He also had abrasion on his head and shoulders and was suffering from shock. The accident occurred just on knocking-off time at 5 o'clock.

Mr Forde was employed in the Ardeer I.C.I. factory during the war and was awarded the George Cross and the McGowan gold medal when he rescued a work- mate from a danger area following enemy action. He is unmarried and is a brother of Bailie James Forde, Stevenston.

[Robert Cook]

What enemy action happened at ICI during the war.
Was it bombed?

[hahaya2004]

This might interest you, Robert

https://www.threetowners.com/ardeer-fac ... war-years/

[brian f]

I found the Helen Ritchie (wartime memories) exceptional. Reading it this evening i was sad when it ended.

[Robert Cook]

Thanks for posting that story. Found it very interesting and enlightening as I had no idea any bombs had fallen on ICI.
I had heard that a dummy factory had been constructed near Montfode farm to try and mislead the German bombers.

Robert

[hahaya2004]

The Germans knew about the explosives works early in 1941. They had a detailed map. You can see it here:
https://threetowners.net/forum/viewtopi ... ilit=nobel