Ardrossan - On This Day In History

[Robert Cook]

Just wondering PT when the report says the "Mcflannel case" does that have anything to do with the old radio programme in the 50's called "The Mcflannels" ?

Robert

[Penny Tray]

Robert,

"The McFlannels," as you seem to remember, "was a Scottish radio serial written by Helen W. Pryde, which broadcast on the BBC Home Service between 1939 and 1954. It's humorous portrayal of working class Glasgow tenement life was recognised at the time as authentic and refreshingly down to earth."

The murder victim was George Ford McNeill, who was described at the time as a "McFlannels actor" - (Mr McZephyr, a prosperous businessman, in the show). The answer to your question therefore is "Yes."

[Hughie]

Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
July 18, 1952

Dog Bites Required 14 Stitches
After being bitten by a collie dog in a straw-shed at Montfode Farm, Ardrossan, on Wednesday, 18th June, a 15-year-old boy had to be taken to an infirmary and have ten stitches inserted in his nose and four in his arm.

This was stated by the fiscal, Mr J. Kirkland, at Stevenston J.P. Court last Friday when John Campbell, byreman at the farm, pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dangerous dog which bit Thomas Cowan, 20 Rowanside Terrace, Ardrossan. Mr Kirkland said that the boy Cowan had been employed at the farm for the past two and a half months. Campbell had been employed there for two years and although there were other dogs belonging to the farmer at the farm,, he always worked with his own 2-year-old collie.

On 16th May, the collie had bitten the 3-year-old daughter of one of the farm workers but Campbell was not prosecuted for it because it had been revealed that the girl had been more or less ill-treating the dog. On 18th June, Thomas Cowan was working with the manager of the farm and was instructed to go into a shed for straw for the horses. He went into the shed and at that time the dog was not in sight. The boy commenced to gather straw and when he bent down the dog ran at him from behind and seized him by the nose. He managed to throw the dog off, but it came back at him this time biting him on the arm.

Campbell said when cautioned and charged that he had destroyed the dog.
"It is quite obvious that it is of vicious strain and if not kept under serious control is a menace to other workers on this farm," said Mr Kirkland. When asked by the bench if he had had the dog destroyed, Campbell said it had been shot. It was pointed out that the police had no confirmation of this, and Campbell was ordered to keep the dog under proper control.

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I remember when Clyde Terrace opened up in the early 1950s, my brother Bobby McCallum and Meg's next door neighbour, Robbie Townsley, brought a collie pup back to Clyde Terrace from Montfode farm - Meg might remember this lovely dog "Roy" when she was growing up.

[Meg]

Oh I remember Roy Hughie - a gorgeous collie. Mr Townsley was a lovely man - I don’t think I ever heard him raise his voice. Great neighbour.

Mx

[Penny Tray]

I, on the other hand, remember Thomas Cowan, who lived three doors away in Rowanside Terrace. He had a brother Billy, and a sister Catherine, if I remember right.

I'm left wondering why the case would go to Stevenston J.P. Court and not Ardrossan J.P. Court?

[Hughie]

Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
July 25, 1947

Ardrossan Dockers' Miraculous Escape
One of the 'buses taking Ardrossan dockers on an outing to Callander toppled over the 15ft. embankment on Lochearnside on Sunday evening. A tree stopped the fall of the bus which hung suspended upside down a matter of four feet above the shingle. The fifteen injured were assisted from the bus by the other passengers who were able to make their exit through the sunshine roof which was partly open.

The injured were conveyed to Stirling Royal Infirmary where most of them were treated for cuts and bruises. Two were detained. They were--Mrs Rose Chalmers, 24 Barr Place, Ardrossan. and Mrs Anna Aitken, 34 Barr Place, Ardrossan.

Mr T. Aitken, the driver of the bus, whose wife was one of the detained, said that it was a pure accident and that they were lucky that the tree broke their fall. The tree was a blessing to more than the passengers as a couple were picnicing under it when the accident happened and they also had a miraculous escape

[Hughie]

Grimsby Evening Telegraph
August 16, 1955

Drowned youth did not hear warning shout
David McBlain (18), apprentice slater, of Kirkhall drive, Ardrossan, Ayrshire, was drowned off The Inches near Ardrossan Harbour, last night.
With six friends he was standing on some rocks and went into the water. He was swept off his feet and carried out to sea.
Another member of the party, John Sloan, also of Kirkhall drive, had previously been in the water and found himself in difficulties with the strong ground swell. He had managed to climb on to a nearby reef and shouted a warning to his friends not to follow him.
McBlain apparently did not hear his shout and went in. A look-out is being kept for the body.

[meekan]

I remember the incident well, it was used as a warning by my parents to stay away from the inches.
David Mcblain’s uncle was quickly at the scene and had grabbed David by the hair and tried to pull him ashore, but because of the slippy brylcream on his hair he slipped out of his hand and was drowned.
Many years later I played golf in a regular four ball with the mentioned John Sloan.

[Hughie]

Angus, my father warned us off swimming at the inches which we did on occassions prior to the drowning. Remember Johnny Sloan well, he loved football and although he was small he played in goals for our Sunday morning kick around at Central Avenue. He also played in goals for St. Marys as you can see in this photo.

[Hughie]

Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
August 19, 1949

Sand-Building Prize Winners
Under the auspices of the Town Council and the convenership of Councillor Duncan Neil, a sand-building competition was held on the South Beach, Ardrossan, on Saturday forenoon last. Prize winners were:-

Ages 5-6 yrs.-(1) Billy Bain, Glasgow. (2) Sylvia Spanswick, Glasgow. (3) Tommy Little, Ardrossan.

Ages 7-8 yrs.-(1) Christine Boyle, Ardrossan. (2) Joan Hopperton, Ardrossan. (3) Jim Keelley, Ardrossan.

Ages 9-11 yrs.- (1) Robert Cameron, Glasgow. (2) John Keen, Ardrossan. (3) Raymond Dyke, Ardrossan.

Ages 12-14 yrs.-(1) Iain Mc- Arthur, Johnstone. (2) Richard Aitken, Ardrossan. (3) Frank Campbell, Ardrossan.

Judges were. Miss A. McCallum Mr George Gibson and ex-Bailie Hunter. Mrs Neil, wife of the convener, presented the prizes and was accorded a vote of thanks on the call of Bailie Wil- liam Currie.

[Hughie]

Kilmarnock Herald and Ayrshire Gazette
September 28, 1945

This Thief Would Get A Fright
Passing by Maclean's Garage in Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, just after midnight on the night of 24th-25th September, a Mr Conway saw what he took to be fire and immediately informed the Fire Brigade who were quickly on the spot.

The focus was one of the lock-ups in the backyard. The vehicle - a lorry - was got out into the yard and the conflagration soon extinguished. It was then discovered that the cap of the petrol tank had been removed and further investigation showed that a petrol can and a syphon had been lying alongside the tank.

The police were immediately informed and they have the matter under consideration. We have been informed that an early arrest may be looked for; indeed it may have taken place by the time that these lines appear in print.

Although the brigade dealt with the matter promptly a considerable amount of damage was done to the lorry which belonged to Messrs MacDowall, potato merchants. We understand that a complete new lorry platform and the driver's cab will be required.

Another lorry, belonging to Messrs James Lee and Sons, lying next to the damaged lorry was slightly scorched.

[Penny Tray]

GLASGOW HERALD
28 SEPTEMBER 1910

DR. ANDREW CARNEGIE

Dr. Andrew Carnegie arrived in Belfast yesterday from Ardrossan, and was met by the Lord Mayor of the City. Today he will be presented with the Freedom of the City.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Carnegie