Down Memory Lane – take a trip back through the decades...

50 YEARS AGO - October 10, 1962

A DECISION to open a new swimming pool at the same time as churches’ Sunday services was narrowly overturned by councillors.

Kirkintilloch Swimming Baths, which were under construction in Woodhead Park, were set to open from 8.30am-4pm on Sundays.

But Councillor Hugh Gillies said that he was “emphatically opposed to the decision”.

He added: “There is a large church going population in Kirkintilloch and there should be no obstacle put in their path by having the baths open. Also the council should consider the staff who might want to go to church themselves”.

Several councillors spoke out in favour of the planned opening hours but, when the vote was tied 6-6, Provost Scott used his casting vote to change the Sunday opening hours to a more acceptable 8-11am.

SIBLINGS Iris and Sandy Russell both lifted trophies at the Kirkintilloch Miners’ Club Tennis Championships - Iris for the 9th consecutive year and Sandy for the third.

40 YEARS AGO - October 11, 1972

A BREACH of the peace court case was abandoned after the wrongdoer moved to the other side of the world.

Duncan Birnie, from Bishopbriggs, had been arrested by police officers in August and told to appear at Bishopbriggs Burgh Court.

But when the case called he did not turn up – instead leaving his father to send a letter to

the court pleading guilty on his behalf and explaining that his son had emigrated to

Australia.

Depute Burgh Prosecutor George Barrowman ruled that the plea was not competent.

After some discussion Bailie Mrs Barclay agreed - subject to confirmation that the accused had emigrated - to desert the case.

THE Herald’s record of the week was ‘Saint Dominic’s Preview’ by Van Morrison.

30 YEARS AGO - October 12, 1982

THERE were calls for an investigation to cut heating costs at council leisure facilities.

The district council’s leisure and recreation committee were told that “substantial costs” could be made at Bishopbriggs Sports Centre and Kirkintilloch Swimming Pool if energy saving measures were introduced.

Sports centre management Ross Menzies said: “The centre was designed and built in the early 70s in accordance with contemporary building standards, acceptable at a time of relatively inexpensive fuel and energy costs.

“Since then there has been a progressive improvement in the thermal design of buildings, insulation and control systems.”

It was agreed to set aside £5,000 on a consultant engineer to carry out initial research.

THE Quarry Inn, in Twechar, was holding its 4th Annual Beer Festival.

20 YEARS AGO - October 14, 1992

THE hunt was on for Strathkelvin’s worst dressed man - in a fun competition launched by the Herald.

A whole range of prizes were on offer for those who had “ever looked into their boyfriend’s wardrobe in disgust.”

The contest promised to “give the man in your life a completely new image and transform him into the man of your dreams”.

Local women were being asked to send in pictures of their fashion-disaster husbands, boyfriends, dads and brothers - with the first 100 entries all receiving 10 per cent off clothes at Piccadilly Fashion in Kirkintilloch’s Regent Centre.

Prizes included a £150 spending spree, a slap-up meal and free haircuts.

SPECIAL offers at Semi-Chem, in Kirkintilloch’s Cowgate, included Magic Mushroom Air Fresheners for 59p, three cans of Nivea soup for 39p and KP Discos for 9p a packet.

10 YEARS AGO - October 16, 2002

CHURCH congregations were urged to get behind employees being forced to work on Sundays or face the sack.

Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Brian Fitzpatrick said a number of Argos workers were facing the stark choice after new contract terms were introduced.

He said: “Many of those employees who now face the prospect of dismissal have given years of conscientious service to their employer, but do not wish to work Sundays for family reasons or on conscientious grounds.

“I very much support the rights of those employees who wish to mark Sunday as a day of grace and rest from work.

“I trust our local church groups share my concerns at the prospect of retail employees being forced to work on Sundays.”

COMMONWEALTH Games silver medal hero Lee McCulloch took time out from her busy schedule to present the awards at the Kirkintilloch Olympians annual Track and Field Ceilidh.

Did You Know?

THE area around Kirkintilloch’s Southbank Marina has been the site of several industries over the town’s history - including shipbuilding, printing, timber mills, chemical production and a nickel works.​

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