From the archives

1996

DEFIANT charity collector Jimmy Rexter erected a sign on his garage after thieves plundered his lock-up. It stated: “Thank you for stealing items which were used to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Erskine Hospital and Cancer Research. If you wish a guided tour round garage contact me at my home address!’’ Jimmy had raised £35,000 for charity in seven magnificent years.

RANGERS FC were heading back to Broadwood Stadium to start their campaign for the third year running and players at Clyde FC said they would be ready. Clyde midfield ace Tommy Harrison said: “It will be a privilege being on the same park as Rangers. They have some of the best players in Europe never mind Scotland - but all I’m interested in is performing well for Clyde and impressing my manager.’’

QUICK-WITTED clergy at St. Lucy’s and St Joseph’s parishes sent a conman packing. A young man turned up claiming to be a policeman with chronic cash flow problems. When pressed as to the nature of his job, the man became flustered and left. Police were called and detectives confirmed he had been doing the rounds - after successfully extracting a three figure sum of money from St Dominic’s in Bishopbriggs the night before.

1986

WESTFIELD was proving to be a boom town. Cumbernauld Development Corporation announced it would be building TEN new factories in Cumbernauld. A whopping 70,000 tonnes of space would be made available to investors. Incorporating office blocks the factories would be built ‘‘as soon as possible’’ according to a CDC spokesman.

A HYPNOTIST made a bold claim - that he could predict the headline in the following week’s News. Showman Mesmer’s prediction was signed sealed and placed in a locked box. All would be revealed when he performed at the Moll Flanders pub the following week. Mesmer insisted that the headline would be correct and invited locals to come along and see for themselves!

A VITAL new programme of Cumbernauld Development Corporation housing looked set to be underway after local councillors lobbied Parliament, amidst claims that Cumbernauld was in a “state of crisis’’ A ban had existed on the construction of new housing since 1983 but this was the clearest sign yet that this ban could be lifted. Norman Hogg MP said: “This was an important day for Cumbernauld. My colleagues and I will keep up the pressure for a new house building programme.’’

1976

PLANS to bring a hotel to Condorrat were in the pipeline after two Kilsyth men applied for planning permission in Main Road. A spokesperson for the project said: “The hotel will not be very large but we won’t know the amount of rooms or cost until the plans are finalised.’’ The site itself though would span one acre.

THe GOLDEN days of PlayScene were underway as every area had its designated school holiday club. Children busied themselves with a host of different activities and the latest craze for hula-hoops was included. Condorrat based playleader Jane Turnbull said: “I really enjoy being here with the kids. They are great fun.’’

Boat enthusiasts faced a search for new premises after their boathouse was destroyed in a fire. The recently closed Castlecary Primary School was just one suggestion as to where the boats could be kept. Members also intended to contact the council in the hope of securing funds to buoy up the club.

PROUD gardeners were in it to win it when the Cumbernauld Development Corporation announced it would be receiving entries for its gardening competition. Inspectors would tour the town to find the winner.

1971

CUMBERNAULD Historical Society became an unlikely bugbear for bus companies amidst claims that the club’s outings were hitting their trade. Stunned club members received a letter from Alexander & Sons (Midland) Ltd stating that they were breaking regulations by advertising tours to historical locations like Crookston Castle. Vice President Roy Simpson said: “This letter contains an implied threat that if we don’t stop, there will be trouble. They are wrongly interpreting and applying these regulation’’ A spokesman for the Scottish Bus Group replied: “This was a polite reminder.’’

MYSTERY surrounded the delay in works at Abronhill Parish Church after builders were nowhere to be seen.Repeated calls to the construction group’s Glasgow headquarters AND the Church of Scotland were left unanswered. A spokesman for the architect said: “There are difficulties there at the moment but they are being sorted out. I cannot comment further.’’ Reverend Alisdair Elders told the News: “I’m upset and disappointed. My greatest worry is the delay this is having on our congregation. There have been so many delays the church now looks like a mirage in the desert.’’