Down Memory Lane

50 YEARS AGO

* A farm labourer appeared at Lanark Sheriff Court to admit breaking into the confectioners shop at 7 Clyde Street, Carluke, and stealing 2060 cigarettes and 12 packets of chewing gum. His parents, who were in court, agreed to take him back pending a probation report in two weeks.

* Carluke native John Gibson, who had given long service to the savings movement and was chairman of the East Renfrewshire Savings Committee, had been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

* Douglasdale Amateurs were out of football for the third time in a year, after being suspended by the Scottish Junior Football Association for failing to pay a 2 fine.

* Lanark Town Council decided to take no action to a complaint by Mr W Bryson, 6 St Leonard Street, of "shouting, rioting and filth" beside the Memorial Hall when there was dancing there.

* Fire destroyed 60 tons of hay, a mechanical baler and barn at Calla Farm, Carnwath.

* Carluke Rovers were delighted to sign 6ft tall 22-year-old outside right Tommy Burns from Lesmahagow Juniors.

100 YEARS AGO

* Thomas Mitchell and Alexander Sneddon, both of Kirkfieldbank, won their respective semi-finals to qualify for the final of the Lanark and District Carpet Bowling League.

* A painter from Wellgate, Lanark, was fined 2 with the alternative of 20 days' imprisonment at Lanark Sheriff Court, having been found guilty of failing to maintain his wife and five children.

* Over 50 couples attended Lanark Post Office annual dance in St Mary's Hall, with music by Dewar's Orchestra and catering by baker James Barr.

* A well-known firm of wagon builders was to erect premises in Braidwood for the purpose of carrying out wagon repairing.

* An elderly man spotted making vain attempts to get onto the railway near Law crossings was taken into police custody. The man was later assessed by Dr Bradford, who pronounced him to be in an unsound state of mind and removed him to Kirklands Asylums in Bothwell.

* Gents caps, scarves and collars were available from Carluke draper Alex Balsillie.