Take a stroll Down Memory Lane

STRAWBERRY, anyone?: This fantastic old picture is an apt summer scene from our area, depicting Scotts strawberry pickers. It harks back to the very origins of Carluke’s famous ‘jamworks’, created due to two very important local features. Firstly, it was Carluke’s proximity to the Clyde Valley – the fruitbowl of Scotland – which gave Scotts a ready-to-hand supply of the very best of ingredients for its products. The second factor was the relatively early arrival of the railway in Carluke in the Victorian era, meaning that Scotts’ famous jams could be transported to breakfast and dinner tables throughout the land quickly. Of course, even the finest of traditions must give way to change and, although Scotts still produces its famous range of preserves, its Carluke plant’s production is now more geared to producing the Scotbloc cooking chocolate which is used by home and professional bakers all over the world. But the heritage laid down by these long-departed fruit pickers of so long ago seems safe for years ahead.

50 YEARS AGO

n Judith Hart MP was informed that Roadmeetings Hospital was not to be used as the new State Mental Hospital.

n A wagon driver, from Wishaw, appeared at Lanark Sheriff Court charged with the theft of goods from a railway wagon at Law Junction. He was sentenced to three months in jail.

n Heavy rain almost spoiled Carnwath Show. However, there was an exceptional amount of entries with both Ayrshires and Clydesdales well up on previous years.

n A 13-year-old boy from Rigside said that women wearing high-heeled shoes should be banned from driving. David Bartie put forward the idea in an essay he had entered for the SOS Children’s Road Safety Club.

n A lorry driver noticed a car was lying off the road near Hyndford Bridge and was extensively damaged. Police traced the Biggar owner - at home asleep in bed!

n Lanark Agricultural Society’s annual outing was to two farms in Angus.

n Long serving Carluke Rovers player Tommy McKinstray signed for the club for another season.

100 YEARS AGO

n At the Burgh Police Court a Lanark man was found guilty of smashing a window after getting into a fight. He was fined 10s with the alternative of seven days in prison.

n The autumn show of the Upperward Horticultural Association was due to take place at Lanark Grammar School.

n Sister Teresa Farrell attained the Diamond Jubilee of her religious life. Sister Farrell, who worked at Smyllum Orphanage, was congratulated by dozens of people.

n A miner, from Tarbrax Rows, appeared at Lanark Sheriff Court charged with assaulting a fellow miner. He pled guilty and was fined £1.

n The hugely popular Forth Games were held in adverse weather conditions. However, despite the very bad weather there was a very good turnout of spectators.

n The community of New Lanark was saddened to learn of the death of handweaver Hugh Stewart. He was 78 and had been ill for some time.

n Law Volunteers drew 1-1 with Carluke Milton Rovers in a local derby.