Intimations 16 May 2018

[mcgrattan]

Intimations from the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald of 16 May 2018.

Tom McGrattan

[bobnetau]

Sad to see Willena Kirton(McGrath) has passed away. Remember her from my days at the Church of the Nazarene. Her brother Billy played the organ there for a time. RIP Willena.

[Hughie]

Although I never knew her surname, I do remember a girl back in the very early sixties with the name Willena. At lunch time she'd walked from the Metalic on Dalry Road across the playing fields to the Central Avenue shops area where we'd be kicking a ball during our lunch break from Winton Foundry. She was the only Wellena I can recall meeting - a very nice girl. Condolences to her family and friends.

[Penny Tray]

I've been wondering all week if Frank Hamilton was "Big Frank" who worked with British Rail. I think he lived in Stanley Road, Ardrossan, at one time. Anybody know?

[meekan]

Penny
I wonder if you are thinking of Frank Campbell if so I think that Frank died a few years ago.

[Hughie]

Yes, Big Frank was a Campbell and lived in Stanley Road. Netta and Bobby McCubbin where winching in the warm waiting room at South Beach Station one cold night. Frank was going off shift and unknowingly locked them in. But their shouting got Frank back to let them out - a likeable fellow was Big Frank. Unsure if I'm telling this story right. Maybe Netta will let me know.

[Penny Tray]

Meekan,

You're right, I was thinking of Frank Campbell. A lovely big fellow.

As a boy, I always remember attending a Daily Express sponsored sports event in the Castlecraigs, where they had panel members we could ask questions, and showed films. One of the films was a Scotland/England match at Hampden and when they showed a crowd scene who appeared on the screen but Big Frank. Everybody knew him and he got a 'Hampden Roar' all of his own!

Incidentally, one of the Panel members was Jerry Dawson, the former Rangers goalkeeper, and another, for whatever reason, was Jimmy Shand, the famous musician.

[Hughie]

Great recollection, Penny. Can I ask in the announcement of the death of Willena Kirton. What does the expression, 'Colours to be worn', mean?

[John Donnelly]

Hi Hughie,

I think it means wear colourful clothes and not mourning black.

JD.