PT, I'm sure you're right about the dog track being called 'Townhead'. I recall hearing the noise of the dogs and the crowd from the main street, but was never present at a race - likewise, for the Bank Street track. I never knew anything about the ownership of either track.Penny Tray wrote:George,
Am I correct in thinking that the second dog track in Irvine was in fact called 'Townhead', the results of which, incidentally, appeared in most national newspapers? Access gates, as I recall, not that I ever attended a race meeting there, were actually situated in Broomlands Drive (off the Townhead).
Both local tracks were a family concern but I can't recall the name of the family?
I was also interested in Little Plum's recollection of Little Hampden. Every schoolboy wanted to play there because the set-up was a cut above most public parks. I played against Irvine Bank Street and St. Michaels there.
'Wee Hamden', as it was known locally, was special and seemed to be used only for 'more important' matches. I played there a couple of times, but I don't remember details of the opposition. In later years, I recall with some sadness, seeing the railing around the pitch was rusted, partially broken, and clearly left to decay. Hopefully, it has been restored by now...