Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
20 AUGUST 1889

DEATH

GIBSON: At Hill Place, Ardrossan, on the 19th instant, aged 74 years, JOHN GIBSON, potato merchant.

DEATH OF A WELL-KNOWN MERCHANT

Mr. John Gibson, of Glasgow and Ardrossan, so well-known over the West of Scotland to all those in the potato trade, died at his residence in Ardrossan yesterday morning, aged 74. He had been ailing for some time past, but had always attended to his business. He was twice married, and leaves a young family by the second marriage.

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GLASGOW HERALD
20 AUGUST 1888

FOOTBALL – ARDROSSAN ENSIGN

The members of the above club formally opened their field for the season by a friendly match between Probables and Improbables, which resulted in favour of the latter by 2 to 1.

[George Ardrossan]

20 AUGUST

ARDEER EXPLOSION – THREE POSSIBLE CAUSES
A public inquiry was held at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday into the accident at Nobel's Explosives Works, Ardeer, in June of this year, when four men lost their lives. The victims of the accident were Robert Niblock, Kilwinning; James Henry Rainey, Saltcoats; George McCully, Saltcoats and James McNay, Ardrossan. No definite cause of the accident emerged from the evidence. It was stated in evidence that an explosion occurred in one of the corning houses in the black powder section of the works and subsequently four other houses of a similar type exploded. Several workers spoke of running from the houses in which they were working when the first explosion occurred and one man said he was knocked to the ground twice before reaching a place of safety. The body of Niblock, it was stated, was dismembered. That of Rainey, unclothed except for boots and a belt, was discovered among the debris some hours after the explosion. McCully collapsed and died from heart failure accelerated by the shock of the explosion and McNay succumbed to his injuries in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, a week after the accident. Officials of the firm stated in evidence that three possible causes of the original explosion were the presence of some foreign material in the powder, some undiscovered defect in the machinery and the human element. From inquiry, it had been ascertained that the men engaged in the house in which the original explosion occurred had been carrying out their duties in the normal way. Every precaution was taken to prevent foreign material from getting into the powder and to see that the machinery was kept in proper order. The explosions which occurred after the first one would be caused by flying debris. The Procurator-Fiscal stated that HM Inspector of Explosives at the Home Office had sent him a report stating that he was satisfied there was no suggestion of fault or breach of the regulations on the part of the employers and he desired to compliment very highly on their action all the men who were in this section. McNay turned back to shut off his machine and that might be the reason why he did not escape in time but that action was typical of all the other men in the section. They turned back and shut off their machines with a view to minimising as far as possible damage to life and property by the explosions. The jury returned a formal verdict.
The Scotsman, 20 August 1937

George

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GLASGOW HERALD
21 AUGUST 1880

BIRTH

HUNTER: At Chapelhill, Ardrossan, on the 20th instant, Mrs. William Hunter; a daughter.

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GLASGOW HERALD
21 AUGUST 1882

ARDROSSAN – PROPERTY FOR SALE

Engineering and Shipbuilders’ Yard, lately occupied by Messrs Barclay & Robertson to be sold – Apply to Arthur Guthrie, Shipping Agent, Ardrossan, or to Robertson & Ross, Writers, 178 St. Vincent, Street, Glasgow.

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GLASGOW HERALD
21 AUGUST 1872

ARDROSSAN – TOWN COUNCIL

An adjourned meeting was held on Monday night – Provost Barr presiding.

The Clerk submitted a statement as to the valuation of the burgh, and after some conversation it was agreed to reduce the assessment for the burgh rates to 10d per £1.

The Council then sat as the Local Authority.

It was agreed to levy an assessment of 2d per £1 over the whole area of the burgh for sanitary purposes. The Sanitary Inspector reported that the burgh was in a very good condition.

In reply to a question, the provost gave it as his opinion that, as soon as the Council had taken the drains off the hands of the proprietors, they should be maintained by the Local Authority, and the Treasurer was instructed to keep the accounts for the Local Authority separate from those of the burgh.

[George Ardrossan]

21 AUGUST

DEATH OF ARDROSSAN PROVOST
The death occurred yesterday of Provost William Harvey, Ardrossan. A native of the town, he served on the Town Council for almost twenty-two years and was Chief Magistrate for the past five years. He was chairman of the Ayrshire Burgh’s Association and took an active interest in the Convention of Burghs.
The Scotsman, 21 August 1946

CONFIDENZA ARRIVES
Much iron ore is still coming to Ardrossan Harbour. Amongst other arrivals this week, has been the Confidenza, an Italian steamer with a cargo of iron from Almeria. The freight is 6s.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

RANZA DUE
The Ranza is likely to arrive about Sunday (23 August 1903) with a cargo of sleepers.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

NORWEGIAN BARQUE ARRIVES
A wooden Norwegian barque of about 480 tons register arrived at Ardrossan on Wednesday night (19 August 1903) to load coals.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

SLEEPERS FOR ALEXANDRIA
Messrs Donald and Taylor’s steamer, Jessmore, which has this week been discharging iron ore from Seville, will shortly proceed to the Ailsa Dry Dock at Troon, whereafter she will return to Ardrossan to load sleepers for Alexandria.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

ORE DISCHARGING VESSELS
Vessels discharging ore at Ardrossan this week have been the Linda of London, the Jessmore of Glasgow, the Earnwood of Glasgow, the Confidenza of Shezia and the Craigendoran of Glasgow.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

BARON AGROUND
We understand that Mr John Hay’s coasting steamer, The Baron, has been ashore somewhere near Dublin but, being afloat again, will proceed shortly to Ardrossan.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

ARDROSSAN SAHARA
The South Beach Green has been dubbed by a Glasgow contemporary title the ‘Ardrossan Sahara’, a very apt title.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

SOUTH BEACH ATTRACTIONS
The number of ‘attractions’ on the South Beach seem to increase as the season draws to a close. The latest arrival is that of an acrobat who has rigged up a trapeze arrangement and who is powerful of the teeth.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

MAN ASSAULTS NEW WIFE
An Ardrossan man was fined £2 with the option of twenty-one days imprisonment at Monday’s Police Court for having assaulted his wife. The couple have been married only a few weeks.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

BEN STOREY’S MINSTRELS
The endeavour of Ben Storey’s Minstrels to turn a penny by performing in Princes Street in the early evening is not wholly commendable and to the casual observer scarcely worthwhile.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

REVEREND MORDUE’S GRAVE
A very beautiful cross of white marble has been placed on the grave of the Reverend Robert Mordue. The inscription upon it is:
To the glory of God and in loving memory of
THE REVEREND ROBERT MORDUE
Twenty years Rector of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Ardrossan
Born 12 November 1852
Entered into rest 17 September 1902
Requiescat in pace
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

W F FRAME AT ASSEMBLY HALL
On Monday evening (17 August 1903), the Assembly Hall, Ardrossan was completely filled by an enthusiastic audience who had assembled to hear the ever-popular Frame and other members of his company. As the programme was the same as that so recently presented in Saltcoats, there is no need to comment at large upon it. It is enough to say that the large audience gave evidence of being thoroughly pleased with the entertainment which is varied and of that kind which most frequently appeals to the class for which Mr Frame so successfully caters.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

CYCLE PARADE
Despite the frequency with which cycle parades have of late been organised in the district, a large contingent of bicyclists, both male and female, took part in the parade which was instituted on behalf of the Saltcoats Burgh Band Fund and which was held on Friday evening last (14 August 1903). The costumes worn displayed no striking originality, the majority of the main cyclists being garbed to represent Red Indians and clowns. Accompanying the procession, which traversed the road from Saltcoats Town Hall to Stevenston and thence to Ardrossan was a pipe band. On the return of the cyclists to Saltcoats, a dance was held in the Lesser Town Hall. The collections drawn at the parade amounted to £14 and the public would like to know how much of this sum was added to the Burgh Band Fund.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

LEAGUE TABLE
Beith Juniors scratched to Kilwinning Thistle on Saturday (8 August 1903) and from the League Table, it will be noticed that Thistle had been credited with the points. Troon Rangers and Ardrossan Celtic have been admitted to the North Ayrshire League.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

A GOOD START FOR WINTON ROVERS
Nothing succeeds like success – and the fact that Ardrossan Winton Rovers have already placed four North Ayrshire League points to their credit should nerve them to keep their record untarnished. Their latest victims were Vale of Garnock Strollers who were defeated at Winton Park on Saturday by three goals to one. This is reckoned a good performance on the part of the Rovers and we fancy was not relished by the Vale lads. The Rovers, we understand, have made arrangements for a visit of the Port Juniors to Winton Park tomorrow (22 August 1903) and as the visitors are a team of good playing qualities, the locals must make up their minds for a hard ninety minutes. Favoured with good weather, this fixture is expected to draw out a good crowd to Winton Park.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

THE TWO ARDROSSAN FOOTBALL CLUBS
It is pleasing to note that several gentlemen in Ardrossan are particularly interested in the welfare of the two local clubs. Last week, we mentioned that a gentleman, closely identified with the Celtic club, has promised to present a cup for competition and we are again authoritatively informed that another gentleman, specially interested and associated with the Rovers, has very generously presented the club with a suit of jerseys with which we expect to see them clad on Saturday first (22 August 1903). We are not authorised to mention the names of these two gentlemen. Speaking of the two local clubs reminds us that the Celtic lads did a good performance at Stevenston last Saturday (15 August 1903) in beating down Ardeer Thistle by five goals to two. The losers, though minus several of last season’s eleven, had nevertheless a good representation and the victory achieved by Celtic whose team also included some new faces, was well merited. One cannot help from congratulating the two Ardrossan combinations on their last week’s performances as juniors and it is to be hoped the season that has opened so well for each club will be characterised by future successes, financially and otherwise.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 3 – VALE OF GARNOCK STROLLERS 1
Flushed by their creditable win of the previous week which earned for them their first two North Ayrshire League points, the Winton Rovers made their initial appearance at home in these interests last Saturday (15 August 1903) before a good attendance of spectators considering the adverse nature of the weather up till within an hour of the advertised time. The visitors to Winton Park were Vale of Garnock Strollers who distinguished themselves so well in juvenile circles last season and who no doubt also hoped, as juniors, to uphold their good names on this particular occasion. The Rovers, though minus McCulloch who believed the game was to be postponed, turned out a good representation and we do not hesitate to say that their display gave the utmost satisfaction to their admirers. It was the first time the Vale had ever faced the Rovers and the way in which the home forwards went about their work must have convinced the Vale lads who seemed the heavier lot that they had met ‘foemen worthy of their steel’. The ground, considering the incessant downpour of rain from early morning to afternoon, was in remarkably good condition, though at one time fears were entertained that the match would have to be postponed. The teams entered the arena, however, under greatly improved auspices and lined up as follows: Vale – Steed, Davies, Graham, Dunwoodie, Lusk, Jones, Robertson, Walker, Tail, Dougan and McGinlay. Rovers – Lambie, Inglis, Leckie, Fullarton, Findlay, McMurray, Anderson, Goldie, Frank Smith, J Smith and Reid. Winning the toss, the Rovers – who had a change of colours owing to the visitors’ being the same - took advantage of the wind in the initial period. The Vale started operations but made little progress and the Wintonians’ right wing getting off, Anderson showed the Vale defence a clean pair of heels but he was disposed of the sphere when about to shoot. The play was speedily transferred to the Rovers’ quarters where Lambie was called upon to save a nasty shot. Following a brief spell of open play, the Strollers were again forced back on their lines, Steed being tested with one or two high shots which he disposed of all right. The Rovers continued to attack vigorously and after about twenty minutes play, they registered the opening goal of the match. It was a simply taken point being the outcome of a goal kick by the Vale custodian who banged the sphere against one of the backs and on Reid getting possession close in, he had no difficulty in scoring. Determined, no doubt, to make up for their bad luck, the Vale essayed a little combination which was speedily upset by the opposing halves and the play ere long surged once more in the vicinity of Steed's charge. Frank Smith, ex-Camphill, the Rovers’ latest acquisition, added spice to the play by his deft touches and, led by him, the home quintet kept up a spirited attack. There was no fluke about the second goal which was scored by Anderson with a grand shot after Steed saved from Frank Smith. Having tasted blood, the homesters were not to be denied at any cost and two minutes later, the Vale citadel was again captured, this time by a half-back, McMurray. The cup-holders were playing very disjointedly, the weakness being evident in the front rank. Good work by the Rovers’ left pair resulted in Reid netting the sphere but as he was palpably offside, the point did not count. A fine shot by J Smith all but did the trick, Steed just managing to scrape the ball clear. The play was more or less one-sided until half-time but the Rovers failed to increase their total. Although the Vale had now the assistance of the wind, it did not seem probable, in view of their exhibition in the first period, that they would make up the three goal deficiency. However, on the game being recommenced, the immediately set the pace and their play gave promise of some improvement. On the pressure being relieved, the Rovers retaliated with some clever forward play and still showed eagerness to find the net. The visitors returned to the attack which they maintained for some time and on one or two occasions were unfortunate in not being rewarded though there was room for improvement in their shooting. Jones had hard lines with a shot which struck the cross-bar. The Winton Parkers occasionally invaded their opponents’ lines but offside interfered with a number of good chances. As time waned, the Strollers redoubled their efforts to secure a goal. Three consecutive corners were gained, all of which proved to be fruitless but about ten minutes from time, a shot from the left wing did the needful. Some give-and-take passages took place in the closing minutes of the game which terminated in favour of the Rovers by three goals to one. The result, which doubtless came as a surprise to many, no more than represents the difference between the teams on the day’s play. Both goalkeepers played well while the Vale backs were a little more reliable than the Rovers’ pair. The latter were, if anything, better served at half-back in which division, Findlay was the pick. The Vale’s front rank was decidedly weak compared with the Winton five, all of whom played up to expectations. Port Glasgow Juniors will revisit Winton Park tomorrow (22 August 1903) when the Rovers will again try conclusions with them in a friendly. A new match secretary has been appointed to look after the interests of the Winton Rovers in the person of Mr Gavin Love, 139 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan to who all communications should be addressed.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

ARDEER THISTLE 2 - ARDROSSAN CELTIC 5
For the first time, Ardrossan Celtic posed as juniors last Saturday (15 August 1903) and it must be admitted they gave a good account of themselves. They journeyed to Stevenston and opposed Ardeer Thistle in a friendly. This was looked upon as a stiff hurdle for the Celts to face with the memory of Ardeer’s doings last season fresh in mind but the Ardrossan lads rose to the occasion in winning style and, to make a long story short, pluckily defeated the Jags by five to two. Both teams were without several of last season’s players so that in the matter of representation, they were pretty much on a par. The result was a bit surprising to many and should encourage the Celtic brigade to braver deeds in the junior football world. At the time of writing, we have not heard whether the Celts have secured a fixture for tomorrow (22 August 1903) or not but we have no doubt efforts are being made to find employment for the team.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 21 August 1903

George

[down south]

SATURDAY 21st AUGUST 1971

BOYLAN HAT-TRICK TOPPLES ROVERS

DALRY THISTLE 4 – ARDROSSAN WINTON ROVERS 2

A second half hat-trick by Dalry striker Boylan dumped a Winton side who had all the pressure in the first 45 minutes but who only scored once.

Winton should have had this game won in the first half when they had all the play but only got one goal for their efforts. Dalry came back strongly in the second half and grabbed their chances to give them a good victory.

Rovers were first on the attack and Sanders headed just wide. After two minutes, a mix-up in the Dalry defence let Scullion in to open the scoring.


Winton kept up the attack and a free-kick by Sanders went over then Kerr put weakly past.

In the first run upfield, Dalry forced a corner which was cleared, following which Armstrong saved well from Barr.

After a good run by Scullion, his shot was well held by McWilliams. A corner on Dalry’s left saw Currie heading in but Scullion was there to kick off the line.


At the other end, Winton forced two corners in succession which were easily cleared.

A bad kick-out by McWilliams rebounded from McGarrity to Sanders but the latter shot past the post.

Just on half-time, McWilliams had to move quickly to fist clear a Robertson free-kick.

Dalry started the second half with a bang and after Winton got a fruitless corner, Boylan scored the equaliser.

Timmons was Dalry’s danger man and after a good run down the right-wing, he sent over a hard cross which Armstrong did well to cut out.

Further Dalry pressure saw T Hamilton shoot them into the lead with a fierce angular shot from the left.
Following another good run by Timmons, he passed to Boylan who shot feebly past.

After 20 minutes, Barr put over a perfect cross for Boylan to get Dalry’s third goal.

Winton were unlucky when Scullion hit the bar and from the rebound, he struck wood again.

Timmons outstripped the Winton defence but his shot came off the post with Armstrong beaten.

Timmons made ground on the right and put over a cross for Boylan to score his third goal and Dalry’s fourth.
Just on time, Winton’s second came when Telfer put past his own keeper.

In a hard-fought league cup tie, it was the side who took full advantage of the scoring chances that took both points.

Dalry stepped up their play after the interval with 45 minutes of power-packed football that made Winton pay the penalty for those first-half missed chances.

Thistle’s last two matches have shown that the side have the ability to do well this season. If they can maintain the standard set on Saturday, they must be a force to be reckoned with.

Winton disappointed. They lacked the bite up front necessary to grab any chances near goal and in the end were well beaten.

Dalry Thistle: McWilliams; Hodge and Gibson; Muggins, Telfer and T Hamilton; Timmons, Barr, Boylan, Currie and G Hamilton.

Winton Rovers: Armstrong; Robertson and Young; McGuire, Anderson and McColl; Kerr, Sanders, Sneddon, Scullion and McGarrity.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27th August 1971

Susan

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WIKIPEDIA SHIPWRECKS
22 AUGUST 1810

THE ELIZABETH AND MARGARET

The galiott ELIZABETH AND MARGARET, while on a voyage from Dublin to Glasgow, was shipwrecked at Ardrossan, with the loss of 9 or 10 lives. There were 5 survivors.

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GLASGOW HERALD
22 AUGUST 1888

BIRTH

STEWART: At 1 Clydeview, Ardrossan, on the 20th instant, Mr. J. R. Stewart; a daughter.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
22 AUGUST 1918

JAMES McLAREN MORTON

Died of wounds received in action, Gunner JAMES McLAREN MORTON, (38), Royal Garrison Artillery – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – son of the late Mr and Mrs John Morton, Glasgow, and husband of Margaret Morton, 131 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan.

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GLASGOW HERALD
22 AUGUST 1887

FOOTBALL
ENSIGN (ARDROSSAN) v. ZINGARI (PAISLEY)

The football season opened by a match between the above teams. The weather was rather warm for football, but notwithstanding this both teams played a very fast game, which resulted in victory for the strangers by five goals to one.