Stevenston - On This Day In History

Published stories from each town's past.
Penny Tray
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
2 AUGUST 1889

WIFE BEATING

At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday JOHN CAMPBELL, labourer, Ardeer Square, Stevenston, who was convicted of assaulting his wife, was sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment, without the option of a fine.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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Penny Tray wrote: Tue Jul 31, 2018 7:32 am GLASGOW HERALD
31 JULY 1915

DISASTER AT NOBEL’S WORKS
MUCH DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

Nobel’s Explosive Works at Ardeer were the scene last night of a terrific explosion, or rather series of explosions, which have involved much damage in the central establishment and caused a panic in the surrounding district.

Eight injured men were conveyed to Kilmarnock Infirmary, several were brought to Glasgow, and two were treated at their homes in Irvine.

HUGE FLASHES

About a quarter to twelve o’clock (midnight) two huge flashes, our Irvine correspondent says, were seen rising from Ardeer. These were accompanied by a terrific explosion, which shook the houses of Irvine to their foundations and created a panic over the whole district.

A motor driver on the Ayr Road describes how the flashes lit up the whole countryside as if it were bright sunshine.

A huge crowd soon gathered on Irvine Moor and at other points of vantage from which the works could be seen.

The whole centre of the works appeared to be in a blaze.

While the crowds were watching another terrific explosion took place, followed by others.

In all about 20 flashes of light arose afterwards from the works without any detonation being audible.

THREE GREAT EXPLOSIONS

About one o’clock in this morning three great explosions shook all the buildings of the town. The inhabitants have betaken themselves to the open, scantily attired. So far as can be learned at the moment there is no great damage to property in Irvine.

MANY INJURIES

It is reported from Stevenston that there are a good many injured.

A special train has conveyed the injured to Glasgow for treatment in the infirmaries.

GLASGOW HERALD
2 AUGUST 1915

THE ARDEER EXPLOSIONS
ONE DEATH – 11 PERSON INJURED

The Press Bureau issued the following at 8.15 on Saturday night:-

“A fire broke out in one of the departments of the Ardeer Factory late on Friday night, 30th instant, and was followed by several explosions.

As far as can be ascertained, one man has been killed and eleven injured.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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2nd AUGUST 1974

ARDEER THISTLE WILL PLAY ON, SAYS CHAIRMAN

The writing has been on the wall for several seasons that Ardeer Thistle FC might have to quit the Ayrshire junior football scene. They have no ground for the season which kicks off on August 10.

But Ardeer Thistle FC chairman, Mr Alan McAlpine said this week that the football team would take part in Ayrshire junior football this season - with or without a ground.

During August and September, Ardeer Thistle will play their league cup programme at opponents' grounds. Thereafter the club's future may depend upon Ardeer Recreation football field which Stevenston Town Council is expected to purchase from ICI.

Mr McAlpine said that if the town council was in a position by the end of September to offer the club use of Ardeer Recreation he was confident the Ardeer Thistle would have a new " home ".

He pointed out that the club had applied to Ardeer Recreation Club for use of the football field until the council bought it but had been refused.

Although Ardeer have no players Mr McAlpine said that the club had been in a similar situation many times and had organised a team within days of a new season beginning. The season will start next Saturday.

If the club obtain the use of Ardeer Recreation they will seek permission from Ayrshire Education Committee to use Glencairn Primary School gymnasium as changing facilities.

Mr Matt Spiers, secretary of the Ayrshire Regional Committee of the SJFA gave a boost to Ardeer Thistle when he said he was sure that the committee would allow the Stevenston club to play away from home until the end of September.

He added that Ardeer would need to give a firm assurance that after the two month period they would have a ground of their own.

Ardeer Recreation field and the changing facilities at the adjoining school would have to be inspected by the committee before approval was given to Ardeer to use it for competitive football games.

Since 1952, when Ardeer Thistle were revived, they played first on a school field off New Street and then at Ardchoille Park within the Hayocks housing scheme of Stevenston. This ground became a favourite haunt for children and if that had been the only trouble Ardeer might still be there.

But vandals caused serious damage at Ardchoille Park and much money was spent trying to maintain it. Eventually the town council bought the ground and provided limited but expensive facilities. To vandals it was a fresh target and they struck hard at the beginning of this year and Ardeer Thistle were homeless. It was not a new situation for the Stevenston club, but it was the last straw.

The playing field had already deteriorated and for this the club must shoulder some blame because they did not maintain it.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2nd August 1974


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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
3 AUGUST 1882

AYR CIRCUIT COURT – ASSAULT ON A GIRL

PATRICK FITZIMMONS, a young lad, pleaded guilty to assault on a girl in the parish of Stevenston in July last.

Lord Deas said it was fortunate for him that the assault had not been of a more serious nature. He had been already three weeks in prison, and the sentence would be one weeks’ additional imprisonment.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
4 AUGUST 1885

STEVENSTON – BOY FALLING OUT OF A TRAIN

Yesterday forenoon, between 11 and 12 o’clock, a boy aged six years, named WALTER GILLESPIE, son of a James Gillespie, carrier, Kirkintilloch, fell out of one of the compartments while a train was between Kilwinning and Stevenston.

The father of the lad, who was in the same compartment, on the train pulling up at Stevenston, returned along the line, and found his boy somewhat severely injured. His shoulder was dislocated and he had a cut on the top of his head.

He was removed to Stevenston Station where Doctor McDonald, who had been sent for, attended to his injuries. Afterwards he was removed to Saltcoats, where his parents are residing for a short time.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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Penny Tray wrote: Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:13 am
Penny Tray wrote: Tue Jul 31, 2018 7:32 am GLASGOW HERALD
31 JULY 1915

DISASTER AT NOBEL’S WORKS
MUCH DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

Nobel’s Explosive Works at Ardeer were the scene last night of a terrific explosion, or rather series of explosions, which have involved much damage in the central establishment and caused a panic in the surrounding district.

Eight injured men were conveyed to Kilmarnock Infirmary, several were brought to Glasgow, and two were treated at their homes in Irvine.

HUGE FLASHES

About a quarter to twelve o’clock (midnight) two huge flashes, our Irvine correspondent says, were seen rising from Ardeer. These were accompanied by a terrific explosion, which shook the houses of Irvine to their foundations and created a panic over the whole district.

A motor driver on the Ayr Road describes how the flashes lit up the whole countryside as if it were bright sunshine.

A huge crowd soon gathered on Irvine Moor and at other points of vantage from which the works could be seen.

The whole centre of the works appeared to be in a blaze.

While the crowds were watching another terrific explosion took place, followed by others.

In all about 20 flashes of light arose afterwards from the works without any detonation being audible.

THREE GREAT EXPLOSIONS

About one o’clock in this morning three great explosions shook all the buildings of the town. The inhabitants have betaken themselves to the open, scantily attired. So far as can be learned at the moment there is no great damage to property in Irvine.

MANY INJURIES

It is reported from Stevenston that there are a good many injured.

A special train has conveyed the injured to Glasgow for treatment in the infirmaries.

GLASGOW HERALD
2 AUGUST 1915

THE ARDEER EXPLOSIONS
ONE DEATH – 11 PERSON INJURED

The Press Bureau issued the following at 8.15 on Saturday night:-

“A fire broke out in one of the departments of the Ardeer Factory late on Friday night, 30th instant, and was followed by several explosions.

As far as can be ascertained, one man has been killed and eleven injured.
GLASGOW HERALD
4 AUGUST 1915

ARDEER EXPLOSION
TWO MORE DEATHS

The Press Bureau makes the following announcement:-

“Two more deaths, making three in all, have occurred as a result of the fire and explosion which took place at Ardeer on Friday night. Thirty-nine persons were injured, but only 17 cases were sufficiently severe for hospital treatment.

Considerable damage was done, but the actual manufacture of cordite has not been seriously affected.

The cause of the fire and explosion has not yet been ascertained, but the matter is being closely investigated.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
7 AUGUST 1897

AUCHENHARVIE DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The annual meeting of subscribers was held last night in Stevenston Public School – Mr. George Sinclair presiding.

The annual report, which was submitted, showed that Mrs. Mullen, who received payments from the fund, had died.

Two widows who were on the fund had got married, and are receiving £20 each, as allowed by the rules, in quarterly instalments.

A loan of £1000 had been granted to the Ayrshire Lunacy Board at 3 per cent.

It was also agreed to lend £900 to Stevenston Parish Council at 3 per cent.

The expenditure during the past year was £220 0s 3d, leaving a balance in favour of the fund of £2190 2s 8d.

On the motion of Mr. J. McDonald, seconded by Mr. Duff, the report was adopted.

A vote of thanks was afterwards given to the chairman.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
8 AUGUST 1888

MARRIAGE

NEILSON – SMITH: At Ardeer Arms, Stevenston, on the 7th instant, GEORGE NEILSON, wine merchant, Govan, to ELIZABETH RAMSAY SMITH, second daughter of Hugh Smith, wine merchant, Stevenston.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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It's getting to be a regular thing in Stevenston, wondering about where old pubs were. Ardeer Arms ???
I have no idea. JD.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

Post by hahaya2004 »

JD, it seems from the valuation rolls that the Ardeer Arms was in Main Street. It's mentioned together with a corn mill and was the property of Patrick Warner (Ardeer House). Hugh Smith was tenant of both the mill and the pub. This would account for the name of the pub as well.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

Post by John Donnelly »

Hi Hahaya,

thanks for this. The mill was at the foot of Townhead St., and it was still there in the early 50's. I remember it, It was a water mill driven by the burn. There was a lane from opposite the Post Office up to Glencairn St. called the Mill-en.
The only pub I can think of round about there was the ? Eagle Bar ? on the opposite side of the road from the mill. It became my uncle John Donnelly's grocers shop, between Parks the bakers and Willie Allison's painting and decorating shop. The pub was closed long before my time.
The Champion Shell is round the corner in Schoolwell St, and has been called the Champion Shell for a lot longer than the 1880's.

JD.
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Re: Stevenston - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
11 AUGUST 1888

MARRIAGE

ROCHE – WARNER: At the New Parish Church, Ayr, on the 9th instant, by the Rev. Thomas Dykes, D.D., EUGENIUS ALFRED, A.M.D., second son of the late Mr. Registrar Roche, High Court of Bankruptcy. London, to LOUIE FORBES, eldest daughter of Patrick Warner, Esquire, Ardeer.
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