Original March 1920 issue of Colville’s Magazine featuring the Glengarnock Gleanings section. Includes a profile and portrait pictures of Robert Adair, O.B.E. and golfer William Gibson, along with local social events, football activity, community gatherings, and reports from the Works. Fully transcribed and preserved below – original scans are above.

It ends with a commentary by A.F.C. An anonymous commentator from Glengarnock works who features across many of the editions in the 1920s.

People Mentioned in This Issue (not alphabetical)

The following individuals are named in this March 1920 issue of Colville’s Magazine, reflecting members of the workforce, community, and associated organisations:

• Robert Adair
• James Boyce
• Mr. Gibson (and his musical band from Dalry)
• Mr. William Gibson (with picture) (its unclear if its the same Mr Gibson above)
• Mr. James Calderwood
• Mr. Osborne M’Queen
• Mr. R. W. Shanks
• Mr. MacBride
• Mr. Robert Bell
• Mr. James Geddes
• Miss Maggie Lafferty (Dancer)
• Mr. Wm. Baxter
• Mr. Robert Martin
• Mr. G. M’Clure
• George MacKenzie
• Wm. Aiton
• Mr. J. Fyfe
• Mr. David Conn, M.A.
• Mr. John Wright
• A. C. Millar, Esq.
• John Andrew
• Robert Taylor
• Andrew Bruce
• John Calder
• Mr. John Riddett, J.P.
• Mr. Archibald Colville
• Mr. Gavin Cowper
• Mr. Robert Cunningham
• Capt. David Colville
• G. P. West, Esq.
• Mr. Daniel Logan
• Mr. John Drysdale
• Mr. Peter Abernethy
• Mr. Robert Ferguson
• H. Lafferty
• D. Craig
• J. M’Ivor
• J. Bray
• R. Love

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Other names

• Hogart & Barclay
• Fleming’s Merksworth

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GLENGARNOCK GLEANINGS

March, 1920 – Colville’s Magazine

We reproduce the portrait of Mr. Robert Adair, O.B.E., who was presented, in April, 1918, with the Medal of the Order of the British Empire by the Earl of Ayr, on behalf of His Majesty the King.

Mr. Adair received his decoration for courage and resource displayed under circumstances of danger connected with his work; the official notification reading, “for courage in continuing to work his engine while molten metal was falling round him.” Mr. Adair has been employed at Glengarnock Works for the past fourteen years, during the greater part of which time he has driven the traction engine in the Siemens’ pit. He is a jovial and unassuming man, and has deservedly earned the respect and goodwill of his fellow-workers.

No. 1 Shift, Guide Mill, held their Second Annual Dance in the Orange Hall, Glengarnock, on Friday, 13th February. Over 40 couples attended and spent a most enjoyable evening. Mr. James Calderwood’s Band supplied excellent music, and the duties of M.C. were ably performed by Mr. Osborne M’Queen. Tea was served at the interval.

On 14th February, Mr. R. W. Shanks was presented by the members of the Constructional Department and Steel Works Drawing Office Staffs with a Gold Albert, on the occasion of his leaving the Firm’s employment. In making the presentation, Mr. MacBride, Department Manager, spoke of Mr. Shanks’ long and faithful service and assured him of his fellow-workers’ esteem and cordial good wishes for his success in his new position. Mr. Shanks suitably replied.

Mr. Robert Bell’s Shift, Guide Mill, “took thocht unto themselves” and held their First Social and Dance in the Orange Hall, Glengarnock, on Friday, 20th February. Mr. James Geddes presided and extended a hearty welcome to an assembly of over 40 couples. After tea had been served, songs were tastefully rendered by various ladies and gentlemen, and Miss Maggie Lafferty gave a fine exposition of the Highland Fling and Skirt Dancing.

At 11 p.m. the Hall was cleared for dancing, which continued till 3 a.m. Mr. James Boyce made a capable M.C., and music was provided by Mr. Gibson’s Band from Dalry. The event was declared a great success—and all the boys were again at their duty at 6 o’clock on Saturday morning.

The long awaited “National Union of Clerks” Annual Dance took place in the Walker Memorial Hall, Kilbirnie, on 20th February. A very large number of members and friends were present, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Competent critics admit that the gathering was one of the finest on record. “Simply lovely!” was the verdict of the ladies, who must be regarded as capital judges in affairs of this kind. The greatest credit is reflected upon the Committee; a special word of praise being due to Messrs. Wm. Baxter and Robert Martin, who performed the duties of M.C.

During the evening songs were sung by Messrs. G. M’Clure, George MacKenzie, and Wm. Aiton, in their usual inimitable style, while Fyfe’s Famous Orchestra dispensed sweet strains which helped to make the gathering one to be remembered.

The Committee have been requested to organise a Social or similar gathering in the very near future; and this will be duly announced in the Magazine.

To mark the close of the Central School Continuation Classes, our Engineering students held a successful Social and Dance in the Masonic Hall, Kilbirnie, on Friday, 27th February. Over 60 couples gathered together under the genial chairmanship of Mr. David Conn, M.A., Headmaster, supported by Mr. John Wright, Structural Department, teacher in the Engineering Classes.

During the evening reference was made to the excellent work done during the session; and valuable book prizes, awarded by the Welfare Department and by A. C. Millar, Esq., Dalry, to the successful students in the recent examinations, were presented to John Andrew (94.2%), Robert Taylor (86.4%), Andrew Bruce (86%), and John Calder (85%), 1st year’s Engineering Class. Messrs. Conn and Wright were made the recipients of handsome pocket-books from the students as a mark of their esteem and goodwill.

Mr. Jack Bray made a most efficient M.C., and Mr. Wm. Fyfe’s Band rendered excellent music throughout the night.

In the Walker Memorial Hall, Kilbirnie, on Friday evening, 27th February, the local Branch of the “Scottish Federation of D. and D. Sailors and Soldiers” (Scottish Federation of Disabled and Discharged Sailors and Soldiers) entertained over 100 widows and orphans of fallen heroes of the district. Mr. John Riddett, J.P., occupied the chair.

Parish Council and Glengarnock Works Relief Fund, and the local clergyman. After tea a very fine programme by local artists was provided, together with a Punch and Judy Show and a Ventriloquial entertainment. In addition, each widow received a gift of 20s., and each child 5s.

The Committee desire to thank all who assisted in making the event such a huge success.

A long number of years has elapsed since the late Mr. Archibald Colville presented the “Colville Cup” for competition amongst golfers of the Iron and Steel Trades of the West of Scotland. But until last year the honour of winning the Cup had never fallen to an employee of the donor’s firm.

This distinction was reserved for Mr. William Gibson, formerly of the Barmill Department, Dalzell, and now at Glengarnock. Mr. Gibson is a young golfer, only starting to “whack the gutty” when the Motherwell Golf Club was formed in 1913, but it was early evident that his long driving and steady putting would carry him well to the fore. He is a thorough sportsman, optimistic, persevering, and modest.

Mr. Gibson won the Cup in the competition held on the Irvine Golf Club’s Course at Bogside, on May 11th, 1919, with a score of 84 for the round and 4 up on “bogey.” Mr. Gavin Cowper, of Dalzell Works, gained the second prize, his score being 3 up on “bogey.”

The Annual General Meeting of the Works Bowling Club was held on 2nd March, Mr. Robert Cunningham, retiring President, in the Chair. The membership reported was 83, and the financial statement showed balance at date of £21 1s. 6d.

The following were elected as office-bearers:—
Capt. David Colville, Hon. President; G. P. West, Esq., Hon. Vice-President; Mr. Daniel Logan, President; Mr. John Drysdale, Vice-President; Mr. Peter Abernethy, Treasurer; Mr. Robert Ferguson, Secretary.

An enjoyable Supper and Concert followed the business meeting.

Our Boys’ Welfare Football Team vanquished Beith United on the Den Field, on February 7th, in a League game, by 3 goals to 0. Goal scorers—H. Lafferty, D. Craig, J. M’Ivor.

On Saturday, February 14th, we were engaged at Dalmuir with Beardmore’s Engine Department in the Second Round of the Prince Albert Juvenile Cup Competition. We opened briskly and with considerable confidence, which was soon justified by Jack Bray scoring for us. H. Lafferty added another, and we changed ends with a lead of 2 goals. The second half provided a keen contest, Beardmore’s capturing two goals, and a fine game ended in a draw.

The undecided tie was played on Ladeside Field on 21st February. Early in the game Beardmore’s were credited with the opening goal, but J. M’Ivor equalised for Glengarnock near the close of the first half. On the resumption we exerted very strong pressure, which was rewarded by R. Love notching a finely taken goal. A hard fought but pleasantly contested game ended in favour of Glengarnock, to whom congratulations are extended upon maintaining their unbeaten record for the season, and who now pass into the Third Round, in which 16 teams remain.

We are drawn to meet Fleming’s Merksworth, Fullarton, Hogart & Barclay, in the Third Round, the tie to be played on our opponents’ ground on or before 29th March.

A Permit to hold Glengarnock Works Second Annual Amateur Athletic Meeting on June 12th has been obtained from the S.A.A.A. To membership of which our A.A.C. has been admitted. A provisional programme has been issued in due course, and the interest and events will be assured of the support of all lovers of sport throughout the Works is confidently asked for to ensure success of the Meeting.

Owing to the shortage of ground accommodation the Staff Football Team have been unable to play the return game with Dalzell Staff Team. We expect that this difficulty will shortly be overcome, and hope Dalzell will maintain their good reputation until we have another try at breaking it.

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Can You Tell Us—

Who the platelayer was who tried to stop a runaway wagon by throwing his jacket in front of it?

The name of the man who suggested boring a 1¼-in. hole with two ¾-in. drills, to make it easier for the machine?

Who blackleaded his hat so that it wouldn’t turn green?
If he was as green as his hat—or if he had been at the Staff Dance?

Who was the man that gave as an excuse for “pinching” a chisel, that he came from Kilbirnie?
If he was excused on those grounds?

What was the result of the ballot for a Works Canteen, taken umpteen months ago?
If it’s not a good job those who voted for it haven’t had to go without meals until now?

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Round the Brazier.

By A. F. C.

It was a cold, raw morning at Glengarnock. The usual biting wind was blowing from the loch, and chilling one’s very marrow.

In the words of the poet, I was dashed cold; so I made my way towards a fire whose ruddy glow was only visible in shifting gleams, owing to the number of fety chaps clustered round it. And here is an impression of what I heard.

Since the boys came “back from the front” many have adopted the fashion of wearing a ring; and one of the group was accosted by a little black-faced nipper—

“I see ye’ve got your ring on, Jock!”

“Dae ye?” retorted Jock. “Ye’re very ‘pass-remark’-able; but I never thocht on tellin’ ye I saw yours!”

“Mine?” yelled the smutty-faced specimen, in a “wouldn’t-wear-one-for-pounds” tone. “Where d’ye see mine?”

“Roon’ yer neck!” replied Jock, with withering effect.

Amidst the hilarity which followed an individual approached, to be affectionately hailed as “Wull.” He was a tall, well-built fellow, although winters in the “front line” had robbed his frame of something of its massiveness—but had not dimmed the sparkle in his eyes. “Wull,” I discovered, was a bit of a character. I observed also that he had a very noticeable peculiarity of stopping occasionally and turning round.

(Continued at foot of page 53).