From the archives

1996

A YOUTH club formed to keep teenagers off the streets of Condorrat was shut by the council – who were accused of favouring private lets. Irate youth leader Eddie Gilhooley learned for the THIRD time that the venue had been hired out for a party and that 80 teens would have to be turned away. He was incensed to learn that every other Cumbernauld hall for let was free that evening. The retired community policeman added: “Cumbernauld Police ran its Safer Streets initiative to curb drinking and unruly behaviour and here we are turning them away. I’m really disappointed.’’

A CHOIR from Africa were set to delight residents of Seafar House with the gift of music. The group- drawn from steet children and orphans in East Africa- had already attracted a following on an earlier visit to Cumbernauld. The concert was arranged by Pastor Jim Gibson of Freedom City Church who said: “Their performances are truly amazing and should certainly not be missed.’’

SCOTLAND superhero Kenny Dalglish shed some light on his early days as a young player at Cumbernauld United. Describing his experience of playing amongst the juniors King Kenny said: “It was a baptism of fire.”

1986

Record breaking schoolboy Gordon MacDonald was labelled a real miracle walker after covering 106 miles in the 24-hour marathon walk. It was all the more impressive as the 16-year-old Abronhill resident had had mobility difficulties for five years as a youngster after contracting a serious illness and had to wear splints. For that reason, Gordon would donate his sponsorship cash to Action for the Crippled Child. Councillor Rosemary McKenna who taught Gordon at St. Lucy’s Primary said: “It was very difficult for him – what an achievement. His parents, Graham and Irene must be very proud of him.’’

“WE HAD a very fruitful time’’ – that was the verdict of Cumbernauld Development Corporation chief executive David Anderson who had returned from a trip to America with his commercial director Donald MacLean. The pair were drumming up business for Cumbernauld and also met with Locate in Scotland staff to this end. Mr Anderson said: “Cumbernauld’s name means quite a lot over there and the overall impression of the New Town is a good one.’’

A WORKING party was set up to discuss the new town hall and district court complex in the town centre.

1976

LIVING rooms would be turned into places of worship amidst plans for four ‘mini churches’ in Seafar, Carbrain, Ravenswood and Greenfaulds. The unique experiment would be conducted by St. Mungo’s Parish Church. Reverend Kenneth Lawson said: “There have been various experiments with house groups but I believe this is the first time this has been tried in Cumbernauld. It will be more or less up to each group to find its own identity and what it means to be a church in the community.’’

YOUNG couples finding their first home were hit by a cash crisis after Cumbernauld and Kilsyth District Council admitted that it had run out of cash. Anyone wishing a loan was told they would have to wait until the following year. Chief executive Robert Kyle said: “The £25,000 allocation for homes between 1976-77 has been used. We should start a waiting list for next year’s applications.’’

CAR owners were not best pleased on learning that garage rents would shoot up from £4 to £6 annually, after the matter was discussed at the district council’s housing committee meeting.

WHISKY salesman Richard Taylor from Greenfaulds was flying the globe to sell the water of life – and had even caught malaria in the process!

1971

CUMBERNAULD Development Corporation got the green light to go ahead with its showpiece £750,000 housing development in Greenfaulds – in a move which sparked widespread relief. At one point it was thought that the corporation would have to start from scratch and re-draw the plans for the 640-house private estate, after some 30 alterations were suggested. It was stressed that the plans would be partially drawn – especially a section which had recommended roads that were too narrow for large vehicles and goods lorries.

BOOKED to entertain ‘the most wanted woman on earth’ – that was Cumbernauld Majorettes. The new town girls were asked along to Glasgow department store Arnott Simpsons as part of a welcoming committee for Lady Du Pont, whose business provided the stretchy fibre for ladies’ underwear. Majorette Anna McCann from Darroch Way in Seafar presented Lady Du Pont with a bouquet.

A NEW £250,000 depot for the world’s largest earth moving equipment was officially opened in the town. The ten-acre site for Blackwood Hodge boasted giant machines selling for as much as £60,000.