From the archives

1971

A RARE and unusual pet was causing a stir in Kildrum. Boot was one of the few bloodhounds registered in Scotland and was a popular sight in Meadow Road. He belonged to the Ambler family. At just 10 months he already towered over his young owner, eight year old Fiona!

ABRONHILL was named as the fastest growing town in Cumbernauld. Like most areas in the New Town it had been named after a farm and its population stood at 7000. However the population of this ‘satellite’ of Cumbernauld was estimated to expand to 12000. The foreground of the area on the far side of the town centre was earmarked for development but planners stressed that they would leave enough greenery to add to the look of the place.

CONCERNED churchgoers awaiting the opening of a new place of worship were told that building works WOULD be re-activated, despite the firm responsible going into liquidation. Building work had stalled on the new Abronhill Parish Church sparking fears that the project would be abandoned.A Church of Scotland spokesman said that moves were underway to negotiate a new contract and that works would soon resume. Meanwhile members of the congregation were having to attend Sunday worship in a hut!

1976

WORKERS at Burroughs factory in Cumbernauld welcomed back their very own Olympic hero. Swimmer Dennis Bonnar (24) from Muirhead had returned from the Paraplegic Olympics in Toronto with a Gold medal after smashing a world record in the 50 metres Butterfly event. Dennis who wore a calliper on his leg had also reached the finals in three more swimming events. He said: “It was a fantastic experience to take part in a competition at this level.’’ Burrough’s Public relations man Bill Hannah said: “We are all very proud of Dennis.’’

A JOB swop was on the cards for a well-known Cumbernauld teacher. Mrs Daphne Kirkpatrick had taught in Seafar School for 13 years but didn’t have far to move for her new post after being named as the new head teacher for Muirfield Primary School. The Lammermoor Drive resident said: “I am pleased to be able to continue working for the people of Seafar, this time a little further down the road.”

RESIDENTS feared that binmen would go back on strike again after a new cash row erupted at the district council. The staff had already staged a nine WEEK strike but threatened to walk out again amidst claims that some men had not been fully paid for the clean-up operation that followed their first dispute.

1986

CUMBERNAULD Development Corporation staff were set to jet off to the United States for a fortnight - in a bid to drum up business for the town.Chief executive David Anderson and Commercial director Donald McLean. Visits were planned to firms in Houston,Indiana, New York and the Locate in Scotland office in Stanford Conneticut.

VENTURE Scout Adam Mason from Kildrum raised £300 for charity via a sponsored walk and received a Royal greeting at the end of his journey! He was part of a 100 strong group who had walked from London to Balmoral to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme. When Adam arrived in Ballater there was a familiar face on hand to meet the group - Prince Edward!

SuperstoRE Woolco closed its doors for the last time with the loss of 180 jobs. Yet rumours were afoot that a taste of Europe would re-boot Cumbernauld’s shopping scene. French supermarket giant Carrefour expressed interest in over the empty premises. However, the chain would not be drawn on specifics. Home-grown chain What Every Woman Wants was more forthcoming – and announced that it had finalised plans to move into the town centre.

1996

NEWS readers were given the opportunity to take part in a unique survey after a so-called Telepoll was launched by this newspaper on the controversial topic of the M80. Four exclusive telephone numbers were available so that votes could be recorded It was being billed as the first real opportunity for locals to have their say. The two option hinged over whether the motorway should be routed through the Kelvin Valley - or between Stepps and Haggs. Meanwhile a giant rally was held in the town to oppose the latter choice.

A LOCAL character went missing - after flying the coop! Visitors to Dobbies Garden Centre were often charmed by the antics of parrot Chico and liked to seek him out in the pet section. Yet the African Grey had other ideas and went AWOL. Manager Nicola Singleton said: “Customers reacted well to the attraction of Chico. It is unfortunate that he is no longer here.”

MARQUEES were being erected outside Cumbernauld House for a farewell party that would see 1000 employees bid farewell to the 40 year old organisation. A buffet and celidh would take place but guests could also visit a casino with proceeds being donated to Strathcarron Hospice! The CDC would cease to operate on December 31.