Steelworks Remembered

Bill Cairns, a keen local historian from Kilbirnie, has compiled a fascinating booklet of poems, all written by Garnock Valley men formerly employed at Glengarnock Steelworks. Although Bill never personally worked in the local steelworks, his late father Bill laboured there for over 20 years, and the family were raised at Gurdie Cottages, then owned by the Steelworks.

The book entitled: Poems from Glengarnock Steelworks, is a real gem, highlighting the inner feelings and emotions of proud steelworkers and covers a huge range of diverse subjects.

 Final Voyage Of QE2

The Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald L Reid, enjoyed a chat with Allan and Marjorie Richardson, as they recalled their recent historic and poignant farewell voyage on QE2

 Bill Neill

The Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald L Reid, interviewed Beith’s Yo, ho, ho, man, Bill Neil, who spent his life teaching young farmers and residential school boys, but nowadays relishes being Beith’s very own Santa and sharing the joy and magic of Christmas

 Jimmy Seggie

Donald L Reid, interviewed Jimmy ‘One Round’ Seggie, whose fascinating Naval career included shooting down an attacking German Dornier Aircraft with one round of his gun.

 John Fulton

Donald L Reid, interviewed a Beithite abroad, John Fulton, an adopted Canadian since 1956, learning about his migration experience. However, Auld Beith is still daily in his thoughts, forever claiming his heart.

 Joyce B Walker

The Herald’s Beith Correspondent, Donald L Reid, enjoyed meeting Joyce B Walker to learn about her involvement in a myriad of local groups, her Christian commitment an her belief in stickability.

 Cissie Shearer

The Herald’s Beith correspondent, Donald L Reid, chatted with Gateside’s oldest and best known resident, Cissie Shearer, learning about life in Gateside, school days, romance and other fascinating reflections.