December 1983
Step Right into the Victorian Past!
Dundee has this week uncovered one of its hidden assets - the proper entrance to its Central Museum at Albert Square. Generations of citizens have grown up believing that the only way into the Albert Institute was via that door on the south side. Those who have visited the museum this week now know different - and have probably been surprised and delighted by what they've seen.
It's the door on the north face of the museum the one behind that grand statue of Queen Victoria which is the true front of the institute and it is now, since Monday, back in use. The "new" museum main door takes visitors into what's termed the Gothic Hall, a splendid sort of ante-room to the galleries proper which has been restored with care.
The restorers of the 1980's had not only to make the tiles which matched the ones on the Gothic Hall floor to replace damaged ones, they'd also to recreate colour and texture the sort of wall paint and stencil work that the Victorians would have used.
And callers must be nothing less than totally convinced by the result. It looks just right. The Gothic Hall itself is impressive, with vaulted roof featuring the stone arches in there natural and lovely, sandy-coloured state. Treat two is a look at the main staircase to the upper floors of the museum and to get to it you now pass under the marble busts of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, her consort.
Upstairs you find yourself in the carpeted art corridor. This is the link-bridge between the original institute and its extension, again on a Victorian scale and having all their good sense and proportions. The corridor has pictures on its walls, leading the visitor nicely into the art galleries proper. You've probably seen them already their modernisation process has been completed for some months. Still more of those galleries, two large ones, in fact, now have the workmen inside as the next phase of improvement and restoration goes on.
Nobody will claim the restoration work is totally what they'd want. It would take far too much money to be just so. But the steps this far are positive and to be welcomed.
Leuchars Ready for "1500 Up"
The search and rescue helicopter flight of 22 Squadron at R.A.F. Leuchars is poised for its 1500th rescue mission. Since it was formed in 1955, the flight has flown more than 1000 people to safety from emergencies in the hills, the seas and shores around Scotland. Although the rescue of downed airmen is their primary function, R.A.F. helicopters today spend 90% of their time aiding civilians. This year the Leuchars men have been called out 100 times.
Thursday Will be Something Special
Next Thursday, December 8, will be something special in sparkling downtown Dundee. Sparkling? Yes - that's the big day when the city centre Christmas lights are switched on. And to make it more of a spectacular evening to remember, the City Traders' Association have come up with a whole host of attractions.
Santa will ride out into the City Square aboard his own carriage to watch the lights being switched on, whilst a band plays, with hot chestnuts on sale and free sweets for watching children!
"We want to make it a night to remember for the crowds who'll be coming down to the city centre to watch the lights being switched on" commented Mr Michael Scharvona, manager of Arnotts.
The six large stores associated with the traders' association, Arnotts, C & A., British Home Stores, John Menzies, Boots and Littlewoods, will al be open until 8 o'clock that evening to give families a chance to enjoy shopping together after they've watched the Christmas lights.
" We'll be making a special effort in Arnotts with a gala evening between 5 o'clock and 8," added Mr Scharvona. "We've organised numerous special attractions - a free draw for a colour television, all the children who meet Santa will be given a free gift; there will be tea and coffee on the go in out Lifestyle coffee bar and the coffee mill and free samples in our cosmetic department, there will be an on going informal fashion show within the store and Miss Scotia, Wendy McCabe, will be giving a body-building demonstration.
Financial saving, too, will be available for our customers with 10% off all Windsmoor clothing, and free carpet-laying and curtain-making with orders received between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Car Wash
Shampoo, wax and rinse
Only 70p
Highland Motors
Blackness Avenue
Dundee
Phone 645379.
Tannadice Tickets
Reduced tickets are now on sale at Tannadice Park. For the stand they are priced £35 for adults, £20 for children and OAP's and £17 for juveniles. For the ground they are £18 for adults, £10 for OAP's and £8 for juveniles.
Best Foot Forward
The first Dundee Dance Festival starts off the new year with a swing at Dundee Repertory Theatre from Tuesday 10th January, when not one but seven contemporary dance companies come to town. Anyone interested can participate in classes, workshops and days of dance.
Buy Bus Bonds
This Christmas - Buy Bus Bonds
Give your whole family and friends a worthwhile present this year!
Tayride bus bonds are available priced £2, £5 , £10 are redeemable against any Tayride or Taycoaster season ticket. On sale at the Bus Shop, 95,Commercial Street, Dundee and Bus Shop 2 in the Keillor Centre.
Be different-give something really useful this year!
Victoria Cinema
Now Showing
A Richard Gere double-bill
"An Officer and a Gentleman"(18)
and
"American Gigolo"(18)