November 1962

Changing Face of Dundee

Yet another building project has been completed by the Dundee firm of Charles Gray (Builders), Ltd. – the Happyhillock Shopping Centre.

In recent years Gray’s have completed a truly remarkable list of contracts. They include:- Queen’s College tower block, Kirkton High School, St John’s Junior Secondary School, Telephone Exchange, Willison Street, D.C. Thomson & Co., Ltd. (Kingsway Works), Douglas Primary School, West March Primary School, Longhaugh Primary School, Charleston Primary School, the extension to Perth Royal Infirmary and St Leonards School, St Andrews.

In addition they are helping to change the face of Dundee with the Phase 1 of the Overgate Development Scheme.

Still Hope, Says Bobby

Dundee aren’t exactly inspiring confidence in their ability to retain the league championship they won for the first time in their history last season.

Team captain Bobby Cox doesn’t go along with those who have already written them off, though.

“After all, we’re only six points behind Rangers at the top with two-thirds of the league programme to go” he says “Remember they pulled up eight points on us at one time last year”.

Sturrock’s Dress Wear

Hire Service
All sizes in stock for Wedding,
Dance or Official Function
9, Panmure Street, Dundee

Good Luck Girls

Off to Paisley tomorrow are eight Dundonians hoping to beat challengers from all over Scotland and the North of England for the Gladys Jagger Trophy.

The event is the opening highlight of the Scottish ice skating season and has attracted 27 entrants.

The holder, Heather Moir, of Newton Mearns, Scottish Senior Champion for four years is now professional, and therefore will not be competing.

The Dundee aspirants are:- Jennifer Beckingham, Agnes Dunbar, Marianne Gulcher, Janina Kolacz, Jacqueline Phillips, Linda Smith, Edith Tyrie and the youngest 11-year old Moira Duncan.

All are very keen – in fact Jennifer made the 400 mile trip to London last Monday especially to pick up some tips from top-flight skaters competing in an international event.

The more experience girls, Agnes, Marianne and Jackie are forecast to give the favourite Gail McKnight, an 18-year old from Ayr, extremely good opposition.

5
Mrs Watt Retires – and Lochee Just Won’t Be the Same
Mrs Mary Dundas Watt has left her wee shop at 156, High Street, and with her parting, Lochee loses a real character and one of its oldest inhabitants.

Well known to everyone in the district, Mrs Watt had been in her shop for 53 years. During this time she has seen vast changes in the town. When she first set up shop in 1909, Lochee High Street was on the edge of the countryside, and her customers came from all over the area. And even until her retiral many continued to come from a good distance to her shoppie. Except, of course, now it’s their grandchildren!

Mrs Watt must also have set up something of a record in another way. She has dealt with four generations of the Rattray family, her factors!

At 77 Mrs Watt is as spry and lively as ever, and she puts this down to the happy life she has had serving her customers. “I seem to have struck it lucky with my customers"” she said, “and if I could live my life over again, I’d have another shop in Lochee.”

Asked if she would be celebrating her retirement she said: “Celebrate? Not me.”
In all her years in Lochee Mrs Watt has never had an assistant, and she scoffs at the very idea. “It’s been a good life,” she said “and I would like to thank all my customers for 53 happy years.”

Mrs Watt is now living with her son at 22, Tullideph Road.

The Long Line

A new 30-inch diameter water main is being laid from Clatto Reservoir at the western end of the city to the new reservoir at Pourie.

The two-million-gallon capacity Pourie reservoir will serve the eastern end of the city, benefiting Fintry, Mid Cragie, Linlathen, Douglas and Angus and the industrial development at Kingsway East.

Workmen are at present working on the stretch from Baldovan to Clatto, part of the pipe-laying operation meant bridging the Dighty.

“This job presented no special problems” said Mr J. Scrimgeour, water engineer and manager. “We have tackled quite a few bridge crossings before.

The corporation’s Water Committee learned on Tuesday night that the firm engaged to construct the £80,650 Pourie reservoir had gone bankrupt. Work had been abandoned with approximately one-fifth of the work complete. The committee’s authorisation was sought to engage a firm to complete the work. To achieve completion of the work at the original cost, it might be necessary to take advantage of the bond of caution which had been provided through the Bank of Scotland, the committee was told. Approval was granted for authorisation, and the urgency of the work was stressed.

“We should be able to press on with the work with another firm without too much bother” said Mr Scrimgeour.

The J.M. Ballroom

Presents
Tonight
(Saturday)
8.15 to 11.15 p.m…5/-

Monday
Young People’s Night
8 to 11 p.m…2/6.

Tuesday * Twist Club
2nd Heat Talent Competition
8.15 to 11.15 p.m…Members 3/-; Non-Members…3/6.

Wednesday
8.15 to 11.15 p.m…3/-.

Thursday
“Over 21” Night
8.30 to 11.30 p.m…3/-.

Friday – Late Nite Dancing
9 p.m. to 1 a.m…6/-.
*The Johnny Battersby Orchestra*

Gaumont, Dundee

Continuous 1.40
The First James Bond Film!
Dr No
Technicolor
Starring Sean Connery as 007.

Lord Roberts Workshops

All types of Repolishing and Repair Work to Furniture
Estimates free
Charges include collection and delivery
Phone 24463
All classes of timber for the Do-It-Yourself enthusiast
Supplies and cut to size.
Lord Robert’s Workshops
Meadowside, Dundee.

Look out for Louise!

If you are watching Grandstand this afternoon around 3.55 look out for Louise Meotti, of 161, Clepington Road. She’ll be judging in the first round of the programme’s annual inter-regional skating competition – Scotland v. the West of England.

Miss Meotti is one of Scotland’s most senior judges, and has taken part in this contest in its two previous years. The event is being televised from Ayr Ice Rink.