November 1982
Timex Message to Workers
In a major attempt to end the strike affecting Timex factories in Dundee, the company has sent letters to its 3500 hourly paid employees, warning them of the gravity of the position. The letter signed by Mr Barry Lawson, UK Director of Manufacturing, talks of "the very serious consequences of this extremely damaging stoppage"
The firm's move has been timed to get its message across before this morning's meeting of the workforce in the Caird Hall.
"We have pointed out that continuation of this strike would critically effect the company in Dundee, particularly in our new technology areas and that our employees should realise that their future is involved" a spokesman for the company said.
"Timex has had an excellent record in 1982 in Dundee on retaining employees in electronics, in creating 300 jobs additional jobs and apprentice recruitment. These positive actions are put in jeopardy by this strike which will almost certainly effect existing contracts".
"We would hope that our employees, when they have examined the facts of this dispute, will soon return to work"
No talks between management and unions were scheduled for today. He would not be drawn on the effects of the dispute so far, but said that is it continued he feared existing and future contracts night be jeopardised. Ironically, the staff hose suspension originally led to the dispute will be able to return as their suspension is over by today.
Great Turnout for Duran Duran
Duran Duran got a near hysterical reception from hundreds of young girls who packed into the Caird Hall on Saturday. Over 100 were waiting outside by mid morning in an effort to get seats near the front of the hall. The ticket was such that the audience could choose only the area of the hall they were to sit in and not the actual seats. There could have been problems with this system but thankfully it was well managed.
High Technology Park a Step Nearer
Dundee District Council and Development Committee last night endorsed the proposal for an alteration to the Tayside Structure Plan to allow the proposed high-technology park to go ahead on the Gows site at Invergowrie. The next step will be for the Scottish Development Agency to lodge a planning application.
Pints Down, Pens Up in a Bid to Save Pub
Regulars of the popular Commercial Bar in Caldrum Street, Dundee have put down their pints and picked up their pens to try to save their "local". It is threatened with closure in the middle of next month, before coming under the demolisher's hammer. The property has been bought under Dundee District Council compulsory purchase order, but the pub's regulars are preparing for a fight.
Mrs Violet Instrall, who runs the pub with her husband William said yesterday " The customers have made up their own petition and already there are 200 names on it of people who don't want to see the pub close. I was told on Wednesday by Scottish Brewers, who one the premises, that they had a closing date for me of December 13. It was like someone giving me a real kick in the teeth, since it doesn't even give us a time to clear the stock, never mind think about setting up business elsewhere.
Violet and her husband have been in Caldrum Street for 13 years, having originally set up the Commercial Bar in Alexander Street where they ran it for 20 years.
Mr Frank Wemyss, a regular customer said, "I've been coming here since Vi moved up to Caldrum Street. I would leave a large gap if it has to close".
Fun for all Despite Weather's Damp Squib
Guy Fawkes' night turned out to be something of a "damp squib" although thousands of Dundonians braved the lashing rain at fireworks displays around the city. The district council organised eight displays, but many of the youngster who attended left early to seek shelter from the rain.
In the early evening however, the sky was regularly lit by rockets forming spectacular patterns and starbursts. The council had decided not to have any bonfires at their displays in Baxter Park, Lochee Park, Broughty Ferry Esplanade, Carberry Crescent, Dalmahoy Drive, Invergowrie Park, Dighty Valley and Riverview Park, Monifieth.
Mr John McGuire, the district council's entertainments officer, said he was very pleased with the turnout. "I'm glad so many people came to the displays but I was obviously disappointed with the weather" he said. "The rain probably kept a lot of people away but that did not deter those who turned up having a good time. Tonight was probably a worse night for attendance than last year but the weathers seems to have been the cause for this. I don't think it was the fact that we had no bonfires".
Shock End To Floating Pub
The Inn at the Quay-Dundee's first ever floating pub-has ceased trading. Yesterday's shock announcement of the closure of the floating bar, which is berthed at Craig Pier comes only months after it opened in late summer. The pleasure steamer Balmoral arrived in Dundee in March of this year, but even before it berthed in Craig harbour, the floating pub project was fraught with difficulties and setbacks.
Problems encountered initially were the leasing of the berth at the harbour and the dredging of the harbour to allow the 203 foot long vessel in. Back in January, the operator, Mr Brian McLeod, appealed to Lord Provost James Gowans to help cut through the red tape.
Mr McLeod needed an agreement on leasing terms for the harbour by February 26 - after that date he could have lost the opportunity for buying the boat which was berthed at that time in Avonmouth.
When these disputes were resolved, the former P & A Campbell vessel was sailed north. At the helm was the Dundee-born captain, Brian McLeod. Along with his parents, Mr and Mrs William McLeod, he formed the private company, Craig Inns.
Work was begun to refurnish the cruiser which had been on the market for three years. The combined full and part-time staff numbered about 25.
More complications arose after the boat berthed in Dundee. The district council were unable to grant a licence to sell alcohol until specific fire precautions were installed on board. These included the provision of emergency lightening and fire alarm systems and means of emergency escape.
Al these factors resulted in the postponement of the original opening date which was planned for July 15.
Situated beside the swimming and leisure centre the hostelry featured three bars and a function suite. It was designed to have appeal for both young and old. It was hoped the the Inn at the Quay would cater for functions such as wedding receptions, conferences and exhibitions.
At 688 tons the Balmoral was the largest vessel to ever berth in Craig Harbour.
The announcement of the closure was made by Captain McLeod on behalf of Craig Inns Ltd. He declined to comment on the reasons behind the closure.