Reminiscences - Topic

I was born in Liverpool but was sent to live with my grandparents in Dundee (Gardner Street, opposite the allotments.) when I was 4 years old. I went to Ancrum Road School in 1950/1951, for about the next 5 years. Their ground floor flat had a huge bedroom at the front, and another smaller one. There was a press and a toilet off the hallway and then at the back, overlooking the 'greenie' was the living room/ dining room with their bed in a large recess! There was a coal fire with a large over mantle and a coal bunker in the window bay. Read more......

I lived above Andrew Woodcock in mentioned  78, Lochee Road. I live near Aberdeen now, but last time I drove down Lochee road, the old tenement had been demolished. Andrew's brother Stuart was my pal during that time and my brother Andrew B was Andrew W's pal. All the "noisy" families lived over one another. Read more......

I was born in 1946 brought up in City Road (the roadie) as we called it. I went to Blackness Primary school the Logie Secondary, I was in the netball and swimming teams in both schools. I remember the old baths when there were 3 pools.

Childhood memory of my mum taking my brother and myself down the Old Overgate to the pea buster stall then over to Greenhill for our Saspirilla (Black Sass). Read more......

I was born in 1946 brought up in City Road (the roadie) as we called it. I went to Blackness Primary school the Logie Secondary, I was in the netball and swimming teams in both schools. I remember the old baths when there were 3 pools.

Childhood memory of my mum taking my brother and myself down the Old Overgate to the pea buster stall then over to Greenhill for our Saspirilla (Black Sass). Read more......

I was born in 1946 brought up in City Road (the roadie) as we called it. I went to Blackness Primary school the Logie Secondary, I was in the netball and swimming teams in both schools. I remember the old baths when there were 3 pools.

Childhood memory of my mum taking my brother and myself down the Old Overgate to the pea buster stall then over to Greenhill for our Saspirilla (Black Sass). Read more......

I was born 1949 lived in Derby Street then moved to 7 Dallfield Walk when I was 4. We then moved to Kirkton when I was10 but great memories from Dallfield Walk was at Rosebank School....great times.

I was born in Maryfield  Hospital in 1950 and lived  in Buchanan Street until we got moved to Douglas in 1953. I went to St Vincent school until age 7 when a new school St Pius was built opposite my house  in Balmerino Road. I used to love going to the baths on Saturday morning one week and the Gaumont on another, I used to love going through the Arcade under the  Caird Hall and see the roast chicken turning on the spit. It made me feel really hungry.

I was born in Maryfield  Hospital in 1950 and lived  in Buchanan Street until we got moved to Douglas in 1953. I went to St Vincent school until age 7 when a new school St Pius was built opposite my house  in Balmerino Road. I used to love going to the baths on Saturday morning one week and the Gaumont on another, I used to love going through the Arcade under the  Caird Hall and see the roast chicken turning on the spit. It made me feel really hungry.

My memories of staying in the beautiful city and delightful Broughty Ferry now need a kick start....
 
Stayed at Tayview Guest House, believed to be in St Vincent Street just around the corner from the welcoming Sliding Tackle pub (our adopted local).

Worked in Main Road adjacent to the Timex factory upgrading electricity cables and jointing, at the time of Tay Bridge construction. A gang of seven, we made several friends, among them a crowd who claimed to be known as the "Dundee Bums".
 Read more......

I've just read about Nighebhoy on his way to school. The shop opposite Rosefield Street was called the Gift Shop and was Arthur Spinks mum's shop, the well known Dundee accordion player, he was boyhood pal of mine and I can still hear  his mum shouting 'Arthur, time to practice'.

Came from Wellington Street went to St Mary's Forebank school with my two brothers Jimmy and John and my sister Anna, was there from 1945 to 1953. The Marist brothers playes a large part in my life. My very good friend John Markie and myself played for the school football taem, so did my two brothers, happy days.

Came from Wellington Street went to St Mary's Forebank school with my two brothers Jimmy and John and my sister Anna, was there from 1945 to 1953. The Marist brothers playes a large part in my life. My very good friend John Markie and myself played for the school football taem, so did my two brothers, happy days.

I first lived at 21 Kinloch Street at the foot of the Law Hill. An old tenement with 1 bedroom and kitchen/front room. The coalman used to come in and dump the bag of coal in the space under the wooden draining board. We moved to Findcastle Street in 1953 and we thought it was great, a new house and a garden. I went to St. Vincent's infants and primary school. It was a long walk to school. Then on to St. Michael's in Graham Street, we got a penny transfer for 2 buses. Used to go the Marryat (near Caird Hall) and the Palais to see all the bands. Read more......

I first lived at 21 Kinloch Street at the foot of the Law Hill. An old tenement with 1 bedroom and kitchen/front room. The coalman used to come in and dump the bag of coal in the space under the wooden draining board. We moved to Findcastle Street in 1953 and we thought it was great, a new house and a garden. I went to St. Vincent's infants and primary school. It was a long walk to school. Then on to St. Michael's in Graham Street, we got a penny transfer for 2 buses. Used to go the Marryat (near Caird Hall) and the Palais to see all the bands. Read more......

The Blue Mountains at the bottom of the Hawkhill on the left hand side were called after an Italian man came to Dundee and lived in that tenement, he was so homesick that he painted the blue mountains on  the wall of his flat to remind him of his home near the Blue Mountains in Italy .

I was born in the Overgate in 1957, from there we moved to Shepherds Loan. My first school was Hawkhill. We moved again to Macalpine Road then to Kincardine Street, our next move was to St. Fillans Road. When I was 12 we moved to Wallsend Newcastle.

I worked at the Veeder Root factory at Gourdie from 1977-79. I really liked working there making tachographs, sitting in long rows of women working away some with jigs some putting small parts together. My family lived in Fintry at 31 or 32 Findcastle Terrace opposite the primary school. My aunt's sister worked there also, Rosemary Pillins, and my friend Jackie Clancy, I think she later joined the navy. Her aunt Francis was really nice. Happy memories. 

My parents Ella and Bill Scott lived at 132, Dunholm Road, Charleston from 1959-64, they were the first people to live in the house. My dad built the rockery in the front garden, it was still there in 1979. I went to Charleston Primary school from 1960-64 then my family moved to New Zealand. The 3 Thompson children often played with myself and 2 younger sisters, Ann Yvone and Frankie Thompson. Some childrens names I went to school with; Alison Leach, Elizabeth Baird, Alan Low, Martin Smart, Ruth Matheson, Lyn Hackney, Rhona Miles. Read more......

My parents Ella and Bill Scott lived at 132, Dunholm Road, Charleston from 1959-64, they were the first people to live in the house. My dad built the rockery in the front garden, it was still there in 1979. I went to Charleston Primary school from 1960-64 then my family moved to New Zealand. The 3 Thompson children often played with myself and 2 younger sisters, Ann Yvone and Frankie Thompson. Some childrens names I went to school with; Alison Leach, Elizabeth Baird, Alan Low, Martin Smart, Ruth Matheson, Lyn Hackney, Rhona Miles. Read more......

I went to Mitchell Street school from 1966-68, primary 6 and 7 classes. My parents lived my mum's parents at 70 Polepark Road after coming back from New Zealand. Miss Joan Drumond was my teacher lovely lady and some of my classmates names; June Campbell, Marion Foy, Marion Finnie, Hazel Stuart, Flora Mcrae, Harry Knapp, Betty MacIntosh, Kevin Fyfe, lots more but don''t remember their names. Catherine Cvjetkovic nee Scott. Western Australia. 

To rekindle nostalgic memories of Dundee and Broughty Ferry, I worked here in 1966, a 24 year old East London Sassenach but staying in St Vincent Street, Broughty Ferry. Loved the city, the people, the atmosphere. Used the Sliding Tackle pub, (Dear old Bobby Cox, the pub manager), John(?) the Locarno (?) ballroom) the Chalet along the seafront, and a hotel on a Sunday with a fab band, on the banks of the Tay river on Broughty Ferry Road. Weekday dinners at the Timex factory canteen, suggested by friendly locals. Happy days.  

To rekindle nostalgic memories of Dundee and Broughty Ferry, I worked here in 1966, a 24 year old East London Sassenach but staying in St Vincent Street, Broughty Ferry. Loved the city, the people, the atmosphere. Used the Sliding Tackle pub, (Dear old Bobby Cox, the pub manager), John(?) the Locarno (?) ballroom) the Chalet along the seafront, and a hotel on a Sunday with a fab band, on the banks of the Tay river on Broughty Ferry Road. Weekday dinners at the Timex factory canteen, suggested by friendly locals. Happy days.  

Local words and expressions
(Many relegated tae th' past)
Survive in conversation
It's to be prayed they're here tae last

Unintelligible - perhaps!
Tae th' young'r generation
Below - a chosen few
Listed with discretion

Jump aff the kribbie
Dance in a dub
Fa' doon a kundie
There's a rammie in th' pub

Tea at th' bunker
Watch oot- ye're slaiver'n
Doon on ye're hunkers
Cut th' comedy - ye're haiver'n

A shottie o' a book
Plooterin' squeezin' a persistent plook Read more......

I lived in St David's Lane, West Port, we used to play in the "Blue Mountains" on the Blackie. I have recently heard they were called the infamous Blue Mountains, does anyone know why?

My mum moved from the Overgate to the new prefabs in Kirkton in 1948. I was born in 1956 and went to West March Primary school before going to Australia. We didn't stay long. Woul love some picture of the prefabs. My favourite memory is the arcade on a Saturday and the smell of roasting chicken still takes me back.

I remember Beechwood, 11 Kingscross well, we moved there 1937 thats going back to when it was just being built. We moved from Rosebank a small cottage with a blackSmith. It was great to see electric light and a loo inside and I remember mare tinnie in the top storie, and I remember Patons Lane well too, in thoses days great daysI have been back often. 

I remember one winter in Douglas when we had no coal for our fire, my Mum sent me over to Douglas School which was just being built (so I would have been about 6 or 7 years old) to collect some of the wood off cuts. A joiner was working late, (I remember that it was very dark) and took pity on me and filled a sack with logs and carried it over to my house for me. My Mum, my three siblings and my self (my Dad was not around) had a warm house and hot water for some nights after that and we will always be grateful to that unknown joiner.

I remember one winter in Douglas when we had no coal for our fire, my Mum sent me over to Douglas School which was just being built (so I would have been about 6 or 7 years old) to collect some of the wood off cuts. A joiner was working late, (I remember that it was very dark) and took pity on me and filled a sack with logs and carried it over to my house for me. My Mum, my three siblings and my self (my Dad was not around) had a warm house and hot water for some nights after that and we will always be grateful to that unknown joiner.

I was born in the front bedroom at 1, Craighill Place in 1946. My first school was the hutty at the bottom of Pitarlie Road, them went to the Rainbow, had great times playing and dancing in the backies where it was all tarmacked, somebody would put a record player on their window and we would jive away, even Mum's would join in, great days and not a care in the world.

Who if anyone remembers sugarellie water? The Happy Hillock shop at Mid Craigie, The Arcade where you could buy almosy anything on a Saturday especially scraps. Playing boxes with a shoe polish, tin penny dainties, fireside tartan, the belt provident cheques, an orange and apple at Christmas, homemade paper, Christmas decorations, making calendars using old Christmas cards at school. The joy of it all never to be forgotten. 

Lived in Findcastle Place in Fintry late 50's early 60's . My father was the milkmam and I and 3 other boys delivered milk with him. I started at age 11 and finished when I was 16. We worked from 5 30 in the morning until 7 30. Carried two metal crates with 8 bottles of milk in each 364 days, got New Year's Day off. The winter was horrible used to go round hands and feet frozen, snot dripping but summer was great because when we finished the milk we would catch the berry lorry at Fintry shops and pick berries all day. Make a fortune. 

So glad Mollie remembered Mid Craigie. I was born in Maryhill HospitaI in 1946 and my mum, dad, older sister and me went to live with my granny at 119 Drumlanrig Drive Mid Craigie, while they waited for a council house. They got one in Fintry and now had 4 kids. When they moved I was 4 and sick so stayed with my granny. I lived with her until I was 11. It was a wonderful childhood used to get 1/2 penny to keep watch for the police from the men playing cards. Putting a line on for my gran at the iillegal bookies. Getting the sheets wrapped in brown paper out of the pawn shop. Read more......

I remember walking to school in the morning and stopping at the shop that used to be on Milnbank Road across from the bottom of Rosefield Street. You got a 2p mix which did the whole day. At that time I was at Blackness Primary on Blackness Road. I had been moved from Mitchell Street Primary the year before. On the way home at night we would go past the police box on Milnbank Road next to the playpark to see if there was a policeman there we could talk to and ask questions.

My family moved to Carnegie Tower in November 1967, when I was 10. Carnegie Tower was the first of the 4 tower blocks to be built in Alexander Street. Previously in that area, there had been streets full of old small shops and tenements where families lived, mainly in cramped conditions and sharing outside toilets with neighbours. I was an only child and we had lived only a few hundred yards away in a one bedroomed first floor tenement flat at 76 James Street. Read more......

My family moved to Carnegie Tower in November 1967, when I was 10. Carnegie Tower was the first of the 4 tower blocks to be built in Alexander Street. Previously in that area, there had been streets full of old small shops and tenements where families lived, mainly in cramped conditions and sharing outside toilets with neighbours. I was an only child and we had lived only a few hundred yards away in a one bedroomed first floor tenement flat at 76 James Street. Read more......

I note the photograph of the Princess Cinema, I am the laddie on the bike, the photo taken by someone from D.C. Thomson about May 1959. I lived at 88, Hawkhill from 1951-53 and went to Tay Street School. Them moved away to Paisley. Came back in 1958 and lived in Rosefield Street. My mum had a second hand shop and a cafe in Brook Street, bottom of Larch Street. I remember playing in the high landie. Only remember one person from Tay Street School, a lass called Ella McGuiken who loved in Park Row until about 1960. She was a bonnie dancer. Read more......

I note the photograph of the Princess Cinema, I am the laddie on the bike, the photo taken by someone from D.C. Thomson about May 1959. I lived at 88, Hawkhill from 1951-53 and went to Tay Street School. Them moved away to Paisley. Came back in 1958 and lived in Rosefield Street. My mum had a second hand shop and a cafe in Brook Street, bottom of Larch Street. I remember playing in the high landie. Only remember one person from Tay Street School, a lass called Ella McGuiken who loved in Park Row until about 1960. She was a bonnie dancer. Read more......

I note the photograph of the Princess Cinema, I am the laddie on the bike, the photo taken by someone from D.C. Thomson about May 1959. I lived at 88, Hawkhill from 1951-53 and went to Tay Street School. Them moved away to Paisley. Came back in 1958 and lived in Rosefield Street. My mum had a second hand shop and a cafe in Brook Street, bottom of Larch Street. I remember playing in the high landie. Only remember one person from Tay Street School, a lass called Ella McGuiken who loved in Park Row until about 1960. She was a bonnie dancer. Read more......

I moved from Montrose to Dundee and worked as a porter in the D.R.I. After a spell at Step Row off the Perth Road, we were given a house in Dunbeg Place, Trottick. We came to know some ot the residents and still keep in touch with Betty and Ian. My brother, who was a chef in the D.R.I. and I played golf at Caird Park. Ian and I frequently visited the Claverhouse (Ian called it the slaverhouse) on Saturday nights. Happy days.

Born in 1945 in Clement Park, I lived at 50 Marshall Street, Lochee (overlooking Tipperary) with my mother Mary and my grandparents Andy and Lizzie Wilbourne. I remember the trains chuffing past our 'back green', Ancrum Road school, being sent to the shops for 'a lippy 'o tatties' and a globe for the gas light, pushing an old pram full of laundry to the wash hose in St Mary's Lane..so many memories..

Born in 1945 in Clement Park, I lived at 50 Marshall Street, Lochee (overlooking Tipperary) with my mother Mary and my grandparents Andy and Lizzie Wilbourne. I remember the trains chuffing past our 'back green', Ancrum Road school, being sent to the shops for 'a lippy 'o tatties' and a globe for the gas light, pushing an old pram full of laundry to the wash hose in St Mary's Lane..so many memories..

My grandfather Simon McIntosh was stage manager of the King's Theatre and prior to that of the Palace Theatre. I have his autograph book with some of the 'stars' like Harry Lauder and pictures of that time.

Can anyone tell me what the activity centre in Ancrum Road was originally called. I think it might have been a school?

I was brought up in Cherryfield Lane, one memory I have is of Harry Deaks horses coming home from a hard days work on the building sites, sometimes a horse would slip on the cobbles and crash to the ground, this terrified my pals and me to see the horse struggling to get up, we thought the only safe place to get away was to run up three storey's in the building opposite. The year would have been in the 1940s and I would be about six or seven.

Our family lived in Linlathen next to Mossgiel and Linlathen High School which are no longer there. Times were hard but we made do playing football in the street, making swings on trees, playing street games such as ghems up the poley, kick the can..this was late 60s/70s...we would go to Swanny Ponds, Baxter Park and Den o Mains. I remember as a kid going to Caird Park with a wheelbarrow to collect twigs/broken branches for the coal fire, going to Pitkerro Rd newspaper shop for the penny tray which had all kinds of sweets...wish I got pics from those days. 

Hi Tina. Like you, I remember the metal gates and barbed wire used to prevent anyone from Linlathen to cross the viaduct from Fountainbleu Drive to the wilderness that was Fintry, although my elder siblings found them little deterrent when they crossed from Linlathen to make a few bob picking spuds on McLean's farm. Happy days, they lied. A heroine of mine, Mary Brooksbank, called such times the good old bad old days, and I think she was spot on. She would arrive unannounced at the top of our street, Riddell Terrace, sing two or three songs and then move on. Read more......

During the early 70s, my friend David Stewart played in goal for Ayr United, before signing for Leeds United. He used to leave tickets for my late father and me for any games in and around this area.

On one such occasion, I remember going for a pint in a pub called the Forrester's Arms (a black and tan priced 1/11d). Can anyone tell me exactly where this pub was? Read more......

I live in Birmingham now, but grew up in Linlathen with my Gran and Aunt Norah looking after me as my mother was ill in the DRI. I went to a few schools, enjoyed the freedom of playing in and out of the prefabs in Fountainbleau Drive, climbing the gate on the bridge which leads to Fintry where my aunts later moved to. The Den o Mains was the place to be at Easter. I have seen pictures of the Rainbow School and Stobswell which I went to but can't find St Michaels. O well happy days.

The day war broke out it was one week to my 8th birthday and I spent it with my family. We were evacuated to Banchory, Aberdeenshire. We had never seen green fields or cows and we had to walk one and a half miles to school. I was amazed but loved it. We stayed for six years and did not want to come back.

I was born in Dundee in 1950. I remember I was in the 49th Life Boys in Kirkton and a lot of photos were taken at that time. It would be nice to see them after all these years. After that I was in the Boys Brigade and also had a spell in the Sea Cadets. I was at HMS Unicorn in the docks. Good memories.

I can remember going down to Broughty Ferry to the beach, getting burnt and being ill for a few days.

I am trying to remember the name of the street game where you put a ball inside a woman's nylon stocking and hit it against the wall, above your head and between your legs? Anybody know?

I was brought up in Polepark by my dad Frank Traynor and the lovely Ann and Bert Small who owned a little grocer shop at 16 Polepark Road. They took over the majority of my care after my mum sadly died when I was four years old.

I have many happy memories of the jute workers who came into the shop and the actors from the Rep Theatre which was in the church at the top of Polepark. It was a lovely time to grow up and a caring way of life when people all looked after their neighbours. Ann and Bert Small ran a lovely wee shop and were kind to their customers. Read more......

I was brought up in Polepark by my dad Frank Traynor and the lovely Ann and Bert Small who owned a little grocer shop at 16 Polepark Road. They took over the majority of my care after my mum sadly died when I was four years old.

I have many happy memories of the jute workers who came into the shop and the actors from the Rep Theatre which was in the church at the top of Polepark. It was a lovely time to grow up and a caring way of life when people all looked after their neighbours. Ann and Bert Small ran a lovely wee shop and were kind to their customers. Read more......

I was brought up in Polepark by my dad Frank Traynor and the lovely Ann and Bert Small who owned a little grocer shop at 16 Polepark Road. They took over the majority of my care after my mum sadly died when I was four years old.

I have many happy memories of the jute workers who came into the shop and the actors from the Rep Theatre which was in the church at the top of Polepark. It was a lovely time to grow up and a caring way of life when people all looked after their neighbours. Ann and Bert Small ran a lovely wee shop and were kind to their customers. Read more......

Born at Maryfield Hospital in 1956 and lived at 135 Alexander Street until 1964, firstly in the attic flat with outside toilet on the pletty then luxury we moved into the first floor flat with a inside toilet above the chippy until they knocked it down to build the multis, what a great place to grow up. Read more......

The parrot that sat on the milk crates outside Keillors shop at the bottom of the Blackie, the sledging down the brae from the Blackie to the burn, so many kids there we had to line up to get your turn. Great days, but we were all kids then, we didn't know about life then.The woman that sold puff candy across from St Joseph's school, that's just a wee bit of great memories.

These are my memories of Dundee. I have lived in Ireland for thirty years now, but go back home at least once a year.

Down Memory Lane

I’m taking a trip down Memory Lane,
Down through the years to my childhood again,
I’ll let you walk with me and maybe you’ll see,
Places and times, the things special to me. Read more......

These are my memories of Dundee. I have lived in Ireland for thirty years now, but go back home at least once a year.

Down Memory Lane

I’m taking a trip down Memory Lane,
Down through the years to my childhood again,
I’ll let you walk with me and maybe you’ll see,
Places and times, the things special to me. Read more......

These are my memories of Dundee. I have lived in Ireland for thirty years now, but go back home at least once a year.

Down Memory Lane

I’m taking a trip down Memory Lane,
Down through the years to my childhood again,
I’ll let you walk with me and maybe you’ll see,
Places and times, the things special to me. Read more......

The Citadel – now razed to the ground
Leaves behind the silent sound
Of Salvation Army Silver Bands
Of tambourines in soldiers happy hands

Songs of praise of “Blood and Fire”
A motto truly to inspire

No last post or bugle sound
As her walls came tumbling to the ground

Spring awoke this morning
With snowdrops in her hand
And primroses of delicate colours
To decorate the land

Daffodil gold
Cherry blossom pink
Shades of winter
Vanished in a wink

Lush green leaves and grassland
Under a sky of youthful blue
Transformed the landscape
Into a stunning view
 

I was born in Dundee at Dalfield Walk. I remember going out to play in the snow in 1950, I was 2. We moved to Kirkton and thought we inherited a palace. We played at Gilburn Park, happy memories were had. When I was 5 we saw the Queen on the Kingsway. I had my Union Jack and got a tin of chocolate, it didn't last long.

I was born in 1947 in Blackshade - a great place to grow up. Prefabs like little bungalows with front and back gardens! Open grassed areas for endless football and woods for countless adventures! Hatties was the first newsagent (hat never left his head) it was at the top of Iona Street. The only other shop to start with was Sandies at the St Mary's brae roundabout. Read more......

I was born in 1947 in Blackshade - a great place to grow up. Prefabs like little bungalows with front and back gardens! Open grassed areas for endless football and woods for countless adventures! Hatties was the first newsagent (hat never left his head) it was at the top of Iona Street. The only other shop to start with was Sandies at the St Mary's brae roundabout. Read more......

Waves crash the harbour wall
Clouds above loom dark and full
Thunder rumbles in the distance
As rain begins to fall
Creaking in the wind
Boats and yachts sway in the swell
As lightning strikes the discovery bell

Such a transformation it's really a sight to see
Down by the river in my home town of Dundee
Gone are the architectural nightmares of days gone by
Soon we will have our very own V & A
A new kid on the block down at Victoria Dock

Exquisite jewel displayed in antique fair
Opulently sparkling there
From jaded presentation case
Swathed in old Victorian lace

Oh! The drama you inspire
Pearls fluster as rubies desire
To tease transparent peridot
Clasping a lover’s knot

Were skies always sapphire blue
Did silver bells all ring true
Did emerald or turquoise sea
Bring a beloved back to thee

Were you the fairest ever seen
Did you grace a regal queen
Or perhaps a maiden fair
With shining crown of platinum hair Read more......

Friends in conversational mood
Turn their faces to me
That I may read upon their lips
Words I'm able to see

Their slightest – most delicate touch
Draws attention near
In noisy environments
Where works can become unclear

It’s unwelcoming
The freeze of feeling ‘left-out’
Trying to guess the subject matter
Or having it totally in doubt

Minimal my hearing impairment
But I profoundly realise
Communicating across the barriers
Takes more than meets the eyes.
 

The Local History Library
Contains information of renown
About the city and surrounding areas
And the ‘Town and Gown’

Rare books from antiquity
In vaults for safe-keeping
Aired – on request
Aroused from sleeping

Microfiche – old news-print
Beautifully leather bound
Discover your heritage
But please don’t make a sound!

The Local History Library
Turns the key
Offering wealth of knowledge
For all to see
 

He’s a braw lad – Ooor Wullie
Read the Sunday Post an’ see
Every single thing that he does
Gaes doon in history

Frae Dundee tae Australia
An’ everywhere he goes
Sunday widnae be Sunday
Withoot his weekly comic shows

He disnae like a haircut
Loves Maw’s hame-made cakes
Temptation’s ower much for him
Every time she bakes

Sunday’s clootie dumplin’
Gaed missing frae the windae-sill
P.C. Murdoch canna tell’m’aff
For he got a slice frae Wull Read more......

My gran died when I was 8 this was 1968. My gran Isabella Flynn cleaned the chalet in Broughty Ferry for many years. Does anyone have any photos or memories of her. Thanks Lorr.

I lived at 20 Kings Cross Road Beechwood up to the early seventies then moved to Kirkton when I was thirteen. I remember a newspaper vendor called Johnny Croll who used to give us a few bob to deliver the telegraph to the industrial estate through the hole in the wall in Beechwood,we also used to collect empty lemonade bottles from the factories then take them to Margi McBains sweetie shop and receive a few pennies for them. Halcyon days indeed.

My grandparents ran the Dairy at 6 Shepherds Loan. When they moved there as a married couple in 1906, they were cowfeeders i.e. they had cows in milk and sold milk round the doors. Then they had a byre and then "larries" and his brother had a dairy in Strathmartine Rd., with the first milk lorry in Dundee a model T Ford, I could write a lot more and have done so in my series of "Poems and Stories". My other grandfather was stage manager at the Palace and at the King's Theatre in the 1914-18 war.

My grandparents ran the Dairy at 6 Shepherds Loan. When they moved there as a married couple in 1906, they were cowfeeders i.e. they had cows in milk and sold milk round the doors. Then they had a byre and then "larries" and his brother had a dairy in Strathmartine Rd., with the first milk lorry in Dundee a model T Ford, I could write a lot more and have done so in my series of "Poems and Stories". My other grandfather was stage manager at the Palace and at the King's Theatre in the 1914-18 war.

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1947. My mum Ruby Fisken was a long time nurse there. My dad Jim played the piano in a local band that played at the dancehalls. I used to go and sit by his side. By the time the night was over, you couldn't see anyone's heads for the secondhand smoke.

In summer, I loved going for a day at Broughty Beach. When the bus would start and stop, all the shells of the wilks would run back and forward. Read more......

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1947. My mum Ruby Fisken was a long time nurse there. My dad Jim played the piano in a local band that played at the dancehalls. I used to go and sit by his side. By the time the night was over, you couldn't see anyone's heads for the secondhand smoke.

In summer, I loved going for a day at Broughty Beach. When the bus would start and stop, all the shells of the wilks would run back and forward. Read more......

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1947. My mum Ruby Fisken was a long time nurse there. My dad Jim played the piano in a local band that played at the dancehalls. I used to go and sit by his side. By the time the night was over, you couldn't see anyone's heads for the secondhand smoke.

In summer, I loved going for a day at Broughty Beach. When the bus would start and stop, all the shells of the wilks would run back and forward. Read more......

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1947. My mum Ruby Fisken was a long time nurse there. My dad Jim played the piano in a local band that played at the dancehalls. I used to go and sit by his side. By the time the night was over, you couldn't see anyone's heads for the secondhand smoke.

In summer, I loved going for a day at Broughty Beach. When the bus would start and stop, all the shells of the wilks would run back and forward. Read more......

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1947. My mum Ruby Fisken was a long time nurse there. My dad Jim played the piano in a local band that played at the dancehalls. I used to go and sit by his side. By the time the night was over, you couldn't see anyone's heads for the secondhand smoke.

In summer, I loved going for a day at Broughty Beach. When the bus would start and stop, all the shells of the wilks would run back and forward. Read more......

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1947. My mum Ruby Fisken was a long time nurse there. My dad Jim played the piano in a local band that played at the dancehalls. I used to go and sit by his side. By the time the night was over, you couldn't see anyone's heads for the secondhand smoke.

In summer, I loved going for a day at Broughty Beach. When the bus would start and stop, all the shells of the wilks would run back and forward. Read more......

Wha remembers “Napper” Thamson
And his jaunty bus tours
Lavin’ early in the morning’s
Comin’ hame at a th ‘oors

In the fifties – oot for a run
Soakin’ in some summertime sun

Remember ‘Napper’s’ furniture store
Wi fancy goods an’ welcomin’ door
Furniture – toys o’ every kind
Walk roond – mak’ up yer mind

Browse roond – dinna be shy
Naebody’s forced tae buy

Display cabinets – radiograms
Quilts for cots an prams
Single an double beds
Striped flannelette sheets an candlewick spreads Read more......

Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Dowpies – spent matches
Stour lyin’ there
Oh! Wha’s no takin’ their
Turn o’ the stair

There’s somebody’s washin’
On my streetcher line
There’s somebody’s washin’
On my streetcher line
Socks an’ pyjamas
Nane o’ them mine
Somebody’s washing’s
On my streetcher line

Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Fluff frae last Seturday
Auld mattin hair
Oh! Wha’s no takin’ their
Turn o’ the stair

Remember wartime ration books
The ingenuity of wartime cooks
Nothing allowed to go to waste
Porridge becoming a familiar taste

Tatties and neeps (stomaches-full)
Peas from the kailpot to chew at school
Remember tops of eggs being taken
For tea – it was no joke
Kids then seldom tasted yoke

Powdered egg in a tin
Less sugar and sweets (more saccharin)
Baked rice, raisins, curds an’ whey
Custard and rhubarb – desserts of the day Read more......

Remember wartime ration books
The ingenuity of wartime cooks
Nothing allowed to go to waste
Porridge becoming a familiar taste

Tatties and neeps (stomaches-full)
Peas from the kailpot to chew at school
Remember tops of eggs being taken
For tea – it was no joke
Kids then seldom tasted yoke

Powdered egg in a tin
Less sugar and sweets (more saccharin)
Baked rice, raisins, curds an’ whey
Custard and rhubarb – desserts of the day Read more......

Tattie howkin’ in bygone days
Reminiscin’ auld ways
Up i’ the mornin’ wi’ the dawn
Scarcely e’er the cock had crawn
On tractor bogie tae fertile fields
Harvestin’ precious yields

Smell o’ diesel – strictly measured drill
Wicker sculls – strewn tae fill
Muscles achin’ – backs bent
Scatterer scatterin’ wi’ intent
Up ae drill – doon ainither
In a’ different kinds o’ weather Read more......

School teachers – Rockwell
Pupils – Assembly bell
Line-up in school’s playground
March to class for register round

Slateboards – blackboards – exercise jotter
(Teacher’s pet was a little rotter)
Parrot-fashioning times tables
Discovering Alice and Aesop’s Fables

Catch-as-catch-can (playtime games)
Film starts’ initials – guess their names
Skipping ropes – relay races
P.T. – thro’ the paces

Sirens screaming out alarm
Air raids – sheltering from harm
School doctor’s medical – headlice – scabies
Innocence of storks and babies Read more......

Within dregged teacups
Silhouetted leaves in scattered profusion
Are drawn into irregular mysterious patterns
By an unknown hand

Will their shapes satisfy the seated listener today!

The translator – searching thro’ compelling creative artistry
- pauses – aware of tangible outlines

Carefully, selectively (in the trust which is strong between them)
- he utters his impressions

Images of the future! – Perhaps

But how many desires are made of gold
And how many teardrops does this teacup hold
 

Gie me the days o’ the Nine-ees
Frae Lochee at brak’ o’ day
Stridin’ the length o’ Riverside
Takin’ sicht o’ Gowrie Bay
Steppin’ oot in Sunday best
Reachin’ oor destination
Doon the steps o’ the railway brig
Withoot hint o’ hesitation

Bile-up cans, pots an’ pans
Rattlin’ on oor backs
Sets o’ auld claes – tichtly packed
In canvas haversacks
Chasin’ a crannie tae change in
In the rocks alang the shore
Syne, gaitherin’ driftwood for kindlin’
For a biley-up at four Read more......

I spy with my little eye
Down by the shore
Fulsome flotsam – effluent galore
Entangled refuse – broken glass
Canine litter fouling the grass
Walking along stony beach
Pollutants within offensive reach
Sewage slapping rock and shingle
On high water mark they intermingle
Seducing whelk breeding ground
With sensuous sweet soothing sound
Consider harvesting in haste
Thro’ contaminating clinical waste
Sharps freely ebb and flow
Nomadic – their numbers grow
They deride
Predictability of each turning tide.

(Dedicated to the Westminster Abbey Company of Ringers – 29th April 2011)

With tongues untied
They were proud
To project their voices
To the crowd
With virtuoso flare
When love was truly in the air

A regal sound
Ringing the skies – touching the ground
Chiming in celebration
Of this royal occasion

Majestic campanology
In attendance – an emotional day

Listeners – far and near
Lent an appreciative ear

Silently at dawn
Bell-ringers memories lingered on
With each tongue-tied voice
Have reason to rejoice.
 

An auld pram
Haudin’ whulks
Creel at her feet
Spewin’ dulce
The east-coast fishwife
Wi’ workin’ will
Ev’ry Seturday
At the fit o’ the Hull

A cuppie fu’ o’ fine fresh whulks
Or, maybe – ave – some teugh green dulce

Delvin’ intae curly shells
Rattlin’, scrapin’ o’er spills

Ane or twa cuppies – did ye say
Is there ony mair ye’d like th’ day?

Paper pokies i’ the hood
Come buy fresh whulks
Nourishin’ food Read more......

Saturday was buster day
Chums eagerly made their way round Boots' corner
Past Greenhills sarasparilla (Black Sass)
Mid Kirk Style outings for a lad and lass

Late 40s - early 50s the old Overgate
Was where they kept that special date
Sitting by the fire to eat
Tupp'ny busters - a weekend treat

Winter - summer - the stall was warm
Coke-fire sparks caused alarm
When chip-pans on top (remember)
Spat boiling fat to red-hot ember
Rocketing fire to boot-lace thongs
(Before retreival with heay tongs) Read more......

When the glass touches the lip
Feel the grip
She can't let go - you know it's true
She's controlling you Read more......

Can ye mind o' Burndept-Vidor
West Kingsway Industrial Estate
Clockin' in-an-oot each day
At the battery factory gate

Can ye hear the soond o' the Can Press
Thumpin'-oot cans week-by-week
Presses makin' sae much din
Ye'd tae shout tae try tae speak

Workers a' the time
Conversin' in sign

Did ye ken the man shovelling Black Mix
Wha was striken-doon ae day
Wi manganese poisonin
(He was paid "hazard" pay)

Rows o' inspection lines
Quality Control
Inspectors in white jackets
In their important role Read more......

If I take a walk over to visit my neighbour
I'm always bemused by her beagle's behaviour
He'll run round my ankles - the trick's yet to fail
Then he'll swagger around with a smile in his tail Read more......

Wheest bonnie laddie
Coorie intae gran
Sleep's cam a' courting'
My couthie little man Read more......

Tiny bubbles
Briskly - briefly
Boost lemon twist
Thro' gin and tonic
Before depressing it
To depths of the glass Read more......

You will forever be the sun
Radiantly bright
And the path through heaven
On each star-lit night
And you will be the moon above me
Sailing silvery beams
Silently across the ocean
On a sea of dreams Read more......

Witches on broomsticks
In spirited flicht
Skim rooftop grannies
Chasin' munelicht
Goblins - sprites
Bogles micht be seen
On the eeriest nicht o' th' calendar year
Hallowe'en Read more......

Crowds gather in anticipation
Showing their appreciation
The footman grinds the hurdy gurdy
In tuneful animation
A monkey turns to look around
Two bluebirds take their station - Almost midday
Precisely then - the clock becomes alive
Unicorn gallops and nods his head
To the cat's fiddling jive Read more......

Spending a most enjoyable and comfortable evening in Queen's Hotel on Friday 15th November 2013 with former employees of Watson and Philip (Food Importers, Dundee) I only recognised one person there - ME - my reflection in the cloakroom mirror. Years have rolled. After all 1951-1953 were the years I was in the firm's employment. It was my second job after leaving Rockwell High School at the age of fourteen-and-a-half. Read more......

Auld clinker hull and mast
And sail-spar frae the past
Anchor near the beach
Yards awa' frae slipway reach.
Shreds o' shroud and strands o' net
Cling reverently yet
Tae fragments o' forestay at the bow.
Her workin' keel back-broken now. Read more......

May Christmas-time be white
Snowflakes falling thro' the night
May tinsel - mistletoe - Christmas trees
Join in harmony to please Read more......

Born in February 1942 in Brook Street I came from a family of 10. We moved to Polepark Road and attended Mitchell Street primary school in 1946 until going to Logie High (Penitentiary). Later we moved to Grey Street, Lochee. Many happy times of going down to the penny buster stall in the Overgate and of Greenhills the chemist where our late dad would buy us a saspirrila to clean out the insides. I also remember being pulled out of school and sent to the tattie howkin. We were paid the great sum of 10 shillings. Read more......

What about this lady who was a bible singer from the old Overgate. She had a hall above the 60 minute cleaners and was blind. She used to sing in City Square on a Sunday and we used to call her organ over from her hall. In these days we used to go with her to public houses for a donation, and she got quite a bit of money in them days. In her hall we used to sing all bible songs and she had acute hearing and knew by your walking who was doing anything wrong. Her hall was freezing at times as we used to stand on chairs to get warm etc. Read more......

What about this lady who was a bible singer from the old Overgate. She had a hall above the 60 minute cleaners and was blind. She used to sing in City Square on a Sunday and we used to call her organ over from her hall. In these days we used to go with her to public houses for a donation, and she got quite a bit of money in them days. In her hall we used to sing all bible songs and she had acute hearing and knew by your walking who was doing anything wrong. Her hall was freezing at times as we used to stand on chairs to get warm etc. Read more......

What about this lady who was a bible singer from the old Overgate. She had a hall above the 60 minute cleaners and was blind. She used to sing in City Square on a Sunday and we used to call her organ over from her hall. In these days we used to go with her to public houses for a donation, and she got quite a bit of money in them days. In her hall we used to sing all bible songs and she had acute hearing and knew by your walking who was doing anything wrong. Her hall was freezing at times as we used to stand on chairs to get warm etc. Read more......

A seagull - fancy free
Requested directions to the sea
To see what he'd never seen before
Perhaps travel to a sandy shore

 Read more......

Frae Panmure Street tae Tally Street
On Sunday's efter tea
Teenagers walked backwards and forwards
Thro' the centre o' Dundee
On only ae side o' the street - in procession
Headin' for a musical 'session' Read more......

Frae Panmure Street tae Tally Street
On Sunday's efter tea
Teenagers walked backwards and forwards
Thro' the centre o' Dundee
On only ae side o' the street - in procession
Headin' for a musical 'session' Read more......

Standinn' in a lang queue
Tae see the double-bill
Ootside the Plaza
On the middle o' the Hull
Some frae Norrie's Pend
Ann Street - Coldside
Winchin' couples haudin' hands
Waitin' tae get inside Read more......

Wha remembers the City Arcade
Underneath Caird Hall
Buyin' onythin' frae a half-loaf
Tae a bouncing rubber ball Read more......

Land o' Cakes whaur pies were born
Nae true Dundonian dare wad scorn
A dinner '' Wallace's juicy pies
Mooth-waterin' sicht afore oor eyes
Succulent mince - a joy tae savour
Nae ither dinner has sic' flavour
Bairns love them - dads an' mums
Grannies - grandads an' their chums
Enjoy pies, tatties an' warmed baked beans
A royal dish tae serve yer freens

Silently echoing thro' Verdant Works
O'er granite and flint cassies
Hooves clatterin' - cairtwheels rattlin'
As lads eyeup the lassies
In the eighteen-hundreds
Workers wrought a twelve-hoor shift
And wove textile heritage
Wi' toil and thrift Read more......

The Auld Overgate's up an awa
Wi Tally Street and Thorter Raa
Whaur Cafe Royal's atmosphere
Brimmed an frothed wi custome cheer Read more......

I remember the royal arch in the early 1960s nobody in Dundee at that time liked it. It was like most buildings in the town centre covered with black soot generated by the smoke from all the mills and domestic fires in the town centre. This was before the clean air act was applied in Scotland. It was covered in black soot which was  contrasted with the white bird droppings deposited on it. Dundonians were happy to see it go.

 

I was school boy at the old Mains School on Claverhouse Road situated at the bottom of the old Mains Loan. I started attending Mains School in 1947 and left in 1954 to go to Stobswell Boys Secondary. Read more......

I've just came across this site by accident and its wonderful to read old  stories and look at old photos of Dundee. I was born at the foot of the  Hulltoon (as it was known) in Sheperd's Pend (46 Hilltown), when I was 4 we swapped houses with my Grannie to 20 Hulltoon. They called it Meekie Land I went to St Mary's Forebank and St John's schools growing up 1944 to 1959. They were great days.
 Read more......

I've just came across this site by accident and its wonderful to read old  stories and look at old photos of Dundee. I was born at the foot of the  Hulltoon (as it was known) in Sheperd's Pend (46 Hilltown), when I was 4 we swapped houses with my Grannie to 20 Hulltoon. They called it Meekie Land I went to St Mary's Forebank and St John's schools growing up 1944 to 1959. They were great days.
 Read more......

I've just came across this site by accident and its wonderful to read old  stories and look at old photos of Dundee. I was born at the foot of the  Hulltoon (as it was known) in Sheperd's Pend (46 Hilltown), when I was 4 we swapped houses with my Grannie to 20 Hulltoon. They called it Meekie Land I went to St Mary's Forebank and St John's schools growing up 1944 to 1959. They were great days.
 Read more......

I was in the twist marathon with hubby Jim McKenzie at the JM ballroom, he won world champ once. My sister Marilyn and our brother Ray all lived in the West Port, St David's Lane.

I was born in Dundee in 1948, although we did move away for a number of years as my father was in the RAF. We came home in 1961 just in time for the swinging sixties when it was all happening. Saturday night was the Marryat night and it was fantastic. Then having a blether at the coffee stall before catching the last bus home and woe betide me if I wasn't home off that bus. Happy days!