Playing / Games

I was born and brought up in Bellefield Avenue and to me and my generation both here and on Magdalen Green this was to be our playground. Read more......

Born 1928. Living at 47 James Street, a family of 8 in two rooms. Opposite was Paddy's Market open on Saturdays lots of fun. We played "Hucky Duck", "Reely fo", "Kick the Can" and "Skiffies" at Mr. Geekie's sweet shop in Alexander Street and only a wee walk to the "Peek". Dundee will forever by in my heart...xxx.

I remember my first impressions being of Step Row just off the Perth Road. My grandfather, James Kirkland was a coal merchant and everybody knew everybody. I remember especially the lovely summer days, an ice cream cone with raspberry on top from Tony's on the Perth Road. Happy days when bairns played on the street making their own fun and life was plain and simple. I have since moved to New York and have lived in many very fine places but my heart will always hold a place for all the special ordinary people and memories of Step Row.

I was born in Perth but moved to Dundee when I was still very young. I lived in Dallfield Walk and went to 'The Rosie' (Rosebank Public School) in Tulloch Crescent.

My Dad was a wood turner. Once he made a 'piler' (cart) for my brother. It didn't last long though because he took it out and went flying down Dallfield Walk right under the legs of a horse! When dad found out about it he broke up the 'piler' right away! Read more......

I lived in a close in Bernard Street in 1958 to 1960. I went to Hawkhill School and my mum worked in a wood shed over the backs. I worked for them on a Saturday selling bunches of kindling. I was only ten at the time. We also had an air raid shelter in the close which we all used to play in and make fires in. Health and safety eat your heart out. I remember we had a street party in 1959 or 60 but can't remember what it was for. We then moved to Menzieshill farm which was taken over for the hospital and housing estate. I have a lot of very happy memories of living in Dundee.

To qualify for the Tramway Treat to the bairns at Christmas time, children were picked from local schools. I remember ripping my jumper and being chosen. The Treat was in the Breakfast Hall in Constitution Road where every one got some food and we played games. I think I would have been about 7 or 8 years old.

16 Dronley Avenue, Beechie was the home of the Hunties. Beechie was the best of places with lots of very large families (Wilkies at 10 as were the Glancies). I know we are very selective with our memories but the 'return to school' street parties, the mums and dads playing in the street wi' the bairns. The McPhails at the bottom of the close with Bella running the tattie squads. All great memories. The 'People's Journal' once had a headline 'How can a place look so beautiful and harbour so many criminals'. Read more......