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When I
was asked by the Bonnet Guild to write an article about the YMCA, I really
wondered if there was anything I could say which would be of much interest
to Stewarton folks. However, when I realised that the 'YMCA', of
necessity, had to close down at the outbreak of the Second World War in
1939, I felt that it might be worthwhile to recall some of the events of
those far-off days, which I'm sure will interest many old Stewartonians
and, I hope, also a goodly number of new friends, who have come to live in
Stewarton in recent years.
When the new 'Y.M.' was mentioned in pre-war days in Stewarton, many
people immediately thought of the local football team and, in this
article, I will deal mostly with their exploits, However, there was more
to the 'Y.M.' than that. The Association's base was the Drill Hall (now
called the Centre) which after the First World War was used by the
Territorials for drill purposes hence the name, Drill Hall. In the late
1920's, it was used by the 'Y.M.' Badminton Section, where two courts were
marked out and where many games were played with much enthusiasm by the
members and their friends. The President of the Y.M.C.A. for a number of
years was the late Ex-Provost Tom Mackie and it was he who presided over
the different meetings of the Association. Fellowship meetings were held
once a month and were led by the Chaplain, the late Rev. W. Falconer
Ogilvie of the Laigh Kirk, (now St. Columba's Church) and were much
enjoyed by those who attended. A number of dances were held each session.
The highlight of the season undoubtedly being the Carnival Dance in
January. It always proved a popular event, most people turning out in
fancy dress. The admission was always 3/6 (17 1/2p) no inflation in those
days and there was a free buffet with food in abundance, provided by the
members' wives, sisters or friends.
The Football Section was formed in 1930 with my old friends Maltha
Roberton as President, the late Charlie Ferguson as Secretary and a very
enthusiastic committee. We entered the Ayrshire Churches' League and over
the next few years won several league and cup honours. Many will recall
our bouts with Riccarton Parish, where no quarter was given and none was
ever asked. I suppose it could be said, at that time, that we were the
Rangers and Celtic of Ayrshire Churches' football. Occasionally, during
those matches, it could be said that some of the spectators became
over-enthusiastic, although I must say that there was never any of the
violence or the viciousness which is so prevalent in present-day football.
I was reminded of this the other day, when I spoke with that "well kent"
Stewartonian Alex. (Sanny) Gillies. He related how one of our
over-enthusiastic supporters, indignant with some of the referee's
decisions rushed on to the pitch to confront him,
shouting to his friends, "Follow me". When he reached the official in
charge, he looked back, found he was on his own, so decided that
discretion was the better part of valour and complimented the ref. on his
handling of the game.
There is no doubt that our greatest triumph came on 19th May. 1934, when
we won the Scottish Churches' Cup, beating Paisley Mossvale Y.M.C.A. 8-2
in the final at Rugby Park, having been behind 2-0 after only 15 minutes
play. Since there were over 250 clubs involved at the outset, this was no
mean achievement and, as far as I know, the 'Y.M.' are the only local team
to have ever won a national football trophy. Needless to say, there was
much rejoicing when the team returned to Stewarton and some years later
the late Dr. Bowman told my late father that the scenes at the Cross that
day were one of his earliest memories of Stewarton. The incident during
the game, which I remember most vividly, occurred when the score stood at
2 all and Mossvate were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately for them, the
ball hit the post and rebounded into play, but fortunately for us, I was
able to reach the ball first and sweep it into touch. 55 years on, I have
many memories of that match and one more I would like to mention concerns
Maltha Roberton's late father, John Roberton, who was always known as the
"General". He as older Stewartonians will know, was a well known pidgeon
fancier. He took several pidgeons with him to the match and periodically
sent one home with the match score. One report, which I heard about
afterwards, has always remaind in my memory. It read "Stewarton 3 Mossvale
2 more to follow". 55 years, of course, have taken their toll. for when I
think of that cup winning team, I find that only Maltha Roberton,
committee member, and Bill Chynoweth, Archie McCutcheon and myself from
the team, remain. Yes, the years certainly bring the changes.
Let me finish this dip into the past by quoting the first few lines and
the last few lines of an excellent Scots poem of around 150 lines, written
by the late Tom McGuinnes. Unfortunately, space does not permit me to give
you the whole poem.
"Tae Rugby Park by bus an' train, Nae nee tae spier the reason, We'll se
despite the win' an' rain, The tit bit o the season.
Mossvale an' Stewarton clash the day, Gang fetch yer braw red banner, Come
owre and watch the classic fray. It's worth yer measly tanner. Aroon the
Cross this long while past, We've played it in oration, But come, we'll
know this day at last, The trophy's destination."
and the last few lines
"Weel, there's the whustle, that's the end, See Mossvale drap a tear.
As frae the field they sadly wend, But better luck next year.
An' Stewarton's won the Cup this year, Cam' through a' risks an' dangers,
An' ere the fitba' season's clear, They'll equal Glesca' Rangers'.
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