Memories

Prestwick in the 50s and 60s

Janette Williams grew up in Prestwick in the 50s and 60s. She writes:

What a trip down memory lane I have had reading every one else's Memories !!
My name is Janette Williams I lived in Orangefield Drive from 1952 to 1970. Johnny Hair's ice cream was out of this world and when he went his annual holiday he always brought back all the local wains a stick of Blackpool Rock.
The bathing lake as it was referred to…. "geez" think I spent all my summer holidays there or on the beach!!. I tell my children & grandchildren it's a wonder I haven't got webbed feet with amount of time I spent in the water. I wonder how many remember the swing over the Pow Burn? Where you tried to keep swinging as long as you could without landing in the "Murky " water !!.. I can still visualise the old Airport and the pond with fountain at the front of the terminal where folk threw coins in to make a wish !
One of my most vivid memories was Prestwick "Children's Week " this was a time when you got a wee booklet with six vouchers in it. Now, let's see if I cam remember what you got for free!!.. Admission to the Saturday matinee at the Broadway, and the Bathing Lake, a trip on the model train, a shot on the swing boats at Paulo's fairground, a ride on the ponies, and lastly but one of the best a cone from Johnny Hair's. There were many competitions going on that week as well, dog shows & fancy dress and the Miss Prestwick for under 16's.

I can remember going to the Town Hall for all the Scottish big groups of the time like Chris McClure, the Beachcombers, the Poets where are they now ?

I also remember Sgt Archibald he knew every wain in Prestwick and you dare'nt get in to any kind of bother or your Parents would find out very quickly. I still have family staying in Prestwick and as I am only up the road in Kilmarnock, I still visit it often!.
The one thing I do miss the most is my beloved beach many a happy time was spent there!
I would be very happy to hear from anyone who remembers me. Janette

Janette can be contacted at janette@cusoon.org.uk.

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