Memories

Childhood Memories Of Troon And Surroundings

Shaw Halliday has memories of Troon in the 40s and 50s

Summers were especially fine, with many sunny days spent down on South Beach swimming and boating.
Further out we played in the sand dunes. Does anyone remember the "Troon Monster", a large sea serpent washed up beyond the Black Rocks? I've never seen so many footprints on that part of the beach.
The Rocks beyond the Swimming pool were always fun and especially fishing for crabs. I remember riding bikes around the Ballast Bank on windy days trying to avoid the spray. Then there was the harbour and the coal boats being loaded from trains.

On the other side of town we enjoyed the many miles of the North Shore where we galloped horses with no fear of bathers and kids.

The town itself is about the nicest I've ever seen. Very compact with a good array of shops, although at that age the Ice cream shops and Chippers were the best. Being taken to late movies and walking home with fish and chips in the Sunday Post were always enjoyed.

The proximity and ease of getting to other towns was great. Many a trip was made to Glasgow by train and was especially enjoyed at Christmas with all the lights and trees that could be seen from the train. It was always easy to find a good movie, if not at the three cinemas in Troon then a short ride to Prestwick or Ayr.

In later years I was a great fan of the ice hockey team, the Raiders and watched them as they won the cup and then was crushed when they disbanded.

I made many visits back to the town after my family moved away and always considered it my home town away from home.

One thing I haven't mentioned is its wonderful selection of golf courses. Somehow you always seemed to be fighting the wind.

There were so many good times had there that it would take a book to tell about all. I do want to mention one family in particular. We came to Troon because of the war and stayed at the Ardneil where we came to look at the Wallaces as family. Without them the memories wouldn't have been the same.

Shaw Halliday
3113, Waverly Drive,
Fredericksburg, Va, 22407-6922
U.S.A.

Shaw can be contacted at halliday@peoplepc.com.

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