August - Alyth Voice

THE SOMME – 2006
by Dan Dewar
Dan & Joy have recently returned from visiting
the Picardy region of France where the Battle of the Somme
took place in 1916.
The Voice asked Dan to share his thoughts.
We stood around on Sacred Ground
where Heroes fought and fell…
It’s peaceful now, no stench, no sound
where once was Raging Hell!
Through countless rows their dear dust blows,
who died before they’d lived…
Their sacrifice ‘mong mud and lice
made sure our ways were saved.
So sad to face this resting place
‘neath cold, white ‘nameless’ stone…
A soldier of the Greatest War –
known unto God alone.
Stark, zig-zag scars, where once was war,
cause pangs of dread and fear.
‘We cannot doze!’ scream-out those rows,
‘though it’s been ninety years.’
Striving for peace must never cease!
All Nations need respect.
All tensions break with (give and take).
No avenue neglect!
ALFRED ANDERSON MEMORIAL FUND
THE PICTURE shows Marguerite McKenzie (a Memorial Committee
member) and other members of the Alyth in Bloom committee
(as well as Alyth Parish Church Beadle, David Oakley, a willing
helper who happened to be passing!). A new project was started to
renovate the flower bed on the corner of Bamff Road/Kirk Brae.
The old metal seat in the foreground is to be replaced by Alfred’s
family in his memory, and this project will be completed in time for
the Parish Church Flower Festival to be held on the 1, 2 & 3rd of
September. Another fine project for Alyth by the Bloom team and
congratulations to them for the other fine displays throughout the
town.
The Cairn and Town Hall Foyer (funded by the Halls committee)
aspects are on track to be complete in time for the unveiling on 1st
October, along with a proposed concert to be held in the Town Hall.
So a number of events to look forward to over the next few
months. If you have not done so, there is still time to contribute to
the Fund and put you name/comments into the time capsule book in
Kay’s Hairdressers, Airlie St. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Jim O’Brien, Secretary
Printed for Alyth Voice by Blair Copy Shop Copyright©alythvoice 2006
12
ALYTH Y.M.C.A. BAZAAR 1921
The extensive second article in the Alyth Guardian
regarding this event, published on 2nd September 1921.
THE OPENING ON FRIDAY
Genial weather favoured the opening on Friday afternoon, and the hall
was crowded with townspeople and visitors from a wide radius. The
opening ceremony was performed by the Earl of Strathmore (in absence
through illness of the Countess of Strathmore), Lady Ogilvy-
Wedderburn presiding. The others on the platform included Lady
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Glamis Castle; the Dowager Countess of
Airlie, Airlie Castle; Sir John Ogilvy-Wedderburn, Bart.; Mr and Mrs
Fyfe-Jamieson, Ruthven; Mr W. Ritchie Smith, President; the directors
of the Y.M.C.A., and the conveners of the various stalls, &c.
Lady Ogilvy-Wedderburn referred sympathetically to the illness of
Mrs Fyfe-Jamieson, Ruthven House, who had done much work in
starting the bazaar, but who had had to give up the work owing to ill
health. In name of the committee she welcomed the Earl of Strathmore
who had kindly taken the place of the Countess. They all hoped, she
was sure, the Countess would make a speedy recovery from the illness
which prevented her being with them. This was the first visit of a public
nature to Alyth for the Earl and they would all cordially support her
in saying to him “Haste ye back.” (Applause.)
The Earl of Strathmore (who, previous to arriving at the hall, informally
visited the Y.M.C.A. Buildings and Library, in which he
evinced keen interest, commenting on the excellence of the halls and
rooms, and general appointments), expressed his pleasure at being
present. He was not (he said) the real article on that occasion, but
merely a substitute, but a better substitute he hoped than some of those
they heard so much about during the war. (Laughter.) He hoped they
would accept him as kindly as they would have accepted the real article
if she had been there. (Applause.) He had been running in double
harness for a great number of years – he had completed 40 years of
married life – and he had to acknowledge which was the better of the
pair. It was not the one there that day. (Laughter.) With regard to the
objects of the bazaar it was wise he thought of the Y.M.C.A. directors
in Alyth to determine to profit by the lessons and experiences of the
war, and reconstruct their premises in Commercial Street to include a
billiard room, games room, &c. It was, indeed, a step in the right direction
to provide means for the enjoyment of innocent recreation in
the town. (Applause.) They had also extended the Loyal (Alyth) Public
Library and added a reading room. This was a great advance, and
would have rejoiced the late Captain Ogilvy of Loyal, who started the
Library, and who had the interests of Alyth very much at heart.
(Applause.) He congratulated the promoters of the bazaar on the artistic
decoration of the hall, which was splendid. The stalls were very
attractive and there were very attractive ladies in charge of them. Everything
pointed to the bazaar being a great success. There was the
spirit of success about and the will to win. The bazaar was for a very
good object and he wished it all success. (Applause.)
Mr John Yeaman, Bank Street House, proposed a vote of thanks to
his Lordship for the favour he had done them in opening the bazaar.
He was sure the company would also wish him to ask Lord Strathmore
to convey to Lady Strathmore their sympathy in her illness.
(Applause.)
Rev. James Meikle, B.D., called for hearty cheers, for Lady Ogilvy-
Wedderburn, not only for ably presiding but for her work as joint convener
during Mrs Fyfe-Jamieson’s illness – “for the gallant way she
had stood in the breech.” (Applause.) To be continued again next month!
END OF AN ERA FOR FERGUSON JOINERS
AFTER 51½ years in the trade, Arch Ferguson is finally hanging up
his plane. Ferguson Joiners in Pitnacree Street will close at the end
of August. In joint partnership with Sandy Sangster, Arch took over
the business on 1 st March 1984, exactly 100 years after it was started
by James Ferguson, and then run by James’ grandson, Geordie until
1984. Sandy Sangster retired 10 years ago and Arch has mostly
concentrated on restoration work since.
Arch hopes to indulge in his love of shooting and golf in his retirement
and the Voice wish Arch a long, healthy and happy retirement.
SINCERE THANKS
ARCH Ferguson would like to sincerely thank, his customers
for their business during the last 22 years, his staff for their
friendship & loyalty, and his wife, Margaret, for her support.