Memories of Kirn

KIRN MEMORIES

One former Kirn resident's memories of the village

I was born in 1950 and remained a resident of Kim until 1967.

My father Euan. and his brother Davy, had the Bakers Shop at the bottom of Stewart Street, from 1938 until the early 1960's. The Bakery itself stood next to the Garage (now Taxi company premises) in Stewart Street, though the bake house has long since been demolished. In the fifties and early sixties the businesses and employees within a l00 yd radius of the Bakery were numerous. I list the ones I remember with an estimate of the people employed by each business. Wallace Joiners (12) McArthur the Plumber (8) Antonelli's Garage - -(5) plus taxis Morrison's Bakers - - (10) MeNair & Cameron, Coal Merchant (12)

Alexandra Parade Kirn

Then there was the Cobbler, his name escapes me, and wee Hughie the chimney sweep. The banter was tremendous, with lots of fun and practical jokes being traded between the businesses.

At the annual Guy Faulks night an enormous bonfire was built on the beach opposite Cameron the butchers. All the shops and local households would take the opportunity to bum their rubbish plus the rubbish from the river itself. A grand fire it made.

The Queens was a thriving hotel business and the manager was a Mr. Benson. He was never keen on local boys invading his grounds at the back of the hotel, for a" kick at a ba'.

The pier was always the focal point of all the activity in summer. (The sun always shone I remember!!) The red sand stone building with its clock tower and turnstile for the penny admission dues. Many travelled by boat and train to work in Gourock, Greenock or Glasgow, and arrived back on the 6.3O pm boat. Summer Saturdays saw lots of activity and in particular the Sunday school trips from St. Margarets and St. Andrews always left from there.

Reggie Brooks Lido (opposite Enmore Hotel) was the big draw in the summer months for the youth of the day with a tearoom, rowing and motorboats for hire. Winter saw some epic five -side football tournaments played under floodlight (the street lights) on the strip of grass, shore side, near Enmore. The rocks and high seas of winter quickly sharpened your ball control.

Queen’s Hotel and Village Shops

The ownership and use of the shops have changed totally since the sixties. I remember, starting from Dunoon side, were Morrison's Cafe (my uncle Dick owned it), Martin, licensed grocer, McEwans Paper/gift shop, Queens Hotel, Kim Post Office, Macarthur's Newsagents, Morrison Baker. Davidson the Chemist, McNair and Cameron Coal Office, McDougalls licensed Grocer. Shoe Shop, then a wool shop one of which was McCarras (can't remember which one) Cameron Butchers, another grocers. Drovandi's Cafe & Ice Cream, Lamonts Dairy.

Kirn Tea Gardens

Physical changes have occurred. Apart from the demolition of the pier buildings, the houses/buildings surrounding St. Andrews Church have been replaced by lawn, and the waiting room/viewing area and toilets opposite the church have gone. Opposite that was the lido/paddling pond, which I think has now disintegrated into the sea. Its sad to see the Queens in its present condition, and hope it won't be too long before someone puts investment into the building to help retain a focal point for the village.