Yesterday’s News
We are lucky to have such a good Youth Work Programme on Tiree. These 75-year-old reports show that youth and social clubs have a long history on the island. You may recognise the names of some of those involved.
1950
COMMUNITY CENTRE: The first Open Night held by the recently formed Community Centre in the Youth House was highly successful and well supported by young folk and adults from all parts of the island. Dr D. G. Hunter [the island’s GP] gave an interesting and helpful paper, and later took the lead in a short and profitable discussion. Table tennis, draughts etc. were popular with folk of all ages, while for others there were sewing and knitting activities. It is hoped to form a handicraft section under Mrs Stevenson, and a Badminton Group is also to be formed. Dancing and tea followed.
DISCUSSION GROUP: The fortnightly meeting of the group took the form of a debate on whether the establishment of industries would arrest West Highland de-population. The chair for the evening was taken by Mr N. Buchanan, and the affirmative and negative leaders were Mr Alex. MacLean and Mr J. Galt [the Coop manager] respectively. Points were well made on both sides, and a ready discussion focussed much helpful attention on an issue of vital importance to the West. There was a marked emphasis on the need for further development of the industries already present and traditional in the area, but it was the majority view that the establishment of appropriate new industries would be of much help.
AN COMUNN [Gàidhealach, the organisation behind the Mòd]: The Cornaig Branch of An Comunn held its opening Ceilidh recently. When the night had begun with the rallying song [Oran Tionail by Niall Ros], the chairman of the branch, who was Fear-an-Tighe for the evening, outlined the work that the branch hoped to cover during the winter, and thereafter a night of Gaelic song and story, with first class instrumental selections from Mr C. MacLean, was enjoyed. The Ladies’ Committee saw to the provision of the usual cup of tea. Those who contributed to the night’s entertainment were Miss Morag MacDonald, and Messrs J. Henderson, A. H. MacPhail, L. Brown, H. A. MacArthur, Angus MacDonald, M. Black, A. C. MacDougall, and N. Buchanan.
(Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 9 December 1950, 2)
2007.21.1
Pupils from Cornaig School on a school trip to Oban in 1945 for the Argyll Inter-School Games. L–R: Donald MacKay, Skye; Joe MacLeod, Balemartine; Alasdair Straker, Balemartine; Colina MacDonald, Mannal; Neil Johnston, Heanish; Neil Sinclair, Balephuil; Patsy MacPhee; Jimmy Curran, Silversands, Vaul; Ina Brown, Balephuil. The pupils were accompanied by teacher Pat Robertson from Scarinish.
1951
COMMUNITY CENTRE: The beetle drive recently held by the Community Centre in the Youth House was well supported, and, after an evening’s fun interrupted only for tea, the winners were as follows: Ladies—Mrs J. Graham and Miss C. MacLean. Gentlemen—Messrs. Stewart and N. Campbell. A large number attended the dance which followed. Music was played by two young local accordionists, H. MacPhee and M. Omand, assisted by H. Campbell, and the duties of M.C. were undertaken by Messrs J. Wilson [the bank manager] and J. Galt.
The Open Nights run by the Community Centre have maintained their popularity with adults of every age, and at their most recent full advantage was taken of the facilities for games and pastimes of all kinds. After tea, the customary lecture period was taken by Mr N. Buchanan, who initiated a short discussion with an interesting talk on “Depopulation and Island Problems”. The ladies’ darts tournament, after keen competition, was won by Mrs P. Robertson, with Miss Margaret MacKinnon as runner-up. During an interval, the opportunity was taken to say farewell to one of the Centre’s most popular and enthusiastic members, Mr A. Eaglesham, who now leaves Tiree on transfer to a banking post in Glasgow. Mr P. Robertson, as chairman, called on Miss Mona MacDonald the secretary to hand over a small token of good wishes, and Mr Eaglesham suitably replied. The dancing corner was then opened for a short time to music supplied by Mr J. Graham [the gamekeeper] assisted by Mrs H. Brown.
JUVENILE FOOTBALL: A welcome indication of an interest in healthy sport was recently given in the football match between the youths of Balemartine and Balephuil on the ground of the former. After a keen tussle, the home team ran out comfortable winners, but Balephuil hope to level matters up in the return match to be played on their pitch.
(Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser, 3 March 1951, 7)
Dr John Holliday