Daniel Kerr says

I can remeber this shop when it was owned by Bruce wilson who was the local milkman. My brother Archie and I worked for him delivering milk 

francis harris says

I worked for Bruce as well and hanging on to the bar at the side of the cab was a nightmare so i left and joined" Logans" along with big Jimmy Mckeeman and Frank the driver was an absolute gentleman,my wages were £1.50 which was 50p more than Bruces wages and all before school started,we had some great laughs.

James Summers says

It was good to see Anne Neilson's photo of Crawford's shop. Anne also mention's the previous owners Jean & Bruce Wilson. I still remember their wedding in the Barony church and my parents looking after the house/shop whilst they were on honeymoon. Although Bruce passed away many years ago Jean enjoyed good health but sadly passed away in April this year having celebrated her 90th Birthday in March. I'm still in regular contact with her family in West Yorkshire.

James B. Summers.

James Summers says

Francis Harris talks about Frank who drove for Bruce. Just wonder if this was Bruce's brother-in-law. I myself used to collect Bruce's old Commer trurck from the dairy and drive up to Cochrane's farm at Mainrowhead in Beith to collect the milk each evening then back to Newhouse for bottling.

J Summers

Jocks Burn says

I remember crawfords shop as i went and walked to Glengarnock primary (The Hut and the grey school) every week day.

Was the shop next door called Camerons post office.

I also remeber the day when All those vending machines were found in the park with all the chewing gum and chocolate bars strewn all over the place.

James Summers says

Re Jocks Burn query regarding post office next to Crawford's shop I can confirm this was known as Camerons and run by Adam Cameron and his wife. They stayed in Eastern Cresc. After they retired Jim & Senga Gilmour (Thomson) took it over, but not sure if they still have it. Interesting you mention The wee hut & grey school, wonder if you remember headmaster D.B. McLean. Miss Arnott was in charge at wee school (hut). Teachers in the big school were Miss Riddett Miss Thomson Miss Penicuik & Mr McKenzie. Do those names ring any bells with anyone.

Anne Neilson says

Yes, indeed, the vending machines were often the target of local crime.  'Coins' of the right size, thickness and weight were manufactured in the steelworks, and worked a treat in the cigarette machines. On one occasion, my father (in his bare feet) chased the perpetrator into the Garden City, catching up with him in a garden in South Neuk, by which time my father was out of puff and the miscreant got away. However, Bert Thomson, of the local constabulary of the time, later found the culprit.  Jim, the Gilmours have now retired, and the Singhs who own Newhouse Minimarket, now operate the Post Office.  Another memory which springs to mind is the 'Hut' in the Garden City. This was an old railway carriage, which was used as a sort of Community Centre, and I recall going to an event, probably a Christmas Party, there. 

Jocks Burn says

Re James Summers: The teachers were Miss thomson who became Mrs Gault, Miss Swanson,Mr McCafferty and Mrs Williamson who was the best teacher ever.

The headmaster was Mr Jeffries, a strict hen toed tall man with shiny brown brogues.

Also the bus drivers that drove the garnock valley buses were "Tattie" and "Robert".

I also remember the dining hall next to the hut blowing down in the strong gales and sliding along in the broken window frames on the wet lino floor........the floor being the only thing left after the storm

James Summers says

Anne thanks for update on Camerons post office and yes I too remember the scam with the vending machines. Some run your dad had to south neuk especially bare footed. The wee hut in central ave was where we sometimes held our birthday parties and I remember my mother being a member of the ladies circle which met weekly in the hut. It was sited in what was once putting greens but after its demise some locals took over and tried to have garden plots mainly flower beds there. tThat fell through and I think from then on they became a derelict site on both sides of Central Ave.

Jocks Burn says

Oh I just remembered another teacher, a Mr Marshall who i think also doubled up as the music teacher as he played nearly as good as Mrs Williamson in the grey school.

Jocks Burn says

I also remember the hut in central ave!!!!

My grannie (Lizzie Wilson) used to take me the odd time to a beetle drive and remember the richmond sisters who had the sweetie shop in kilbirnie main street bringing a few "samples".......lovely