PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT-MAJOR OXLADE
On Friday evening last (7 January 1895), in the Eglinton Arms Hotel, Sergeant-Major Oxlade, for some time drill instructor here, was the guest of the local Volunteers was made the recipient of a purse of money on the occasion of his leaving here to take up a similar situation in County Clare, Ireland. Lieutenant Murchie presided and in a few suitable remarks, made the presentation. Sergeant-Major Oxlade made and appropriate reply.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 January 1895

ARDROSSAN SCHOOL BOARD
The monthly meeting of Ardrossan School Board was held in the Town Buildings yesterday (7 February 1895), Mr Thomas Kirkhope presiding. The other members present were Miss Moffat, Reverend F C Halden and Mr John Morris. An application for use of a room in Saltcoats School for 25 and 25 January for delivering of lectures on agriculture by Professor Wright of the County Council was acceded to, Mr Wilson, teacher, to decide as to which room will be suitable to all parties. Reports on the drawing classes were good in each case.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 February 1895

ARDROSSAN CURLING
While the Frost King holds sway, the curlers pursue their favourite pastime. On Wednesday (13 February 1895), a rink of Volunteers skipped by Major Hogarth went down before a rink of Civilians skipped by Mr J C Stevens, the figures being Civilians 26, Volunteers 14.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 February 1895

ACCIDENT TO EX-PROVOST HOGARTH
Considerable regret was felt in the community when it became known that on Monday (18 February 1895), ex-Provost Hogarth had slipped on the frosty ground near The Linn and dislocated and broken an arm. We are glad to be able to report that he is progressing favourably.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 February 1895

YOUTHFUL ARDROSSAN BURGLARS
On Wednesday morning (13 March 1895), the shop of Mr John Duncan, fruiterer, Princes Street, Ardrossan (shown below in the mid 1910s), was discovered to have been burglarously entered during the previous night and a sum of money stolen from the till. Most of the coins were farthings, the bulk of the money having been placed in safety. Entrance had been effected by a back window protected by iron stanchions placed some seven inches apart. In the course of the forenoon, two boys about ten years of age, were apprehended by the police and lodged in gaol. About fifty farthings were found upon them. They had breakfasted in a restaurant in the morning. The boys were tried in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court yesterday (14 March 1895) and dismissed with an admonition.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 March 1895

WEAK MEN

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 March 1895

ZENANA MISSION
It will be noticed that Miss Abraham who has had large experience as a missionary in India will address a meeting in the United Presbyterian Church, Ardrossan (shown below in 2002 and 2009) on Sabbath evening (24 March 1895). Miss Abraham, we understand, is an excellent speaker.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 March 1895

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY AT SALTCOATS
On Friday last (15 March 1895), Saint Patrick's Day was celebrated by a concert in the League Hall, Wellpark Road, Saltcoats, the Reverend Philip McColl, presiding. There was a large attendance. The members of Saint Bridget's Select Choir rendered a splendid selection of pieces. Amongst their best efforts were The Wearing of the Green, Flowers of the Forest and Willie Wastle. Several of the members contributed excellent solos. Mr James M Power efficiently conducted and Mr F Kellett played the accompaniments. During the interval, the chairman made an appropriate reference to Saint Patrick in whose honour they had met and afterwards made a vote of thanks to the choir which was heartily responded to.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 March 1895

A NICHT WI' BURNS
On Friday night last (22 March 1895), in the New Parish Church Hall, Mr G G Napier, MA, delivered a lecture on Burns. The lecture was illustrated by lime-light views. The hall was crowded. Mr Thomas Kirkhope who presided said he was proud to have been called to preside over such a large and influential meeting and he was sure that everybody would be delighted with the entertainment Mr Napier had in store for them.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 29 March 1895
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.

ARDROSSAN, SALTCOATS AND STEVENSTON CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY
In the new Town Hall, Saltcoats, on Friday evening (30 March 1895), the local Choral and Orchestral Society gave their last concert of the season. All winter, the society have devoted their attention and energies to work of a superior kind and on Friday evening, the piece chosen was Handel's oratorio Samson. Chorus and orchestra numbered one hundred and eighty performers with Mr W G Burgoyne, Ayr, as conductor; Mr James Blair, leader of orchestra and Mr J B Lawson, Ardrossan, organist. The professional soloists engaged for the evening were Miss Teresa Blamey, London, soprano; Miss M W Fyffe, Glasgow, contralto; Mr W Cartledge-White, London, tenor and Mr William Reilly, Huddersfield, bass. There was a very good attendance.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 April 1895
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.

ARDROSSAN ORGANIST CHANGES CHURCHES
Mr D M Clark, organist, Ardrossan New Parish Church (shown below as Barony Saint John's Church in 2009) has been appointed organist to Walkerburn Parish Church, Peebleshire. We wish Mr Clark all success in his new sphere.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 19 April 1895

SALE OF FURNITURE AT CALEDONIAN HOTEL, ARDROSSAN
On Thursday last (18 April 1895), the whole of the furnishings of this commodious hotel (shown below as the disused Ardrossan Burgh Chambers in 1978) were sold by public auction. Mr F A P Bennett, auctioneer, Ardrossan, carried through the sale in a city-like manner, over six hundred lots being successfully disposed of during the day. The prices realised were considered good.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 April 1895
It appears the Caledonian Hotel did not last very long. It was opened on 30 March 1893, had an auction on 30 November of that year and a final auction on 18 April 1895.

ARDROSSAN MARRIAGE CELEBRATION
Ardrossan Harbour (shown below in the early 1900s) was gay with bunting on Tuesday (30 April 1895) in honour of Mr John Simpson, Hope Street, Glasgow, a son of Ardrossan, well-known in shipping circles who that day entered the banns of matrimony.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1895

NEW ENGINE SHEDS AT ARDROSSAN
The most important event in railway circles recently was the opening of the new engine sheds built on the v-shaped piece of ground on the Glasgow and South Western Railway lying between the line of rails running from Ardrossan to Largs and the two lines from Ardrossan to Glasgow and Largs to Glasgow. The work was begun last summer from plans prepared by Mr Melville, the engineer of the railway company. Mr John Young, builder, Doura, Kilwinning was contractor for the work, the sub-contractors being Mr William Young, Stevenson, joiner; Mr Anderson, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, plumber and Messrs John Hogarth and Company, Ardrossan, slaters.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 3 May 1895
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - ARDROSSAN WATER CART
Ardrossan
8 May 1895
Sir
I wonder what crime the ratepayers in the upper part of Glasgow Street have committed. The water cart only come the length of Edgar's Corner and then turns.
Dust
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1895

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH BY POISONING
On Sunday afternoon (5 May 1895), a little girl aged about three years and residing in Harbour Lane, Ardrossan (shown below as Herald Street in 2002) narrowly escaped death by poisoning. The child had strayed into a washing house and swallowed a quantity of bleaching chemicals of a poisonous nature. She was discovered immediately afterwards and medical aid procured which fortunately proved effective.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 10 May 1895

KILMAHEW BECOMING AN EYESORE
The most disagreeable question to which the Ardrossan Commissioners had to address themselves was that of what was very properly alluded to as the congeries of buildings on Kilmahew grounds. Kilmahew used to be an ornament on Montgomerie Street. It is fast becoming an eyesore. The wall abutting on to Barr Street opposite the Free Church is given over to the tender mercies of the billposters and worshippers pass into the church of a Sunday with recollections of a curiously assorted picture gallery lingering in their minds. The gardens are gone and buildings of the hideous brown brick - and altogether out of keeping with the neighbourhood - are substituted. String and serious representations ought to be made to the superior and if he declines to take action, our various public bodies should unite and purchase the place with a view of diverting it to some purpose of public utility.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 17 May 1895

MAGAZINES AND BOOKS FOR SHIP CREWS
Mr Hill, Bank of Scotland, Ardrossan (shown below as the Community Education Office in 2003) would be very pleased to receive old numbers of monthly magazines or books suitable for crews of ships going long voyages as his stock, generously given by friends, is exhausted.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 24 May 1895

MAGAZINES AND BOOKS FOR SHIP CREWS
Mr Hill, Bank of Scotland, Ardrossan (shown above as the Community Education Office in 2003) thanks the many kind friends who have sent contributions of literature for distribution on board ships visiting the port. Meantime his wants are amply supplied.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 June 1895

PRESENTATION TO MR MUTTER
On Friday evening (31 May 1895), a meeting representative of kirk session, Sabbath school teachers, choir and guild was held in the vestry of the New Parish Church, Ardrossan (shown below as Barony Saint John's Church in 2009) at which Mr James Mutter, Crescent Park, was the guest. There was a very large attendance, the commodious room being completely filled. After praise and prayer, the Reverend J D McCall who presided, said they were met under very pleasant circumstances, met to do honour to one unto whom honour was due. He was more than happy to be present because his connection with the gentleman they had with them was a very long connection indeed. He had known Mr Mutter since boyhood, having had the pleasure of acting towards him as a Sunday school teacher and it was wonderful how in the events of divine providence, the old friend he had known for so many years, should come and dwell in the very parish where his own lot was to be and where, as he well knew, he had laboured for the long period of forty years.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 June 1895
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report.

INSOLENT BEGGAR
At Ardrossan Burgh Court on Wednesday (5 June 1895), a vagrant was fined seven shilling and sixpence or five days for having presented himself at the Pavilion (shown below in the early 1920s as the Ardrossan home of the Earl of Eglinton) in the character of a mendicant and on being refused having indulged in language in so sense parliamentary.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 7 June 1895

SILLY PRACTICAL JOKE AT ARDROSSAN HARBOUR
About midnight on Friday (7 June 1895), four stewards on board the steamer Adder cast adrift a coaling smack in Ardrossan Harbour (shown below in the early 1900s) while the hands were asleep below. The act was observed and next morning the stewards appeared before the magistrates who showed their utter want of humour by sentencing them to pay a fine of thirty shillings or suffer twenty-one days imprisonment. The fines were paid.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 14 June 1895

ARDROSSAN FREE CHURCH ANNUAL TRIP
The choir of Ardrossan Free Church had their annual trip on Friday last (21 June 1895). The company which numbered thirty left Ardrossan at nine o'clock in the morning and spent an hour in Glasgow viewing the municipal buildings. At one o'clock, they lunched at Loch Lomond, afterwards visiting Tullichewan grounds and having tea beside the loch. Boating and singing on the water formed the amusement of the evening and the party returned home in excellent spirits after a most enjoyable day.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 28 June 1895

ARDROSSAN PUPIL'S PIANO SUCCESS
Miss Grace Harvey, Eglinton Street, Ardrossan, a pupil of Mrs J A E Schiller (Miss McAusland) has passed the examination of the London College of Music in piano playing with distinction. She has not only passed with honours but stands highest on the list of successful pupils in the Kilmarnock centre. The examiner was Dr Karle of London.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 July 1895

CARTING OF SAND PROHIBITED

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1895

BOY FINED FOR THROWING STONES IN ARDROSSAN
At Ardrossan Burgh Court on Monday (8 July 1895), a boy residing in Barr Lane, Ardrossan, pleaded guilty to having on 1 July thrown stones on the public street. Bailie Anderson imposed a fine of five shillings, commenting on the mischievousness and all to prevalent practice amongst boys in the neighbourhood.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 12 July 1895

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
Anniversary services will be held in the United Presbyterian Church, Ardrossan on Sabbath (28 July 1895). Dr Shepherd of the Rajpotena will preach forenoon and evening and may be expected to give interesting detail of mission work in India. The respected pastor of the church, the Reverend William McGilchrist, BD, will preach in the afternoon.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 26 July 1895

FIRST AYRSHIRE AND GALLOWAY ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS CAMP ON CANNON HILL
About two hundred men of the above went into camp on the Cannon Hill, Ardrossan (shown below in 2006) on Saturday evening (26 July 1895) under command of Colonel Sturrock, Kilmarnock. The staff consists of sixteen officers besides the permanent staff. Locally, the most interesting event of the week was the passing of Lieutenant Murchie on Monday. Colonel Alves conducted an inspection on that day and stated that he always held up the First Ayrshire and Galloway Artillery Volunteers as a model for others corps.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 2 August 1895

ARDROSSAN CHURCHES AND THE AUCHENHARVIE RELIEF FUND
Last Sunday (18 August 1895), collections were made in the United Presbyterian, Independent and Episcopal Churches and thirteen pounds nine shillings was added to the relief fund. On Sunday first (25 August 1895), the Established and Free Churches have arranged to have collections.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 23 August 1895
On 2 August 1895, there was a serious accident at the Auchenharvie coal mine in Stevenston. Nine lives were lost.

BOY SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN REFORMATORY
At Monday's (16 September 1895) Burgh Court, an eleven-year-old boy of Montgomerie Lane, Ardrossan, was charged with having on Tuesday 10 September, from a greenhouse to the rear of a house in Glasgow Street and the property of Commissioner Barrie, stolen a quantity of growing grapes. The prosecutor fiscal said that the boy had on a former occasion been convicted before the Sheriff on a charge of housebreaking and asked that he should be sent to a reformatory where he would be placed under strict surveillance. Sergeant Allan of the Burgh Police assured the Court that the boy was utterly beyond parental control, that he often lay out at nights and the parents were anxious that he should be sent away. He was sentenced to the usual term imprisonment and thereafter for five years confinement in a reformatory.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 20 September 1895

PUPILS MAKE PRESENTATION TO TEACHER
Miss Maggie J Thomson, having finished her apprenticeship in Ardrossan number one Public School before leaving to further prosecute her studies in Edinburgh Training College was presented with a handsome dressing case as a parting gift from the scholars.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 September 1895

ARDROSSAN EVANGELICAL UNION CHURCH RE-OPENS
This church was re-opened on Sabbath (6 October 1895) after having undergone considerable repairs both internally and externally. Internally, considerable improvement has been effected on the ceiling and walls and the appearance of the structure is very much enhanced thereby. Reverend George W Rea of Longford, Ireland, preached at three services on Sabbath and during the present week, special services have been conducted each evening. The services will be brought to a close on Monday evening with a social meeting. Mr Rea is an earnest and a vigorous preacher of the Methodist school.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 11 October 1895

A MAD FREAK
On Saturday evening (19 October 1895), between nine and ten o'clock, a cyclist on the highway between Ardrossan and West Kilbride was greatly startled by a pistol shot fired by a pedestrian whom he passed. During the week it transpired that a little girl and a domestic servant who accompanied her complained of being fired at in Eglinton Street earlier in the evening. The matter was reported to the police and as a result of enquiries vigorously prosecuted by Sergeant Allan, they are now in a position to lay hands on the man who handled his shooter so recklessly.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 25 October 1895

SEMI-JUBILEE OF LIFEBOAT LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS
On the evening of Thursday last (24 October 1895), the members of the Ayrshire Lifeboat Lodge of Good Templars celebrated the semi-jubilee of the Lodge in the hall (shown below as the Gospel Hall in 2002) in Glasgow Street. There was a crowded attendance. Mr William Gilroy, the popular superintendent of the Ardrossan district of the Prudential Assurance Company Limited, presided and he was supported on the platform by Bailie Anderson, Commissioner John Boyd and parish councillors William Craig and Hugh Currie. The meeting took the form of a soiree. The proceedings were varied by short and interesting addresses.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1895
This is the opening paragraph of a longer report. A semi-jubilee is twenty-five years.

ARDROSSAN CYCLING CLUB
At a meeting of the above club on Friday evening (25 October 1895), the report of the treasurer was submitted showing a balance on hand of two pounds. The club, although a success financially, has been a failure as regards attendance at club runs but it is hoped that an improvement will be made in this important particular next season.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 1 November 1895

ARDROSSAN LABOURER FRIGHTENS PEOPLE WITH REVOLVER
On Friday (1 November 1895), at the Sheriff Court, Kilmarnock, a labourer of Quarry Lane, Ardrossan (shown below as Kilmahew Street in 2002) pleaded guilty to recklessly discharging five shots from a revolver in Montgomerie Street, Ardrossan and on the public road leading to West Kilbride on 10 October. He was fined two pounds or twenty days.

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1895

VALEDICTORY TO BAILIE McCARROLL
When the court was on the point of rising in Ardrossan Town Hall on Monday morning (4 November 1895), Bailie McCarroll briefly expressed his appreciation of the courtesy he had experienced from the officials of the court and the sergeant of police during his term of office. Provost Young and Bailie Anderson joined in an expression of regret that their brother magistrate had decide to retire. Mr Emslie, procurator-fiscal, concurred in the remarks made by Provost Young and Bailie Anderson and acknowledged the high measure of courtesy Bailie McCarroll had always extended to the court officials and the very judicial and impartial manner in which he had administered the affairs of the magistracy.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1895

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - ARDEER FACTORY APPLICATIONS FOR WORK
We have been asked to give publicity to the following communication addressed to the Reverend John Livingstone, Free Manse, Stevenston.
2 November 1895
Dear Sir
As frequent applications are made through yourself and other clergymen as well as lay gentlemen and ladies in the neighbourhood to use influence in obtaining work in the Dynamite Factory, please note that we are not open to recruit our ranks in that way. In the event of any more applicants approaching you, we shall feel obliged if you will kindly assure them that they must just take their chance with others at the Factory gate where we shall always select such as we can give work to at the time. With every desire to benefit the neighbourhood as much as may be reasonable, we beg to say that our principle is to give preference to hale and able hands having relatives already in the employment, naturally favouring Stevenston people first and others must simply take their chance as indicated according to our discretion and requirements.
Yours faithfully
Nobel's Explosives Company Limited
per E W Findlay for Works Manager
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 8 November 1895

TONIC SOL-FA MUSIC CLASS
We call attention to the formation of a class for the teaching of elementary music on the sol-fa tonic system in the United Presbyterian Church, Ardrossan. Mr James Adams has had many years experience in the teaching of music and we hope to hear of a large class of young persons being formed.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 15 November 1895

SUCCESSFUL ARDROSSAN PLUMBER
Malcolm Kerr, apprentice plumber with Mr James Fullerton, Ardrossan, has we understand been successful in obtaining a second-class ceretificate in connection with the Ayrshire Plumbing Class of the Glasgow and West of Scotland District Council for the National Registration of Plumbers.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 22 November 1895

LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN BUYS HOUSE IN ARDROSSAN
Captain Matthew Auld of Liverpool has purchased number 4 South Crescent, Ardrossan (shown below in the 1950s).

            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 13 December 1895

BUN STOLEN IN ARDROSSAN
The other day, a boy was sent to Ardrossan Cooperative Store for a bun which his mother had baked and then taken to be fired in the bakery oven. The boy got the bun but he had just left the shop when it suddenly occurred to him that he had forgotten something he had been ordered to purchase. He re-entered the store, leaving the bun in charge of another boy at the window. The boy entrusted with the temporary custody of the seasonable dainty deposited it on the pavement in front of him and valiantly stood guard over it. When his comrade, having made the purchase, rejoined him a few minutes later, the appalling discovery was made that the bun was gone. The two minutes that ensued between these boys were as hot as the oven. Sergeant Allan was soon afterwards in search of the person who thus mysteriously and painfully, literally 'took the bun'.
            Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 27 December 1895