Y.M.C.A.

Y.M.C.A. Building

The building was used as the “Home Guard” training H.Q. during the war.

Behind the building shown, was another building used for training, also there were trenches at the back (where some children used to play at being soldiers.) Later on, the back building became Wm McSeveny’s car repair shop.

It was also used as a Disco called The Roxy in the 70s.

THE ROXY

Doon the Roxy on a Saturday night
Dressed to kill oh what a sight
Struttin oor stuff oan the dance flair
The whole of Blantyre seemed to be there

Two bob tae get in or a tin a beans
Ten bob for sweeties that was yer means
Music kicks aff wae some rock n roll
Smoochin some burd tae a wee bit of soul

Smelly toilets and flaking paint
Fae oor crowd ye got nae complaint
Loads of great memories in that wee hall
Generations of people having a ball

Another memory to be wiped away
Gone forever the Y.M.C.A.
At least there calling it a fancy name
But the Spice of Life just is’nae the same

Jimmy Whelan 2010

~~~

Over 1,000 Volunteers at Blantyre

Over 1,000 Volunteers at Blantyre

It was stated officially yesterday that Blantyre Police are highly pleased by the response made for volunteers for service under the A.R.P. regulations.

Up until now, over 1,000 men have appeared at the Police Station and agreed to give their services for immediate duty.

The men have already been allocated to districts and sub-districts under senior officers and are representative of all classes within the community, which includes business men in Glasgow, local doctors and business men, unemployed miners and school teachers.

Gas masks have been stored in the local police office for some time past, but now masks are stored in different halls in Blantyre.

Glasgow Herald, September 29th 1938

Note from Bill: The A.R.P. and the Home Guard were formed as a backup to the army, to defend the towns and villages of the United Kingdom in the unlikely invasion of the Germans, but they were armed initially with only what could be scrounged up and private weapons. They eventually were properly armed and usually consisted of men in reserved occupations, those unable to fight due to a medical condition, or those who were too old to fight.

Your Comments:

John Cornfield: It was the ym for years then Sandy Nisbett used to take us kids and started a disco in 1972. It became the Roxy, named by us who frequented it Sat nite. During the week we had games and gymnastic’s where I met the Cushleys, the Hunters and numerous others. It was the place to be on a Saturday nite if u were 10 or 11 even up to 13 lol.

Mary Borland: I remember going 2 gymnastics on fri nites n also youth discos oh the memories.

Wilma Hannah-Boyle: Luved the wee discos in there!

Eddie Mcguire: We used to call it the Roxy when we were kids. Sat think it was, 6 to 8pm disco great days and the tuck shop ginger and sweets.

Duncan Slater: Yes I played in the trenches, also after the war the Thomson’s moved in above the hall. I played with Billy and Thomas.

Paul Hudson McGowan: I remember doing gymnastics there too in the early 1970s in my case. Great fun.

Michelle Brankin: Loved going to this place! It really was a great night every time you went x

Catherine McCunnie: OMG remember it well, our wee disco on a Saturday night brill !

Lesley Hartley: I used to go to Highland dancing in there when I was a kid.

Boski Bell: Crackin pic

Mary Davies: My Gran, me,and my sisters used to frequent this place for our wee tea and chat, happy memories.

~~~

If you have any Photos… Send them to Bill

Site Designed & Maintained by:
“In Pursuit of Excellence”