Flashback to: Marymass 1952

Sunday 17th August - Sports Service in the Old Parish Church at 3 pm, when the Rev Joseph Hardie will officiate, supported by Mr Billy Steel, Dundee FC and Scotland, Miss Margaret McDowall, Kilmarnock SC, and Miss Eleanor Gordon, Hamilton SC

During Marymass week - (1) Special Shows in the Ritz Theatre, West Road on Mon., Tues., Wed., and Thurs. at 7.30pm [shows are unfortunately not named], (2) Exhibition of Irvine Relics, including items from the world-famous collection of the Irvine Burns Club and the Burgh's Charters, in the Town Hall, from 7 pm to 9 pm each evening, and (3) Film Shows, of unusual films not usually seen in the cinemas, including film of the previous year's Marymass Fair, and many others of local interest, in the IOGT Hall, Bank Street, on Mon. & Wed. evenings, and in Barnett House, Harbour Street, on Thursday evening. [The Hall of the Independent Order of Good Templars is now a Temple of Arts and Crafts. Barnett House opened as the Harbour Arts Centre 14 years later in 1966.]

Monday 18th - A Cavalcade of Sport to suit the Tastes of All - Boat Racing on the River Irvine, from 6.30 pm - Putting Competition for Children (1st prize 10/-) and Sports Night in the Old Parish Church Hall.

Tuesday 19th - Something For The Children - Children's Sports for up to 10 years old at Quarry Road Playing Fields (1st prizes 2/6 to 6/-) from 6.30 pm, and Charity Football Match in Meadow Park at 6.45 pm.

Wednesday 20th - A Sports Programme for the Children for 11 to 14 years old - at Quarry Road from 6.30 pm., and a Boys Brigade Display in the Drill Hall at 7.30 pm

Thursday 21st - Stonehouse Male Voice Choir in the Old Parish Church Hall at 7.30 pm, tickets 1/- [decimal 5p], and Irvine Canine Club Show from 7.30 pm.

Friday 22nd - Judging of Decorations Competition - for Best Decorated Dwellinghouse other than Housing Scheme, Best decorated Housing Scheme Dwellinghouse and Best Decorated Premises other than Dwellinghouses.

Saturday 23rd - the Riding of the Marches, the Crowning, the Parade and the Races, and, at the Low Green in the evening, the finals of the Children's Putting competition.

Sunday 24th - Divine Service in the Old Parish Church at 11 am.  In the evening, an Outstanding Attraction - the Personal Appearance of Toto Burns and his Sextet, the famous broadcasting ensemble, with Terry Devon, supported by an all star cast of variety favourites, in the George Cinema.

Monday 25th - Flower Show - then, in the evening: Grand Gala Night and Bonfire Display - finals of Children's Sports, Long Distance Race by YMCA Harriers, Roller Cycle race by Fullarton Wheelers, Exhibition of Model Aircraft by West of Scotland Aeronautical Society, and at 9 pm Open Air Dancing in the Low Green (Parish Church Hall if weather inclement, and at 10 pm Bonfire and Community Singing at Gallows Knowes, leader Mr John Tait.

Tuesday 26th - Marymass Gala Ball in the Caledonian Hall, music by Brown's Merrymakers

Also, during the week - a Golf Stroke Competition, a Cricket Match, Football, and Tennis

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