THIS week, we flash back to the news and photos from the Cumnock Chronicle in June 2003.

Who can you spot in these pictures?

Cumnock Chronicle: New Cumnock Burns Club

THE people of New Cumnock delved into the traditional spirit with a celebration of the love songs of Rabbie Burns.

As part of the ‘Burns an ‘a that’ festival’, New Cumnock Burns Club held their own event to match the gala events in Ayr.

With a dazzling line up of performers including STV’s Billy Kay and Jock Tamson’s Bairns, 'Ah Hae Lo’ved’ turned out to be a fantastic night for all who attended.

Iain McLatchie from New Cumnock Burns Club hailed the night as “first class” and said the setting at Lochside Hotel provided the perfect stage for the event.

Organisers are keen to stage the event again next year.

New Cumnock Burns Club members Jim Hazlett, front left, Jim Wilson, second left and Billy Hastie, fourth left are pictured with the performers on the night.

Cumnock Chronicle: Auchinleck Nursery youngsters smile for the camera in 2003

Auchinleck Nursery invited the Chronicle along as they held a fun day for the youngsters.

The wee ones were able to show off their writing skills for our photographer – and their brilliant smiles.

Cumnock Chronicle: Jean Cook and Agnes Morrison hand over the cheque

TWO local women got off their marks to raise money for a worthy cause.

Jean Cook and Agnes Morrison took part in the Women’s 10 kilometre run in Glasgow to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Both Jean and Agnes had recently lost members of their family to cancer and they wanted to do their bit towards researching a cure for the killer disease.

 And thanks to the support their received and sponsorship from Milligan’s coaches in Mauchline they managed to raise £380 for the charity.

 Jean Cook, Billy Milligan from Milligan’s Coaches, and Agnes Morrison are pictured with the cheque for £380 destined for Cancer Research UK.

Cumnock Chronicle: Dr Dowdall's retiral in Patna

THE people of Patna honoured their local GP Dr Ronald Dowall, for his 31 years service to the community.

They turned up in large numbers to show their appreciation for his tireless dedication at a special dinner and dance at the community centre.

Dr Dowall worked in Glasgow before moving to the Ayrshire practice.

On the night to mark his retiral he was presented with a brass replica of a ‘Glennie’ miner’s lamp and a painting of the old Patna Bridge by local resident Charlene Heggie.

Pictured during the special send-off, from left to right, Lillian and Dr Ronald Dowall are presented with their gifts and a cheque by James McTear, Chair of Patna Community Association, Dr Wesley Martin and Councillor Elaine Dinwoodie.

 

Finally, employment potential in Cumnock increased with news that dairy farm business Stevenson’s had been taken over.

The family firm, a household name in the area for a number of years, last week reported that Bridge of Allan based Graham’s Dairies had purchased them for an undisclosed figure.

Graham’s managing director Robert Graham said: “The Stevenson deal represents a perfect fit for us. We have in recent years broken into the supermarket sector with our niche Jersey milk products but the middle-ground is still our strongest suit.”