A touring team?

I have heard from George Lyall, past president and treasurer of Dudhope Bowling Club, who has provided the photograph above. He says: “I attach a very old bowling photo which was taken at Dudhope Bowling Club, Adelaide Place, Dundee, many years ago, possibly between 1910-1930.

“We don’t know anything about it, but it may possibly be a touring team about to play a match at Dudhope. We have been on this site since the club’s inception in 1876. The backdrop to the photograph will be the Dundee to Newtyle railway, passing through

the Law tunnel. If anyone can provide any thoughts on the year (from the fashions) or, indeed, the event itself, it would be greatly appreciated.

“The photograph was taken by local photographers Prophet of Dundee. This may help in bringing any information to light. Any thoughts would be welcomed as we intend to restore the picture and put it on show in our clubhouse.”

Four legs in focus

When a dog goes missing or is stolen, it’s heartbreaking, but it’s a good idea to keep things in perspective. In the current Covid

climate, dogs are at a premium and there has been a rise in dog theft. However, while the numbers still remain relatively low, dog charity Dogs For Good have compiled a list of things to consider to reduce the likelihood of your dog being taken and also to keep yourself safe.

Keeping eyes on your dog is still the best thing you can do. Using your phone to catch up with calls when you’re out with your dog is a huge distraction. Keep your phone in your pocket and those four legs in focus.

Is your garden secure? Did you lock the gate? It’s always worth checking. Keep an eye on your dog when they’re outside. Don’t leave your dog outside shops. You wouldn’t leave your wallet or handbag unattended so don’t leave your dog alone.

Keep your dog “building side”. Where possible, try and keep your dog away from the side of the road when you’re out on a walk. Doing so will make it far more difficult for someone to open a car door, take your dog and drive off.

If your dog has poor recall, “social walks”, on the lead around your local area are fine. Small pieces of chicken, cheese or whatever your dog finds delicious are a good way to ensure that your dog comes back to you.

Used correctly, extendable leads are a good halfway house between a lead walk and a free run. Make sure you give your dog 10 minutes at the start of the walk to interact with their environment by opening up the lead so they can explore safely. Try altering your route and the time you walk your dog, and, if you can, walk with someone else.

Made an impression

“As a teenager, I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards through the Girls’ Brigade,” emails an Angus reader. “I was lucky enough to finish my gold award and went to Holyrood with my parents and our

company captain to mark the achievement. It was an exciting day, very sunny, and we were fortunate to be presented to the duke. He was interested in everything we had to say, although we were pretty tongue-tied by the occasion.

“However, what made the biggest impression on me, I have to confess, was his suit – I had never seen such immaculate tailoring before!”

Missing the Mcmanus

“Although I have missed cinema, theatre and concert-going in 2020/21,” emails Stanley Gordon of Newport, “I was grateful that the Mcmanus Museum and Art galleries opened for the period between lockdowns. It was good to visit and view the paintings and artefacts. It added a touch of normality in strange and perplexing times.

“Visits were enhanced by the exhibitions, both pertaining to local interest. I enjoyed A Love Letter to Dundee, featuring Joseph Mckenzie’s photographs of city scenes from the 1960-1980s. An added attraction was the film of Dundee during the industrial period when businesses such as Timex, NCR, Valentines, Caledon shipyard and the jute industry were to the fore.

“The film also showed scenes from the first Overgate development, with the Angus Hotel towering above the complex of shops and stores.

“I was delighted to see the ship’s wheel from the paddle steamer BL Nairn on display, and also a timetable of her sailings to Newburgh in July, 1945, at the Time and Tide exhibition. Although I used to see the boats fishing for sprats in the Tay in my younger years, I hadn’t a clue what the fish looked like. All was revealed when I studied the specimens on display.

“I am looking forward to revisiting the Mcmanus when it opens in the near future.”

“Here is a picture that I took at Murthly in Perthshire of a highland cow,” says Arthur Bruce of Almondbank. “I thought that its horns were a bit different than usual.”

A bowling photograph, taken at Dudhope Bowling Club in Dundee possibly between 1910 and 1930. Find out more in the left-hand column.