The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Rollercoaster trip to lochside
Courier columnist Angus Whitson’s mention of “playing Sodgers with Carl Doddies” in Saturday’s paper has brought back fond memories for Craigie reader Ken Head of a wonderful few days he spent near Rescobie Loch in the 1950s.
Remembering his happy visit to the Forfar attraction, Ken writes: “My pal Bill Ross and I were still at primary school and journeyed by train from Arbroath to Clocksbriggs, which was the nearest station to Rescobie Manse, our destination.
“We were going to stay a few days with his grandparents, who were live-in curators of the Angus Folk Museum, before it moved to Glamis. A few weeks ago Bill provided information about the museum when it was housed at Rescobie Manse in the Craigie column.
“On a beautiful summer’s day we strolled along the side of the Rescobie road, which was flanked by millions of Carl Doddies (ribwort plantain), playing Sodgers. Unlike Angus Whitson’s version, we bent over the stalk behind the brown head and pulled to fire “bullets” at each other.
“Mr Whitson wondered if bairns still play, and this big bairn has played it with his grandchildren – although it doesn’t seem as popular as games on my tablet!
“The next day we played football against the 11 pupils of Rescobie School – and won! Mainly because Bill was a gifted footballer and most of them were several years younger! In the evening we played “ba tig” at Drimmie Farm and I had the misfortune to slip when dodging the ball and fall into a pile of “shearn”, or dung.
“Much to my embarrassment the farmer’s wife insisted on giving me a bath and some of her son’s clothes to wear!
“Slightly ashamed to say I don’t remember much about the museum, but have vivid memories of aforementioned events, particularly the stroll from Clocksbriggs railway station to Rescobie Manse. It’s strange how the simplest of pleasures can give the happiest of memories!
“Incidentally, I didn’t remember the name of the railway station, although I think it appeared in a previous article in the Craigie column. However, my friend Bill’s memory is far better than mine and he assures me that the stations between Arbroath and Forfar were Colliston, Leysmill, Friockheim, Guthrie, Auldbar and Clocksbriggs.”
Now that was certainly an eventful few days away! Many thanks to Ken for sharing his colourful recollections – and if you’ve a tale of a childhood holiday that might interest Craigie’s readers we’d love to hear it!