War-time memories re-kindled in Kinross

Jul 2 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

KINROSS residents took a step back in time recently to re-kindle poignant war-time memories and raise money for a local community project.

Kate Mulligan’s converted High Street home was used by soldiers during World War II and she opened her doors to allow locals to enjoy a nostalgia-filled afternoon on Saturday.

Members of the Kinross and District twinning association donned war-time dress and weekend visitors to the historic venue – once also known as the Red Triangle Cafe – were encouraged to purchase mock ration books, entitling them to home baking and a drink.

Cash raised will help meet the cost of hosting 40 visitors from the French town of Gace in the first week of August, who first established links with Kinross 36 years ago.

Development worker Kate told the PA her house was decked-out in items closely associated with the significant period in the country’s history.

She said: “Local people donated all sorts of war-time memorabilia, which we put on the tables and walls.

“There were things like gas masks and ration books – someone even brought a fragment of a bomb which was dropped on Auchtermuchty!

“The house used to be a popular local restaurant called Carlin Maggies, it’s named after the legend of a well-known local witch.

“I moved here in September 2008 after it was converted, the previous owners still live next door.

“The place had such a character and atmosphere to it when I first moved in.

“I decided to do a bit of research, and I found out Polish troops used it as a navvy in World War II.

“I took a trip to Kirkcaldy Museum to do a bit of homework, but most of my research has been done through speaking to local people.

“Locals speak so fondly of the role the building played here during the war, throughout their childhood, and, later, as the restaurant.

“It has also been used as a community hall, by the YMCA, and as a base for local businesses. There’s such a happy vibe.”

Jeannie Paterson, who has been involved with the cultural exchange group for the last 26 years, said the enjoyable afternoon raised in the region of £200.

A pair of youngsters from nearby Strathmiglo donned evacuee outfits, and took to the streets to encourage residents to take part in the Saturday focal point.

Former Milnathort resident Kate continued: “I was born ten years after the war finished, but I still vividly remember seeing things like gas masks and ration books in my parents’ house when I was a child.

“People have come up to me and said we should do more things like we did on Saturday, to educate people about the war and to build community spirit.

“The two children from Strathmiglo, Judith and Gregor, were excellent – they really threw themselves into it and encouraged more people to take part.

“I want to say thank-you to everyone who helped out on the day. It was great fun and we’re hoping to do something similar again soon.”