One of the popular pastimes of Largs was the Aubery Boating Pond, which is used today by the model boat club who host their forthcoming open day on September 8.
The boating pond opened in 1963, and 40 years ago former News editor John J McCreadie wrote about his love for the boating pond which was a must visit for generations of children.
The much-loved attraction almost never made it off the drawing board after a campaign within the corridors of power almost stopped it being built.
It was Provost Herbert Acheson who first suggested the project and there was a certain amount of opposition both inside and outside the council.
Only the intervention of influential political heavyweights, including Bailie White of Largs Town Council who were both strong supporters of the project, managed to push it through.
The idea for Aubery pond was Bert Acheson's idea. Bert got the inspiration from Duthie Park in Aberdeen.
Their foresight proved to be beneficial for generations of children and now the more mature gentlemen at Largs Model Boat Club who use the facility.
When Provost Bert Acheson opened Aubery Park in 1963, the charge for the paddleboats was 6d (2½p), but such was the prices of inflation, by 1984 it had gone up to 25p!
John J McCreadie wrote: “It is an attractive layout with plenty of seats among the grassy surrounds and flower beds and it also has picnic tables, and paddling pools, and is well away from the traffic."
Largs Model Boat Club has a history spanning almost 30 years.
When the club was founded in 1996, it had only a handful of members and few resources.
Almost 30 years later the club has dozens of members, an exceptionally well equipped clubhouse and a reputation as one of Largs' notable attractions at the northern end of the promenade.
And club volunteers embarked on a major cleanup of the pond in 2023, clearing out the mucky pond and restoring it with clean water in a herculean 'Dad's Army' effort with the participants all over 70.
The Model Boat Club Open Day 2024 will be on Sunday September 8 from 11am.
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