THIS week’s look into the Tele archives takes us back 13 years, when a burst water main and freezing conditions turned a Greenock street into an ice rink.
Heavy snow and plummeting temperatures caused chaos for motorists and pedestrians as they raced to finish their Christmas shopping.
On Lynedoch Street, a burst pipe wreaked havoc as residents reported water cascading down the road in the early hours of the morning.
It quickly froze over, with Scottish Water and the Inverclyde Council roads department attending to stem the flow and assess damage.
The wintry conditions also saw the annual Santa Dash called off.
Disappointed organiser Tommy Armstrong said: “I thought we were going to make it but it would have been too dangerous. I am gutted."
Elsewhere, talented violinist Kirsten Thomson told of a life-changing trip to help children in Mauritius discover the joy of classical music.
The Kilmacolm musician accompanied the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland on the trip, which celebrated 200 years of independence in the country.
Kirsten was also joined by two Greenock performers – Eve Kennedy and Elizabeth Todd.
She told the Tele: “It was an amazing experience. But the best part was working with the children.
“They had never heard music like it and it was great to see the joy on their faces.
“They were so open to the music. We let them have a shot of the instruments and have fun.”
In other news, a brave Gourock woman vowed to continue fundraising to help patients living with the cruel condition which took the life of her husband.
Police officer Mark Noone died two years after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, leaving behind wife Erica and seven-year-old daughter Abbi.
Along with her sister Kerry, Erica and Abbi raised £730 for charity at a Christmas fair just a week later.
Erica said: “The plans for the fair were all under way.
“My sister had already made the jewellery to sell and so many people had worked so hard.
“It was only fair to go ahead. It was right up my daughter’s street and something for her to get her teeth into.”
In sport, Morton manager Allan Moore was advocating for the implementation of play-offs for the top flight.
Moore took Stirling into the second tier through the second division promotion play-offs in 2007 by virtue of a dramatic 3-2 win over Airdrie United.
He said: “I definitely think there should be league reconstruction and they should be bringing in play-offs to the premier league as well.
“I’ve been involved in that in past seasons and when it comes to the end of the season, if you haven’t won the league, you’re hoping you are involved in that. It’s something to play for.”
Elsewhere in sport, then-St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes reflected in the Tele on his time at the Ton under Allan McGraw and John McMaster.
At the age of 16, McInnes attended a trial along with a teammate from Gleniffer Thistle.
He said: “I still had a cup final to play with Gleniffer Thistle after making my premier league debut, which sounds bizarre, and I had to do my paper round before that game.
“I was going to make my premier league debut but I was out delivering papers at 7am in the morning!
“It was a major step up for me but it was one which John and the boss both thought I could make. I have a lot to thank them for.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here