Back in the 1950's, in Alloway, there was a School named Cambusdoon. The building had been a Country House though bore some resemblance to a castle. Below it, down the banks, was the River Doon. It had its own swimming pool. I know it has been gone many years now - the area has all been built on but I wonder if anyone has any knowledge of Cambusdoon from that period. I'd very much like to trace some of the pupils that were there.
Thanks,
James.

I was at Cambusdoon from 1942 to 1945. I was shattered when I saw the place reduced to a ruin in 1972 and even sadder when I called by last year to see this gem reduced to a housing development.

That swimming pool was cold but nearby was a shed with a rifle range where we learned to shoot. Being war we harvested the potatoes and Brussel sprouts in fields by the southern entry. Nothing like starting the day with a cold shower and sleeping in dorms with the windows wide open summer and winter!

Replied to by email.

I was a day boy at Cambusdoon in the late 1940's. The only other pupils I remember was a Holmes, who lived in a very grand estate near Dunure, and John Wright, who went to live in Edinburgh. I lived in Prestwich and left there in about 1947.
I imagine that you have already checked the local press for further information/names. It usually attended sports day and reported the results.
You mentioned the swimming pool. It sounds grander than it was. The water came from the Doon and was freezing, it was a murky green colour, and the cleggs (biting insects) were voracious. I visited the site a few years ago and could not trace it, but some boys told me that it was still there, hidden in thick undergrowth.
My impression after all these years was that the site had not been built upon, but it may have been recently. The property had been taken over by the Ayr Cricket Club.

Bob,

I can confirm the temperature of the pool - cold is not a strong enough word, and yes, it came from the Doon but I have no idea if it could ever have been filtered for enough swimmers in the pool would have swallowed the odd mouthful.

Right close to the pool, in a clearing, they used to perform a play int he summer (my best role was the Wizard of Ozz).

I also recall Ayr Cricket Club's ground adjacent to the school property, separated by a this strip of trees.

I wonder if anyone viewing this thread would like to see it widened - say into a forum?

James.

The only time I was in a play was at Cambusdoon. The play was "The count of Monte Christo" and I was the arresting officer. When the hero was thrown into the sea in his escape from the Chateau D'If there was a realistic sound effect created by throwing a bucket into the swimming pool.

My way into the school from the bus stop was through the grounds of the cricket club. Then the drive up to the school lined by rhododendrons.

I'm not sure if I have seen all the messages as I get different items every time I look so excuse me if I cover dead ground or do not answer a question.

So would you be happy with a forum? I have several set up already, primarily for family History. I could have a very basic one in 10 minutes (with lots more work to be done after of course).

There appears to be 2 threads on this Rootsweb Ayrshire Board.

James.

I now agree that there are two sites. Makes it difficult.

As for a forum, I answered your item after seeing it on Google, not Ancestry. I have been given a 15 days taster by it but I have no intention at the moment to extend it as I have enough to do this Summer. I probably have little more to add, my memories have faded, so the rest of this period may be enough, if not I can give you my email address and you can give me yours, if that is acceptable.

Hi Bob,

Its a fact that time seems scarce for so much. However, I've also found that contact with individuals re Cambusdoon is, slightly so far, refreshing my poor memory and sight of some photos and a bit of conversation might be of some value to us and others.

I'm giving you a sample of one of my other forums just to get a look at and will probably try and set something up in the next 24 hours.

(http://ourmissinglinks.proboards.com/index.cgi)

What I won't do is place my email address on a live board anymore.

I just found an old photo of myself dated maybe around 1952/53. I'm dressed up for a school play - I'm the Wizard of Oz!

James.

http://cambusdoon.proboards.com./index.cgi

Only aframework so far - a few days time ready for action I hope.

James.