ANCHOR RECREATION

In 1899, Meikleriggs opened as a recreational area on a nice meadow close to Ferguslie Mills. It had facilities for tennis, cricket, bowling, and soccer. On warm summer nights, workers from Coats could relax after their shifts at the factory. Unfortunately, workers from Clark's Anchor Mills, part of the world's largest spinning mills, had fewer options. They only had a bocce court located beside the Mile End Mill, provided by their director, J.O.M. Clark, who loved bowling. Mr. Clark also donated the Oscar Clark Cup for the yearly competition among Paisley clubs. It seems strange that the sports facilities were not equal, especially since both mills were under the same company. Anchor workers even needed permission to walk on the Meikleriggs field. This changed in 1923 when Anchor workers could finally compete with their friends at Ferguslie. Two large fields between the Cart River and the canal railroad were turned into a great sports area called Anchor Recreation Field. A local newspaper called them “lucky mill workers.” Clark&Co. received praise for providing such a valuable space for thousands of employees. The twenty-acre site quickly became “an ideal sports field” with a top-notch cricket field, hockey pitches, putting greens, seven tennis courts, a croquet court, and a bocce court. The beautifully designed grounds featured a bandstand and a spot for an ornamental pond. The highlight was the new pavilion, designed by local architects Abercrombie and Maitland in a Tudor style, with half-timbered gables and stone columns supporting wide verandas at the top of the stairs. The half-timbered gables jutted out and were held up by stone columns, creating spacious verandas above the wide staircases. A dark red tiled roof topped the building, featuring a clock with four faces. The ground floor was well-equipped, housing a large bar and two dressing rooms. On the second floor, there was a big recreation room with overhead lighting, perfect for dances. Several smaller rooms were available, including the office for the secretary of the new “Anchior Recreation Club,” which was well-stocked. Despite the chilly east wind blowing across the playing field during the opening ceremony, a large crowd of mill workers and their families gathered to see Mrs. J.O.M. Clark officially unveil the club's flag and open the grounds. The first cricket match took place that day, but sadly, the home team lost. Mill girls eagerly took part in three-legged and sack races, entertaining the onlookers. The Anchor Pipe Band and the Royal Scottish Fusiliers provided music, much to the crowd's enjoyment. Two tents served tea to over 5,000 guests throughout the afternoon and evening. The day was a huge success, and the entire event, from the opening to the races, was recorded on film. A few days later, the film was screened to a full house at the Palace Cinema on Paisley High Street. The mill girls cheered, clapped, and laughed as they spotted themselves and their friends on the big screen. A year later, the Anchor Cricket Club set up a picket line there. The teams played in the second division, winning the MacFarlane Cup twice and the Western District Cup in 1955. A highlight was the annual autograph signing event with their soccer stars, Deakin, Drinkwater, Lindsay, and Lapsley, who returned to the pavilion after being bowled, struck out, or run out. The Anchor C.C. played its final match in 1980. The "REC," as it was lovingly known, turned into a hub for social activities. Many local young people were inspired to try badminton, table tennis, fencing, and billiards. The "REC" also provided opportunities for theater, music, and various other hobbies. On Saturday nights, it transformed into a lively dance hall, where any sign of alcohol would prevent entry for eager youths. One of the notable jazz bands from the 1960s, the Clyde Valley Stompers, performed there. Several schools in Paisley, such as South and Camphill, hosted their annual field day at the Anchor, with students running in what seemed like endless laps. Some secondary students, uninterested in sports, would often sneak away (as the author recalls!). Today, sports continue on the five-a-side soccer fields, and the Paisley Rugby Club calls it home. However, in recent years, part of the Anchor Recreation Ground has been developed into private housing. There is hope that the remaining land will be kept for the residents of Paisley, similar to its old competitor, Meikleriggs.