As the Herald marks 40 years of the Ardrossan Highland Games with our regular retrospective, we look back on the story behind one of the pictures from the event’s early days.

Two weeks ago, we printed the attached picture from the 1980 games. Following the publication, we were contacted by Marilyn Norwood, who appears in the photo.

The picture shows members of the Ardrossan Community Theatre group, known locally as ACT1, during a wet sponge event. Marilyn told us that the group was founded by Bill and Irene Smith of Ardrossan and is thought to have had more than 100 members in its heyday.

Marilyn said: “It was a great thing in its day and people look back on it with great fondness. The group evolved from the summer scheme in Stanley School in 1976 or 77. Bill Smith was with the community education department and he and his wife Irene were at the forefront of Ardrossan theatre.

“Irene used to do pantos within a local theme, like Cinderella and the Ghost of Canon Hill, that kind of idea. We did Pantoclaws in 1979. That was about a cat, a sort of Dick Wittington story. Every year we gave the proceeds to a local charity.

“Irene went on to become the organist at Park Church then started another dramatic group for the kids called ‘D in the Park’. She nourished and encouraged people. She and Bill were a great team.

“Bill and Irene have sadly passed away, but they have left a wonderful legacy in their two sons Craig and Alan who are both heads of music in schools.”

According to Marilyn, the picture shows (from l-r): Nan Close, ??, Marilyn, Evelyn Green, Graeme ?, Avril ?, Morcella Taylor, Rob Loney, ? Powell, Jacqueline Campbell, Morag Norwood, Fiona Boyd.

Do you recognise anyone in the picture? Contact the Herald at editorial@ardrossanherald.co.uk or 01294 447321.