As years go by times and places around us change
Like our lives through the years we rearrange
But in memory we remember what was once a community
People, shops, services for the good folks that no longer be.
It belongs to the past it is fond history
We remember the Culter Shops we no longer see
Realise without question things and services not meant to last.
But with the gift of memory lives on our past.
Culter village had a quality shopping fraternity
We are left remembering traders, sadly that no longer be
We had readily for our need, choice, variety and selection
Available travelling east or west shops in either direction.
Butchers, Cain and Harpers, Steele and the Co-op made three
Nae supermarkets, private enterprise, unheard of BSE
Co-operative Grocery stored a large range to meet demands
Mr Mennie manager and his courteous counter hands.
Bert Sutherland next door with dress and haberdashery
The shoe shop across next, bread, plain or pan, co-op bakery
Remember your co-operative number well if indeed
However if you’ve forgotten don’t worry there’s no longer need.
Ken Ritchie a relic o’ Pie Jeans Remembered by lots more
Rocklands a well stocked good old fashioned country store
Derek Thom Bakery and tea room high class range always there
If only bringing back the past, for the memories to share.
Now had it been your misfortune to fall ill
Chemists three to prescribe for you a proper pill
Miss Mackie Irvine also Hebe Milne
A there prescribing aspirin or Lemsip, be it just a chill.
But there were other shops surviving and got their share
Forbes Grocer, Fishmonger and Barber to cut hair
Wholesome food was bought for the family table
Can never be replace, by today’s tasteless own label.
David Massie friendly obliging quality store
Brother John’s shopping van right to your door
Manson for fruit and weekend veg to buy
Service for the customer never failing to supply.
Other traders with fond memories of yesterday
The Post Office, Miss Smart, the soutar doon the brae
The coopie milk man Johnnie Bruce with a word for all
Regardless of weather guaranteed the daily call.
You alone hae thoughts and memories to share,
Remember funny stories and purchases here and there
Here’s to all sad to see an era disappear
My memories as an incomer span thirty five year.
For all those I know who were born and bred
Your memories will stretch beyond the years I said
So there must be to you others to recall
Cherish the knowledge and remember them all.
From “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”
With permission of Allan Pennie