When teacher became world karate champion

We delved into the Barrhead News archives to pick out some of the stories from over a decade ago.

Here are some photographs from our edition which was published on Wednesday, November 6, 2013.

Do you remember these stories or spot any familiar faces?

1. A Barrhead beauty was on top of the world after being named the face of the globe. Fabulous Fern Maxwell flew all the way to Disneyland Paris to go head-to-head with 150 other competitors for the coveted crown. 

2. An East Renfrewshire teacher became the new World Karate Champion. Julie McGavigan, who worked at Eastwood High School, took gold in the KWF World Championships Kumite (fighting karate) in Denmark. 

3. Walking into the incredibly well-preserved remains of the Nazi’s most infamous death camp, four Barrhead teens showed their mental mettle and maturity, as they paid tribute to the one-and-a-half million victims of Auschwitz. Led by a guide over an eight-hour day, Ciara Morton and Sarah Robertson of Barrhead High School, and Holly McLaughlin and Baille Rossi of St Luke’s High School reflected in the sombre atmosphere of the former concentration camp turned museum and memorial, on a one day visit organised by the Lessons from Auschwitz Project.

4. Neilston Leisure Centre reopened after a £350,000 refurbishment. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion. Dozens of children also joined in a free fun swim session in the pool.

5. A Neilston Community Council spear-headed big tidy up saw dozens of residents from the village as well as Barrhead don their gloves to clean up Neilston’s act. Bulbs were planted and gardens were created in the centre of town as young and old alike got down to work.

6. More than 100 people helped Barrhead’s 1st Scout group raise nearly £1,000 to help support the group and its ongoing renovations to the scout hall in Auchenback.