IN the First World War, the Nobel factory was put on to a war footing and under the watchful eye of the supervisors, like the lady on the left, these ladies produced the shells and fuses needed to arm the soldiers fighting in Europe. Many became ill as a result of the chemicals being used and some found that their skins turned yellow. Many were proud to be affectionately nicknamed "canaries."

50 years ago

THE BO'NESS Darts League came to a conclusion mid-week, and saw the boys from the Station Hotel finishing with 41 points, a point above Kinneil Bar.

BATHGATE Thistle outplayed Linlithgow Rose at the weekend, and cruised to an easy 5-1 win at Cemetery Park, Bathgate. First half goals came from Wallace, with a 25 yard screamer and White, who converted Agnew's pinpoint cross. After the break the ball found it's way into Rose's net yet again, with Wallace safely tucking it away after a goalmouth scramble. Even after Rose
converted a penalty, the visitors couldn't hold Nichol back from scoring another two.

A NEW, innovative water boiler, powered by oil was on display at Falkirk Ice Rink. The boiler gives out piping hot water, enough to fill a bath every twenty minutes, and costs an unbelievable £75.

FALKIRK Ice Rink saw more action this week, when the 1958 annual Scottish Homes exhibition was held there. The people of West Lothian could view cutting-edge interior design by some of Scotland's top designers, and look at new appliances

25 years ago

BO'NESS United reached the final of the Scottish Junior Cup. Bo'ness travelled to Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, to face tough opposition in the form of Auchinleck Talbot. Two wonder-saves by keeper Gavin Kirkwood, one from off the line and then another from a 25 yard blast, made sure Bo'ness United went in at the break level with Auchinleck. It proved to be supersub midfeilder Frank Wilson who managed to squeeze the ball into Talbot's net, and sent Bo'ness United to Ibrox for the final.

FALKIRK District's first annual Spring-time Rabbit Show is to be held in Glebe Park, Bo'ness. Council official Leslie Pryde said: "We chose Bo'ness because of it's good parking facilities and the town hall is nice and light".

LINLITHGOW Primary School held an auction this week in the hope of raising money for the school. The event saw some literally priceless items go under the hammer. The pupils hoped to raise enough money for a state of the art Acorn Computer.

BO'NESSIAN Mrs Margaret Mulholland gave her 50th pint of blood to the Blood Transfusion Service this week, and received a card of thanks from the Service.