Fun times at Dundee’s Ardler Community Centre showcased in photos going back 50 years.

Take a trip down memory lane with archive images that capture some of the center’s most memorable moments since its inception in 1975. Gayle Ritchie.

The Ardler Community Centre in Dundee opened 50 years ago. And these photographs from the DC Thomson archives transport us back through the decades.

The facility, which stands in the shadow of the multis, was built as part of a larger redevelopment of the Ardler estate. The housing development first opened in the 1960s, with six 17-story multi-story blocks.

The Ardler Community Centre was created in 1975 with the goal of fostering a sense of community.

It was located in the heart of the development, on Turnberry Avenue, close to schools, a health centre, and a church.

Check out these old images to see if you recognise anyone.

Huge range of activities

Those who fancied getting a tan could strip off and jump into this state-of-the-art solarium when it opened at the centre in June 1981.

Otherwise, there was a huge range of activities for adults and children to get stuck into.

The centre hosted country and tap dance clubs, gala days, budget cookery classes, dressmaking, women’s discussion groups, jumble sales, computer sessions, playgroups and Christmas fayres and much more.

Am-dram fun

Exercise and woodwork classes, pantomime groups, Over 50s groups, and even a ‘Chatterbox Club’ for women were reported to be well-attended.

Meanwhile the spacious games hall could be hired out, and kids could enjoy the creche.

Woodwork class in action

A story in The Evening Telegraph on August 14, 1991, told of the centre’s “comprehensive” programme, and that it promised “an end to being bored and lonely”.

The article mentioned “opportunities for recreation, exercise, learning new things, and getting friendly advice on many topics, whatever age you happen to be”.

The place to be pampered

These gals look like they’re having a great time! They were having a hair appointment, being pampered and preened to the fullest extent possible.

Football fanatics

Thousands of young sports lovers have come through the centre’s doors for training and matches.

During Gala Week, the men seen above played football.

Bowling bonanza

People of various ages came to the facility, including these enthusiastic indoor carpet bowlers.

Meanwhile, the information desk in the lobby was a big help, with people stopping by to ask questions about DSS or housing benefit issues. And the coffee bar was where everyone went to hang out and talk.

Popular gala days

Everyone enjoys a gala day, and those held at Ardler Community Centre were always a hit.

It appears that families enjoyed a bright day for the giving in June 1978.

Halloween fun

Instead of bobbing for apples, these kids enjoyed trying to sink their teeth into treacle scones dangling from strings! It must have been a messy business.

Sporting success

Behold the faces of victory! These girls were part of the Dundee Wasps basketball team.

They had recently won the prized Scottish Golden Trophy, a significant accomplishment.

Visit from Green Cross Man

Actor David Prowse, best known as the Green Cross Man or Darth Vader in Star Wars, visited Dundee in June 1982 to speak to some of the city’s youth about road safety.

David, the key figure of the Department of Transport’s road safety campaign, visited Ardler Community Centre, Whitfield Primary School, and Douglas Primary School. He stands 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 19 stone.

Market days

Have you ever attended one of the centre’s unique market days?

There were stalls, raffles, tombolas, and other enjoyable activities. Of course, they were an excellent opportunity to meet up with friends and family.

Centre in its early days

In March 1976, the facility still had a new, gleaming air to it.

However, it appeared to be a dreary, frigid day when the photo above was shot.

Period costume

Forget Downton Abbey; these women look stunning in their elaborate period costume ensembles.

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com