Join us as we take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about what was happening 20 years ago in East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire.

We have delved into the Barrhead News and Gazette archives to pick out some stories.

Here are some photographs from our editions which were published on Wednesday, November 17, 2004.

Do you remember these stories or spot any familiar faces?

1. I kwon all these medals

(Image: Sourced) A young martial arts star went to the world championships to gain experience — and came back with three golds. Caroline Bethel was stunned when she scooped two individual golds, a team gold and a team bronze at the taekwondo championships in Dublin. The Park Mains High pupil faced opponents from as far afield as Hawaii and Vancouver, at the sport’s most prestigious event.

2. Pupils at Barsail get busy

Youngsters at Barsail Primary enjoyed an action packed autumn term. The kids from P4 to P7 worked on a wide range of topics and gave group and individual presentations on their subjects.

3. I adore running says record-breaking grandad

It had been 50 years since John Scott first found success on the running track — and he was still breaking records. By 2004, the 65-year-old grandad had been a member of Kilbarchan Athletic Club for four years and had a string of medals and trophies to show for his dedication. In September of that year he earned a silver medal in the British Masters Decathlon in Sheffield, while in the August he set a new record for the north east of England in the pentathlon event.

4. School head bows out after 21 years of service

(Image: Sourced) One of Barrhead’s most popular teaching figures celebrated more than 40 years in the profession at a special retirement function. St Luke’s High School deputy head John Cusack officially left after 21 years during the summer of 2004. His retirement was marked with a dinner dance in a city centre hotel in the November, attended by family, friends, former pupils, and colleagues from his years in education.

5. Monster in the school

(Image: Newsquest) There was an eight-legged monster on the loose in the playground of Neilston Primary but the kids were perfectly safe, because the octopus, shown above, was made from willow and had been in the school since the previous year. It was built thanks to the school grounds improvement group which some of the parents were involved with. 

6. Eastwood High School star call

Ex-Deacon Blue singer and River City actress Lorraine McIntosh, centre, paid a visit to Eastwood High to take part in the filming of a video for the British Stammering Association.