Ex-pat takes a trip down memory lane

Jenny Foulds • Published 28 Jul 2009 09:00

Denny apprentice returns home after 50 years

IN the year of the Homecoming an ex-pat has made an emotional trip to the village where he spent his childhood.

Although Jim Brown left Renton for Canada more than 50 years ago, it still has a special place in his heart.

The 78-year-old, who now lives in White Rock, British Columbia, emigrated when he was in his early 20s.

His young family of a wife and two daughters joined him in 1956, a year after he left, and they soon welcomed another addition to the family in their new Canadian home.

But, on his trip home in May, the boy from Back Street noticed that the place he grew up in had made positive changes.

He told the Reporter: "Renton has changed a lot since I moved away and all for the better, with nice homes in the Cordale.

"One thing I did wonder, though, is where have all the stores gone?

"When I was in one of the few small stores in the Renton, I was surprised to learn all the information about Robert the Bruce and his connection with the village."

On his recent return trip, Jim was joined by Ann, who was born in Cardross, and their daughter Jacqueline, whose husband David Schmid also came over, for his first visit to Scotland.

Tweet

This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 28 Jul 09

Follow @dumbartonreport

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.