Delve into the past with a look through the columns of the East Lothian News and Musselburgh News
From our issue of August 1, 2008100 years agoON Sunday afternoon last, Wallyford and District Pipe Band held their first annual Highland games at Pinkie Grounds, kindly loaned by Sir Alexander Hope, Bart. The weather
conditions were miserable, rain pouring almost incessantly. The attendance on account of the rain was not so large as it otherwise might have been.
THE Musselburgh Town Council are determined that something shall be done to provide Musselburgh with an 18-hole golf course. The Links Committee saw that it was no use endeavouring to utilise the Goose Green for the extension. By crossing the river the Fisherrow Links can be utilised, and extra holes can be easily got there.
A GRAND aquatic gala is to be held at the West Pier, Fisherrow, under the auspices of Musselburgh Swimming Club and Humane Society. The programme is a good one, having no less than 12 events, with a grand comic sketch entitled "Ye Barber's Shop" by members of the Rosebery and Musselburgh clubs.
50 years agoEVERY year the sashing of the Honest Lad and Lass gains in importance in Musselburgh's Festival and the Mall was crowded long before the ceremony was due to begin. Mr William Caird, energetic president of the Honest Toun's Association, said they had never had a more able person to perform the slashing Ceremony than author Mr Nigel Tranter, described as a passionate outdoor man and the person responsible for badgering the government to recognise the need for a Forth road bridge.
FOR once the weather was kind for the Honest Toun Association's fancy dress parade. In the most original section, Isobel Black, dressed as a scarecrow, was awarded first prize. Tiny Sybil Spence, as the boy in Robertson's Jam, was awarded second prize and Janette Wilson, a tiny broken-down recruit appealing "Join the Army," was awarded third prize. In the best dressed section, Moira Bottomley, a tiny, fairy-like creature was the spirit of the HTA. Douglas Cruikson, a miniature Walter Raleigh, made the Elizabethan Age come alive.
25 years agoTHE Prestonpans Co-operative Society Ltd have reluctantly decided to discontinue their bakery van service. The Co-op explain the cost of operating the service has become so high it can no longer be justified. They said that, like many other societies, there was no option but to discontinue the service. The morning service for milk and rolls is not affected. The Co-op's action comes at a time when the Monday market at Castlepark Social Club's car park is increasing in popularity. Shopkeepers in the town are unlikely to be happy with its success.
WITH the closure of the Playhouse in North Berwick this month, not only will the district lose its last cinema but a chapter of the town's history will close. The present Playhouse, which was opened on July 7, 1938, was built where the old cinema had stood. Only the main walls of the old building were used, but within three months of its closure, the new building, complete for the first time with a balcony, was ready for the grand opening ceremony performed by Lady Colquhoun of Rossdhu.
10 years agoA PRESTONPANS couple are packing up their worldly goods and preparing to fly out to Uganda to devote their lives to caring for African orphans. In a month's time Bill and Barbara McDonald Wood will leave their rented flat in the High Street and fly out on a one-way ticket to Uganda. Barbara (45) and Bill (42) know they are taking a huge step in giving up their relatively comfortable lives in Scotland for a much more spartan existence in the African country, but feel fate has led them on such a path. Barbara determined to set up a project to care for African orphans after her six-year-old daughter Bridget died from a heart disorder.
MUSSELBURGH and Inveresk Community Council are appealing for anyone who may have found some lost ducklings after the annual Duck Race. Helped by heavy rain and high waters in the River Esk, a few of the little yellow plastic ducks escaped this year. This year's winner was Sylvia Stillie of Mountjoy Terrace; 2, Douglas Gifford of Market Street, Musselburgh.
Interested in local history? Find out more by contacting East Lothian Local History Centre and Scran, both of which hold fascinating records of life in East LothianFrom our issue of August 8, 2008100 years agoAT Portobello Police Court, Euphemia Brown, a fishwife, residing at 213 North High Street, Fisherrow, was charged with having contravened the Edinburgh Corporation Act of 1893 by selling mussels on the sea shore at Portobello, without having obtained authority from the Corporation of the City of Edinburgh. Mrs Brown said she was one of several fisher women who had been in the habit of going to Portobello beach to sell mussels. She had been going for nearly 40 years and had never been prevented until recently. After she had been refused authority, she was told by police to keep to the east of the pier, and she had been keeping to the east of the pier ever since. Mary Bonthron, 22 Cairds Row, said the police never told them not to sell mussels, but made them keep to the east of the pier. Helen Leitch, 152 New Street, stated that she had been selling mussels at Portobello for 25 years and had never been interfered with until recently. A fine of 1s (5p), with the alternative of one day's imprisonment, was imposed.
50 years agoAN example of how magistrates differ in their outlook on the seriousness of an offence was seen at the Burgh Courts at Dalkeith and Musselburgh recently. At the former, 12 bookmakers' agents appeared on street betting charges. All admitted a previous conviction. Each man was fined £1. At Musselburgh, two "bookies" appeared to face similar charges. One, with no previous convictions, was fined £5; the other, whose second appearance it was, was fined £7.
THE British Legion premises at 10 High Street, Musselburgh, were described at the official opening as "magnificent." The new premises were built on the long Rigg behind the old 18th century building in the High Street. Unfortunately, the site was much too narrow to accommodate a reasonable width of building, but the Trustees of Loretto School were kindly agreeable to make available part of their policies for the Legion so that the hall could be erected to reasonable dimensions. Immediately through the main entrance from the High Street, there is a courtyard.
25 years agoEAST Lothian this week received yet another industrial blow with the loss of 25 jobs at the North Berwick factory of Initial Workwear Services Ltd. Management referred all inquiries to their Bradford headquarters where Mr Bob Whitfield said the redundancies represented 40 per cent of the workforce. He explained the North Berwick factory dealt with the cleaning and repair of National Coal Board overalls for the entire Scottish area and the north-east of England. "The NCB is the biggest customer for that plant and we have lost the north-east contract," he said.
A TRANENT couple this week celebrated their golden wedding quietly in their home at 50 Muirpark Road. Willie and Janet Ross were married on August 9, 1933, by Rev J W Crofton. The wedding took place in the former Co-op tearooms in Church Street — now the Co-op supermarket. Willie, whose father George, a former Provost, gave his name to Ross High School, was born and educated in Tranent. His wife, Janet Wilson, was also born in Tranent.
10 years agoMEMBERS of the congregations at Pencaitland and Ormiston Parish Churches bade farewell to their minister, Rev Colin Donaldson, and his wife, Marion, last weekend. Mr Donaldson has retired after 16 years as minister of the linked charges at Pencaitland and Ormiston. At Pencaitland he was presented with a set of mugs by members of the Sunday School while, on behalf of the congregation, Mrs Janet Bassett presented two bicycles to Mr and Mrs Donaldson who are keen cyclists. He was also presented with an inscribed silver tray by the kirk session to commemorate his ministry at the church from 1982-1998. At Ormiston presentations were made by various groups including the local Brownies and Guides, the church guild, house group and Bible study group. Mr Donaldson was also presented with a cheque on behalf of the congregation.
WITH work on the new Musselburgh Tesco store well under way, the search is on for staff. General manager Peter Mushet needs to fill 236 jobs being created.
Interested in local history? Find out more by contacting East Lothian Local History Centre and Scran, both of which hold fascinating records of life in East LothianFrom our issue of August 15, 2008100 years agoA HEAVY fall of stone occurred in the workings of Carberry Old Pit of the Edinburgh Collieries Company Ltd near Musselburgh, as the result of which one man lost his life and another was severely injured. John Frew, a pit brusher, who resided at Campie Road, Musselburgh, was buried under the debris and killed outright, while a mate named Hugh Sutherland, residing at Old Craighall, was very badly crushed. Frew leaves a widow and a large family of young children.
AT a meeting of representatives of Mid and East Lothian mineworkers, the miners' agent reported upon two cases of wages rates where complaints had lately been made of dissatisfaction. At Cockum Colliery, Ormiston, the general manager had readily considered the matter and while not being able to concede a higher rate of wages in the section of the pit concerned, he had arranged for the transfer of the miners involved to another part of the colliery.
50 years agoREPRESENTATIVES from almost every section of the Fisherrow community gathered at Inveresk Churchyard to pay their last respects to a well-loved fisherman of Fisherrow, Andrew Fairnie, 13 New Street. Andrew was born and bred in Fisherrow, and had been a fisherman for nearly all his life, except for the time he served in the Royal Navy in the First and Second World Wars. He sailed with Mr Walter Fairnie, who owns the fishing boat, Stardust.
A FROGMAN had to be rescued and artificial respiration applied after his breathing apparatus failed during a display at the swimming gala at North Berwick. The display was being provided by frogmen from HMS Claverhouse.
AT Musselburgh Dean of Guild Court, warrant was granted to Mr A G Denholm to erect a storage building on ground at "Spring Gardens," 206 New Street. Mr A M Todd was granted a warrant to erect a deep-litter poultry house at Pinkie Mains Farm. Cost was given as £1648.
25 years agoPLANS for a pool and billiards club at 198 High Street, Prestonpans, have been snookered by East Lothian District Council planning committee. Mr John Fitzpatrick wanted permission to change the use of the single storey shop on the north side of High Street into a club for junior pool and billiard enthusiasts. Members heard the proposal attracted a petition with 25 signatures and five letters of objection.
A NEW proposal for the erection of 12 flats at Springfield, Cromwell Road, North Berwick, has been given the go-ahead. The development was welcomed by local member Councillor John Macnair who said it was nice to see that this derelict area was being taken over.
INSANITARY conditions, reduced playing field area, and toilets in need of repair are among complaints about Seton Sands Holiday Village included in a letter to Councillor Pat O'Brien from 81 caravan owners on the site. The planning committee agreed on enforcement action.
10 years agoPLANS to re-develop the Nungate area in Haddington at a cost of £450,000 are now well under way. The first stage of the project will start in October and will include the reinstatement of private gardens in Priory Walk, a new toddler play area at the junction of Lammermuir Crescent and Priory Walk landscaping, minor road safety measures in Lennox Road and a teenage play area at Tynebank with facilities for five-a-side football, in-line skating and netball. A road and pavement upgrading scheme at Lynn Lea Avenue started this week.
THE Open Golf Championship brought joy to East Lothian with a stunning performance from Prestonpans golfer Raymond Russell. The Longniddry Golf Club member grabbed a share of the glory after finishing fourth equal at Royal Birkdale alongside teenage English sensation Justin Rose. Apart from netting him a cheque for £76,666m Raymond's performance was especially sweet as it marked his return to form after battling against Hepatitis A, which he contracted in Thailand earlier this year.
Interested in local history? Find out more by contacting East Lothian Local History Centre and Scran, both of which hold fascinating records of life in East LothianFrom our issue of August 22, 2008100 years agoUPWARDS of 1200 townspeople, accompanied by the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Prize Band, left Musselburgh with the town's trip to Carlisle. The start was made shortly after 6am and two trains were required to accommodate the excursionists. The train arrived in Carlisle about 10 o'clock, and at noon a procession was formed at the Victoria Hotel, from whence, proceeded by the band, they marched to the Bitts Public Park, where dancing was engaged in till about 2pm. Meanwhile, the excursion under the auspices of Musselburgh and Fisherrow Co-operative Society to Perth was a great success. The good weather seemed to be general and the party, which numbered 700, enjoyed the day's outing immensely. Such sights as Kinnoull Hill and Scone Palace were visited. The Musselburgh and District Band also had an excursion, journeying by special train to Peebles. The excursionists, to the number of about 600, left Musselburgh about 8.30am, and reached their destination about 10 o'clock.
50 years agoMR W J Leslie set off from Musselburgh with his wife on a pilgrimage to Ypres. Mr Leslie is one of the famous "Old Contemptibles" and served in the Royal Scots Fusiliers in "the contemptible little army" in the First World War. The tour will take the party to Knocke via Bruges. Mr and Mrs Leslie will set out on the return journey home to 20 Goose Green Avenue, Musselburgh.
IT will be necessary to close the Old Roman Bridge completely during some of the time the reconstruction work is being carried out. The question which members of Musselburgh's Streets and Lighting Committee considered was whether it would be worth spending £150 on the construction of a temporary footway for the remainder of the time. It is one of the busiest bridges in the burgh, as it is most convenient for those working in the mills and those using the railway station. A complete reconstruction of the bridge will cost approximately £6,000 but it is hoped that the Ministry of Works will contribute £2,000.
25 years agoCOMPLAINTS about noise and fumes from Baxter's haulage yard in Tranent have been resolved in a way no one wanted, East Lothian District Council's environmental health committee heard. For the firm has collapsed with the loss of more than 120 jobs. Mr Bruce Cunningham, Director of Environmental Health, said Baxter's had been making full efforts to comply with council officials' instructions.
GLEN Golf Club, North Berwick, is "probably one of the most successful clubs in Scotland as far as increasing tourism is concerned." This opinion was expressed by Mr Patrick Mellor, director of leisure, recreation and tourism. The committee were considering the club's request for a grant towards the cost of improving the kitchens and toilets.
ALMOST 11,000 householders in the district are now having their refuse collected once a week in a new sack scheme and more areas will follow suit, the environmental health committee heard.
10 years agoONE of Scotland's first housing partnership companies has been launched in East Lothian. The Homes for Life Housing Partnership, based in Haddington, has been set up to build new homes for affordable rents and low cost home ownership in the district. The company's first developments are planned to start later this year in several towns and villages, including Haddington, Cockenzie, Prestonpans and Dunbar.
MEMBERS of North Berwick Community Council have expressed concern about plans for major internal alterations at St Andrew Blackadder Church in the High Street. Elma Danks said she was concerned the work would be carried out at the expense of other groups such as the planned day care centre for the elderly.
EAST Lothian Council Library Service has appointed a new writer in residence to succeed Dilys Rose. The new post holder is Brian Whittingham, poetry editor of West Coast Magazine.
Interested in local history? Find out more by contacting East Lothian Local History Centre and Scran, both of which hold fascinating records of life in East LothianFrom our issue of August 29, 2008100 years agoBETWEEN five and six o'clock on Thursday, a miner, about thirty years of age, named Robert Gilmour, 36 Market Street, Musselburgh, met his death by drowning at Morrisonhaven Habour. Gilmour was employed at Prestongrange Pit, and going to his work in the afternoon got a "walk-over," his shift being idle. Thereafter he went for a bathe and took cramp. The body of the deceased was recovered and removed to Prestonpans mortuary, where it was identified.
MR and Mrs Wilkie, 71 Pinkie Road, Musselburgh, celebrated their golden wedding last Thursday. They were married in Canongate Parish Church, Edinburgh, on 20th August, 1858, by the Rev A R Bonnor. At the celebration of their golden wedding there were seven of the family surviving and eighteen grandchildren, and the aged couple received many congratulations.
50 years agoA GENEROUS Musselburgh donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave 33 boys from the Red House Home, Musselburgh, the thrill of their young lives when they were taken to Chipperfield's Circus. When they arrived at the circus, each boy was given a bag of sweets and, at the interval, all the boys were supplied with ice-cream. The boys were not long back from their three-week camp at Thornton Loch, near Dunbar, when they received their invitation to the circus. At Thornton Loch they had a lot of fun, including a bus trip to Eyemouth. On their second Saturday at camp, the boys received a visit from St Ninian's Youth Fellowship, followed by a visit from the High Church Youth Fellowship.
FORMER Musselburgh Athletic centre forward Robert Kelly played for Aberdeen against Hibs on Wednesday night at Easter Road. Bob was with three years with the Athletic and played in various positions. In the game Bob (20) scored Aberdeen's second goal in their 4-2 defeat.
25 years agoJUST under 200 locals congregated at Haddington's Knox Academy to bid farewell to a man who for the past 32 years has "shown medicine with a very human face." Young and old turned out for the retiral of Dr James McLean and to present him with a farewell gift. Mr McLean, the son of a local doctor, was born on August 8, 1922. He was educated at Knox Academy and Melville College, Edinburgh, before studying medicine at Edinburgh University. During the war he spent much time in the Middle East with the RAF. Dr Agnes Durie presented Dr McLean with a radar set for his boat, Iasgair.
THEY'VE done it — Prestonpans Community FM have reached their target of £1,200 to buy a Batricar for 20-year-old Yvonne Robertson of Polwarth Terrace. In fact, the club has done better than expected. At the moment the amount raised stands at £1,372.88 with more money still to come in from a sponsored walk. Yvonne will be presented with her Batricar at a buffet in Tranent Juniors Social Club by Dr W Gracie of Prestonpans Health Centre.
10 years agoWHITECRAIG Primary School celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school's opening with the unveiling of a commemorative patchwork quilt by Councillor Maureen Talac. The unusual idea was the brainchild of head teacher Mrs Sheena Richardson who saw it as something that all the children could participate in, each making a patch of the quilt. Former teachers and past pupils attended the ceremony and reminisced with children about their old schooldays.
MOVES are afoot to form a trust to secure the future of Dunbar harbour. A group consisting of local fishermen, boat owners and residents has been formed to take the trust plans forward. East Lothian Council, which inherited the harbour from Lothian Regional Council at the time of local government reorganisation, is unable to finance work necessary to bring the harbour up to standard, and has been exploring the possibility of attracting private investment. However, harbour users are keen to have a say in the area's future.
Interested in local history? Find out more by contacting East Lothian Local History Centre and Scran, both of which hold fascinating records of life in East Lothian
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