Delve into the past with a look through the columns of the East Lothian News and Musselburgh News
From our issue of February 1, 2008100 years agoON Sunday morning last it was discovered that Sweethope House, Inveresk, had been broken into during the night. The house, which is occupied by Mr J W Scarlett, JP, mark
et gardener, was entered by the drawing-room window, and in order to get the window raised the burglars had broken a hole in the glass and pushed back the snib. Several of the rooms were ransacked and a quantity of silver plate and a small sum of money were stolen. Early on Tuesday morning detectives arrested five men connected with the burglary in Edinburgh. Practically all the stolen property was recovered, including five silver teaspoons, two silver jelly spoons and one pair of silver sugar tongs.
INVERESK Mills Burns Club held their annual supper in the Links Cafe, Musselburgh, when about 40 sat down to an excellent repast. The Immortal Memory was proposed by Mr Wm Dunn, who spoke in an eloquent manner of Burns as a poet, and gave a brief sketch of his career. The evening terminated with Auld Lang Syne.
50 years agoBRITISH Railways will introduce a new service of diesel railcars on the suburban routes of Edinburgh. These diesel cars will run between Corstorphine, Waverley and North Berwick and then a new service will be introduced between Waverley, Peebles and Galashiels. As soon as possible it is hoped to provide this type of service on the Musselburgh-Waverley route. One of the new trains was taken on a demonstration run between Waverley and Drem. The twin car diesel comprises a double-engined railcar and a trailer, and seats 118 passengers — 52 second class passengers in the railcar and 54 second and 12 first class passengers in the trailer. The coaches are heated by means of an oil-fired heater situated outside the coaches and thus eliminating fumes inside.
DR F N Woodward, director of the Arthur D Little Research Institute in Inveresk, told Edinburgh City Business Club, of the work of the institute, which has a staff of 25. At present they are investigating sugar chemistry, wood chemistry, an aspect of plastics and corrosion.
25 years ago THE Lothian Regional Council "road show" arrived in Haddington — and straight into a blooming row. For the large floral display arranged by district council officials was slammed as being "totally unwarranted." District convener Tom Wilson criticised his officials for staging such a large display at the entrance to Haddington Town House. "I am sure they acted in good faith but this display is totally unwarranted. It is a costly business and I would not like to see it happening again."
THE proposed group of "Friends of North Berwick Museum" has already at least one willing member — community councillor Frank White. Community council chairman Mrs Ruth Tweedie suggested ways in such a group could help the museum management committee. Mr White, an architect and artist, said his thesis was about museums and art galleries and he would be pleased to offer his help with the lighting, graphics and design of displays. Mr Albert Brown said: "This is the first Friend of the Museum right away."
10 years agoRARE plants have been found at North Berwick Law, much to the delight of local wildlife enthusiasts. During a recording trip to the Law by the Lothian Wildlife Information Centre, David Chamberlain rediscovered Porella Obtusata, a livewort not seen at the site for 20 years. This species is declining in eastern Scotland so the find was especially gratifying. Also found on the Law was the grey-green strap-like lichen, Ramalina polymorpha, a species not previously known from the Lothians.
A NEW housing partnership aims to build 500 new homes for rent in East Lothian over the next five years. East Lothian Council has decided how it is going to spend £186,000 awarded by the Scottish Office to start new housing partnerships. Head of housing Tom Heaney reported that £97,000 would be spent on the establishment of a new housing partnership development company, while £45,000 would be provided in grant aid to the Scottish War Veterans Housing Association to improve 17 properties at Kitchener Crescent, Longniddry.
From our issue of February 8, 2008100 years agoTHE usual monthly meeting of Inveresk Parish Council was held in the Council Chambers, Bridge Street,Musselburgh, Ex-Bailie John Anderson presiding. Before commencing business, the chairman referred to the death of their colleague, Bailie Bisset, and to the loss the council had sustained through his decease. Suitable reference was made to the services rendered by the late Bailie during the years he had served on the Parish Council.
AT Musselburgh School Board, the Compulsory Officer submitted his report on the attendance at the various schools under the Board during the month, which showed that there was a great deal of sickness among the pupils, and as a consequence the attendance was not very good. Among the infants in the several schools there was an average of 27 per cent absentees. Meanwhile, the Clerk intimated that the plans for the alterations to be executed at Fisherrow Public School had been sent away about 10 days ago to the Department.
50 years agoSEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Sylvia Edwards eloped with her boyfriend, 21-year-old Roy Taylor, when her father, an officer in the Metropolitan Police, refused permission to marry. On Wednesday afternoon, Sylvia, a clerkess from Horley, Surrey, was married to Roy, an electronics engineer, by Rev A D MacLeod in Millhill Church, Musselburgh. The young couple wished to marry in a church and as they wandered round Musselburgh their choice fell on Millhill Church. The congregation fully co-operated with this young couple. The tall schoolboy son of the minister, George McLeod, acted as best man and two girls from Millhill Youth Fellowship acted as bridesmaids. Roy's mother attended the wedding. The newlyweds drove off, pelted with confetti, to a small reception in Maitland Avenue, where they have been staying for the past 15 days, in order to fulfil the residential qualifications. Rev MacLeod had not the slightest hesitation in performing the marriage ceremony. "After all she is nearly 18 and old enough to know her own mind," said the minister.
25 years agoTYNEPARK List D School in Haddington will close within the next six months, Mr George Younger announced in Parliament. Staff and pupils at the Church of Scotland school have had their future in the balance for almost two years since the first threat of cutbacks in List D schools was made. Only last month Mr Alan Dunton, head teacher, said his staff would continue to fight for survival.
THERE was a break-in at the Gullane home of comedian Ronnie Corbett. Police said that a portable black and white television and a video tape recorder had been taken.
THE congregational board of Prestongrange Church, Prestonpans, have announced their intention to convert the former Grange Church into a church hall. The former Grange Church Hall has already been sold to the Salvation Army and the conversion of Grange Church will depend on the sale of the former Preston Church Hall. Preston and Grange churches united in 1981.
10 years agoZEBRAS are about to make a re- appearance on the streets of East Lothian — zebra crossings, that is. East Lothian Council's environment committee gave the go-ahead for zebra crossings to be introduced at three initial locations in the district. A publicity campaign is also to be launched to educate people how to use the crossings, which have not been used in the Lothians for some years. Zebra crossings will initially be located at three sites — Links Road, Port Seton; Haddington Road, Tranent; and Main Street, Gullane.
A GROUP of seven pupils from Knox Academy in Haddington have been awarded places in the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra. Gordon Richerby (trumpet), Helen East, Stephen Ramage and Lorna Richerby (violins), Niall O'Gallagher (viola), Alex Cox and Paul Kirkby (cellos) were selected to take part in the orchestra's 35th orchestral course during the Easter holidays. Two former Knox pupils, Oliver Cox (percussion) and Jonathan Kirby (violins) have been members of the orchestra in previous years.
From our issue of February 15, 2008100 years agoA MEETING of Inveresk Poorhouse Board was held, Colonel Cadell VC, chairman, presiding over a good attendance. The Governor reported that the number of inmates at the poorhouse at the beginning of January was 82. During the month 74 had been admitted, 64 discharged and six had died, leaving the number of inmates at this date at 86 — 55 males, 30 females and one girl. The reports by the visiting members were read and considered very satisfactory. There were no complaints, and the premises were kept in a thoroughly tidy and clean condition. It was intimated that there were three vacancies in the lunacy wards. Accounts for £757 5s 7d were passed for payment.
A REPORT was submitted to Musselburgh Town Council on the insufficiency of the electric light on the principal streets of the burgh. It was pointed out that the fault was not due to any weakness of the electric current, but to the lamps, and that the lighting was always worst in wet weather. The matter was remitted to the Lighting Committee.
50 years agoPROVOST James Lannan opened Musselburgh Town Council meeting with a tribute to the late Willie Paterson. Mr Paterson, who died last week in Aberlady, was well known to all Musselburgh folk. Willie acted as Burgh Chamberlain of Musselburgh for 25 years, a magnificent record of service to the town. "He was one of nature's gentlemen," said Provost Lannan, and requested the councillors, officials and members of the public to stand in silence for two minutes in respect to his memory.
A PUBLIC protest meeting organised by Musselburgh Labour Party and local trade unions against the proposed rent increases suggested by the Scottish Special Housing Association attracted only 28 people to the Town Hall on Sunday. Councillor T White, president of the local Labour Party, deplored the poor attendance, but took comfort from the fact that prevailing Arctic conditions were probably responsible. The SSHA proposes to increase the rents of 123 three-apartment houses from £14 7s 3d to £33, more than double the present rent.
25 years agoTHE most exciting thing that has happened in Tranent since they won the Scottish Cup in 1934 — that is how Tranent Community Centre was described by the chairman of East Lothian District Council, Councillor Tom Wilson. Mr Ian Campbell, director of architectural services, presented his department's report on the centre, which will cost £670,000 to build. Besides the main hall, the centre will have two squash courts, clubrooms, trampoline hall, exhibition area and changing rooms. In the coming year it is proposed to start work on the four major elements of the scheme — traffic circulation improvements, a town park, sheltered housing and a community centre and car parking facilities.
THE use of Kirklands, 16 St Margaret's Road, North Berwick, as a retirement home has been granted planning permission, as long as it continues to be run by Mrs F Armitage. Planning committee members heard the ground floor of the house is already used as a retirement home for four people, and has been for some years.
10 years agoPUPILS at Tranent's Ross High School are set to present a smart new image to the world with the forthcoming introduction of a dress code. Head teacher Dr Colin Lamont said the school was "delighted" with the response to its survey on the proposed dress code, with more than 550 returns from parents of present Ross High pupils and almost 100 from parents of P7 pupils at the various feeder primaries.
TWO Longniddry Scouts have received a major boost to their hopes of attending the 19th World Scout Jamboree in Chile later this year. Daryl Johnston and Andrew Durie, who are members of the 1st Longniddry Scout Group, have been chosen to represent their troop and East Lothian at the jamboree in Chile in November. However, they first have to raise almost £3000 each to pay for their trip. A boost to their fund-raising efforts came in the form of a £500 donation from Pearl Assurance after assistant Scout leader Allen Paul, an agent at Pearl's Edinburgh office, applied to the employee community support programme.
From our issue of February 22, 2008100 years agoRUMOURS have been abound these past few weeks that the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Trades Prize Band has been in a state of disorganisation. We regret to state that these rumours were only too true, but at the same time it is pleasing to note that the present difficulties will soon be overcome. As far as we understand the position has been created by a desire of the majority of band, its committee and many supporters, to endeavour to regain their former position in the musical world as a first class band. In order to enable them to do so it was considered necessary to change the instructor who has been in charge of the band for the long period of ten years. This has not been done without careful consideration and with many regrets, we have no doubt, on both sides, but the band, being a public institution of the town and dependent upon public support, has for this reason been found necessary to take up such a position, for the interests of the public must always be the first and foremost consideration.
50 years agoMUSSELBURGH Town Council have agreed that certain applications for relief of rates on the grounds of poverty should be granted. Each applicant will be charged one half of the rates due, and total relief will amount to £918 17s 9d. "These people must be among the very poorest in Musselburgh," said Councillor Wright, "and yet they are still called upon to pay half the rates." He said that these poor people had been asked to pay 5s 8d towards housing "to help subsidise council house tenants" who, he claimed, were ten times better off.
PARKS Superintendent Mr J Malcolm suggested that Fisherrow Bowling Greens should open for the season on Saturday April 26 or Saturday May 3. Parks convener Councillor T White said that in the past a "strawberry" game had been played by councillors against some of the best bowlers who played on the municipal greens — a "strawberry" game because the Provost usually provided strawberries and refreshments. Tennis courts and putting greens at Lewisvale Park will open on April 19.
25 years agoAN East Lothian minister has warned his congregation that he may leave unless more of them give realistic amounts to support the church. In his annual report, Rev Laurence Twaddle of Belhaven Parish Church says that if people are not prepared to pay enough to maintain a full-time ministry he will take that as a sign that he should leave. He presents the economic facts of the church's life in three sets of figures. Through deeds of covenant, 29 people account for 26 per cent of the church's annual income. Around another 100 account for another 67 per cent of the church's income. The remaining seven per cent of the church's income comes from the other 700 — in real terms about 1p a week. "As a result," he says, "the church cannot expect to meet its running costs."
FORMER Ross High pupil Tom Smith will play for Scotland in the Calcutta Cup clash with England at Twickenham. Tom, 6ft 7in and 18 stone, first became interested in sport when he attended Macmerry Primary School.
10 years agoCOMMUNITY councillors in Cockenzie and Port Seton have expressed concern over road safety hazards in the area. The community council has previously expressed fears about the dangers to pedestrians, especially young children, from speeding motorists in Alder Road and South Seton Park. Members felt South Seton Park was particularly dangerous because it was used by many children coming and going to and from school and the community centre.
A YOUTH cafe, aimed at giving teenagers in Dunbar somewhere to meet, opened for the first time on Saturday. Youth leaders concerned about the number of young people hanging about the town centre have been out and about on the streets talking to teenagers to gauge what facilities they want. The youth cafe will be held at Countess Youth and Community Centre.
THERE will be a break with tradition this year at the crowning of the 1998 Prestonpans Gala Queen, with an Honourable Gentleman instead of a Gracious Lady.
From our issue of February 29, 2008100 years agoA MASS meeting of the miners employed at Wallyford and Carberry Pits of the Edinburgh Colliery Compansuy was held in McDonald's Hall, Musselburgh. It was held under the auspices of the Mid and East Lothian Miners' Federation for the purpose of passing a resolution to force miners outwith the union to join its ranks. There were about 200 men present. For some years back a large number of non-union men have been employed at Wallyford and Carberry, and naturally there has been considerable dissatisfaction among the union men, who have done their utmost to persuade the "blacklegs" to join the union. On the motion of Mr Geo Watson, the meeting unanimously approved a resolution to the effect that unless non-union men employed at Wallyford and Carberry Pits immediately joined the union, ways and means would be taken to have them removed from the pits. Between the two pits there are over a thousand men employed. Management are in sympathy with the union men.
50 years agoIN a crowded hall at Musselburgh Community Centre, Mr William Caird presented a cheque for £600 to Dr Petrie, medical superintendent at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, on behalf of the Cancer Campaign. Provost James Lannan, representing the people of Musselburgh, emphasised that this ceremony was one which would give the citizens of the burgh the greatest possible pleasure. He believed that Musselburgh would be well on the way to holding the record in Scotland with their contribution of £600, which meant that 8½d per head of population had been contributed towards the Cancer Campaign. Dr Petrie said: "Cancer of the lung is very closely associated with cigarette smoking, and we could do a great deal to defeat this disease either by stopping smoking altogether or by substituting a pipe for cigarettes, and by ensuring that we discourage those who have not yet started smoking. I accept this cheque with gratitude on behalf of the British Empire Cancer Campaign." Mr Caird gave votes of thanks to the many people who were helping to make the social evening go with a swing.
25 years agoA HADDINGTON man was this week given permission by East Lothian District Council's planning and development committee to build a cattery for 20 animals at his home. Mr Robert Hogg, 2 Letham Mains Holdings, Haddington, who already owns dog kennels, wants to site the new building between the kennels and the west boundary of his smallholding. Objections were received by three residents in the area who were concerned a boarding cattery could devalue nearby property.
A MEETING is expected to be held on site next week to discuss the building of the day centre for the handicapped next to Prestonpans Community Centre. Regional Councillor Jimmy Nisbet reported he was confident work would start shortly on the project following the decision of the social work committee to approve the scheme. Councillor Nisbet also said the education committee would ratify plans to upgrade part of the Red School for use by community education.
10 years agoPRESTONPANS Nursery has been given top marks in a report by HM Inspector of Schools. The report praised the nursery's many strengths, including the hard-working staff, and the "warm, caring and friendly environment" of the nursery itself. Praise was also directed at the broad, well-resourced curriculum, with good provision for children to choose activities and the "very good" provision for the children's personal, social and emotional development, and for play.
PLANS to close off Tranent High Street for a festive market were mooted by the local community council. Community council chairman Peter Swain suggested they could host a festive street market, inviting local groups and organisations to take a stall.
A 'BUG Busting Week' will be held at Haddington Infant School in a bid to stamp out head lice. In a recent school newsletter, head teacher Lorna MacLeod said the problem was a concern and the school nurse had been asked to join forces with staff to deal with the issue.
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