Delve into the past with a look through the columns of the East Lothian News and Musselburgh News
From our issue of May 2, 2008100 years agoTHE opening of the chapel in connection with St Anne's House, Windsor Gardens, Musselburgh, took place. Archbishop Smith, who was to have been present, was unfortunately unab
le to attend. The opening was signalised by High Mass celebrated by Rev Father McGettigan, Musselburgh, assisted by Rev Fathers Long and Green as Deacon and Sub-Deacon respectively, from the Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh.
ON Tuesday afternoon, while some boys were amusing themselves on the beach to the west of Fisherrow, they found the body of a newly-born male child, lying on the beach. It was wrapped in a piece of black cloth, apparently part of a woman's skirt. The police were at once apprised of the fact, and the body was removed to the mortuary.
A SPECIAL meeting of Musselburgh Town Council was held with the Electric Company in connection with the unsatisfactory lighting.
50 years agoTHE Rev Miss Jean Robson held a unique position in Musselburgh, said Mrs A K Brown, at a meeting of the Old People's Handcrafts Class, as she was the only woman minister in the town. "I often feel that there are not enough women ministers around," said Mrs Brown, "as women can confide in another woman, where they would not confide in a man." Miss Robson, minister of the Congregational Church, confessed that she had, for some time, been curious to meet the members of the class.
THE Edinburgh District of the Ancient Order of Foresters held their half-yearly meeting in Musselburgh. Provost James Lannan, said that one of the loveliest names was 'Pride of the Esk.' This was a most appropriate name, and Musselburgh people had every reason to feel proud of their burgh. The Order was a mutual fellowship for the purpose of promoting thrift and benevolence, and securing financial assistance in times of sickness and distress. Court 'Pride of the Esk' was the second oldest instituted body in Musselburgh.
25 years agoTHE final meeting of the executive committee of Berwick and East Lothian Constituency Labour Party was held in Tranent. The constituency, which will be split up whenever the present Parliament is dissolved, will be replaced by the new East Lothian constituency and part of two Borders seats. Mr John Home Robertson recalled the history of the constituency which started in 1918. "Robert Spence was our first Labour MP in 1923. His maiden speech in Parliament on February 26, 1924, was about the Poor Law in Scotland after four years of Tory rule. His career was cut short after only one year and George Sinkinson's victory in 1929 was equally shortlived." Mr Home Robertson said when John Mackintosh won in 1966 he helped to make it possible to hold it almost continuously up to the present date.
EAST Linton Traders' Association are putting up a trophy for the winner of this year's Traprain Law Race. The race, to be held as part of the village's gala day, promises to be bigger and better than last year's inaugural event when 60 took part.
10 years agoTHE new extensions to North Berwick High School have been officially opened by East Lothian MP John Home Robertson. The work, which took two years to complete at a cost of £4.5 million, has resulted in an increase of more than 40 per cent of the original main building floor area. The new buildings include five science laboratories, two music classrooms, a recording studio, three practice rooms and two instrument rooms. Five new classrooms have been built for social science subjects, five new modern languages classrooms and four business studies classrooms as well as a new library and resources centre.
A TRUST was launched in Dunbar to purchase the birthplace of the town's famous son, John Muir, and transform it into an interpretation centre telling the story of his life. The John Muir Birthplace Trust has been formed by Dunbar's John Muir Association, the town community council, East Lothian Council, and John Muir Trust. It hopes to raise £90,000 to buy the property owned by photographer Stefany Hawryluk.
From our issue of May 9, 2008100 years agoAT Inveresk School Board, members discussed the water supply for Wallyford, Crookston and Cowpits schools. Mr Scarlett said the water supply at Inveresk was to be increased. A new six inch pipe was presently being laid from Musselburgh, and the work was partially accomplished. The people of Cowpits were to get the benefit of the additional supply, and he thought they ought to ask the Parish Council to give them a supply for the Cowpits school. The water for Crookston school was carted from Musselburgh, and the cost for carting was about 3s (15p) for 60 gallons, and it would also be a great matter if anything could be done to extend the supply to Crookston. Mr Young asked: "What's the good of taking the water to Wallyford. It would be nonsense." He questioned if the children used the water at the school at present. Mr Murray brought up the question of the filthy and unhealthy condition of the closets at Wallyford. In his opinion, the Board ought to see that their own premises were in a sanitary condition.
50 years agoSTRIPPERS at Carberry Colliery staged a lightning strike last Tuesday as a result of a dispute concerning loss of wages due to a mechanical breakdown. The local branch of the NUM persuaded the strikers to resume work on Wednesday morning. When, however, they turned up for work they discovered that two men had worked on the day of the strike. They therefore decided to cease work until the two men were sacked. At a meeting held on Wednesday afternoon, the miners agreed to accept the advice of the local NUM officials, and return to work on Thursday. The NUM delegate explained that the two men who had been working could not possibly be sacked as they had been carrying out union policy. When the strippers turned up for work on Thursday, the oncost workers decided to "pay them back in their own coin" by making the colliery idle for the remainder of the week.
MUSSELBURGH Labour Party were cock-a-hoop after Robert Arthur andJames K Arthur helped them gain two seats on the Town Council.
25 years agoTHE four main political parties this week launched their General Election campaigns for the new Parliamentary constituency of East Lothian. The candidates are Michael Fry (Conservative), Dr Michael Kibby (SDP/Liberal Alliance), Roger Knox (SNP) and John Home Robertson (Labour).
VANDALS caused about £35,000 worth of damage when they knocked over and smashed 66 headstones in St Mary's Parish Churchyard, Haddington, early on Sunday. Churchyard foreman Mr Gordon Pryde, who lives in the churchyard lodge, woke on Sunday morning to see large stones strewn across the grass. Some of the stones are beyond repair.
IT took Prestonpans minister Rev Colin Morton just eight minutes to complete a Times crossword puzzle on Sunday. And that was time enough for him to be declared the outright winner of the Scottish regional finals of the Collins Dictionaries/Times Crossword Championship in Glasgow. Mr Morton won an engraved glass goblet.
10 years agoTHIS year's Musselburgh Honest Lad is Steven Bestford and the Honest Lass is Leigh Williams. Bill Elgin, president of the Honest Toun's Association, and Councillor Norman Murray, leader of East Lothian Council, declared the results first of all to the candidates before making the announcement to the patient public outside the Brunton Hall.
TWO East Lothian beaches are the only ones in Scotland to be included in a prestigious Good Beach guide. Thorntonloch and White Sands Bay, near Dunbar, are among 125 beaches throughout the UK that are featured in this year's Reader's Digest Good Beach Guide.
VALERIE Beattie, a sixth year pupil at North Berwick High School, has become the first local participant in the John Muir Award Scheme to complete all three stages of the award. Valerie completed her Discovery Award on the Isle of Hoy, Orkney, her Conserver Award in Costa Rica, and Explorer Award in East Lothian.
From our issue of May 16, 2008100 years agoMUSSELBURGH Town Council agreed to delay proceeding against Lasswade District Committee of Midlothian County Council to compel an abolition of the Ravenshaugh Burn pollution, which had been complained of for years, as the Earl of Wemyss had put the question of the sewage from Wallyford village — the main cause of the nuisance — into the hands of a Glasgow sanitary engineer. It was, however, decided to insist on the Earl of Wemyss forthwith redding up the burn where it flowed within the burgh boundaries.
LAST night the local rivals, the Musselburgh Heatherbell and Musselburgh Union, met at Mall Park in the semi final of the Cockburn and Turnbull Cup. Such a gathering was never witnessed at a football match in Musselburgh before, and it was reckoned there would be over 3,000 spectators present. The teams received a great ovation of cheers. The game resulted in a draw — no scoring.
50 years agoDAVID Mackay, captain of Heart of Midlothian, the team that won the Scottish championship after 61 years of striving, accepted the position of Hon. President of the Musselburgh branch of the Hearts Supporters Club at a celebration dance in the Masonic Hall. Almost 200 Hearts supporters and guests attended, including Bobby Kirk, Bobby Blackwood, trainer Johnny Harvey, Willie Ormond, Hibs' international left winger, and Sammy Stewart, full back of East Fife. Provost Lannan described how, although it was not generally known, Musselburgh had had a football team 180 years ago — but it had been composed of women. Every Shrove Tuesday the married fishwives played the unmarried fishwives in a game of football. Invariably the married women were victors.
ERIC Hastie, Macbeth Moir Road, troop leader of the 3rd Midlothian Scouts, returned to Musselburgh after receiving his Queen's Scout Certificate from Chief Scout, Lord Rowallen, at Gilwell. It is the highest honour open to any Scout.
25 years agoTHE first grant from East Lothian's Small Business Assistance Scheme was presented to the Musselburgh firm of WDM Plant Hire of Inveresk Industrial Estate. The award was presented to the firm's proprietor Mr William Moffat who claims it has not only helped his business "enormously" but has been directly responsible for creating new jobs. WDM Plant Hire was established two years ago in small shop premises in the Burgh, but these were soon outgrown as the business expanded rapidly.
SATURDAY provided a double first for Dunbar Royal British Legion Pipe Band — they ran their first ever pipe band competition and they themselves took part in their first competition. They came first in the grade four band section for drumming, winning the Drybrough Cup, and coming second in the grade four competition, they also won the Victoria Cup. Contest secretary James McGovern, jubilant at the success of the first venture, said the pipe band officials had been very pleased with the event, which will be held annually.
10 years agoFORDS the Bakers in Prestonpans have completed a major extension to their bakery which doubles the size of the despatch department. The £250,000 project includes additional provers, a computerised pastry brake and a high-tech wrapping machine for the launch this month of Fords' new Meadowmill range of pre-packed products. "The latest development brings the total capacity to just over £1 million in the last two years," said director Jim Gilpin. "Growth during the past three years has been superb. Turnover is up by almost 75 per cent, increasing our market share in all sectors: retail, wholesale, frozen and sandwiches and filled rolls."
MUSSELBURGH Grammar School pupil and junior golf champion Vikki Laing (17) has been awarded £1,000 in a bid to get her to the top by a foundation that has helped such sports stars as Liz McColgan and Yvonne Murray. Vikki had a storming 1997 when she won the Scottish Amateur Girls, Scottish Schools Girls and East Lothian Schools shampionships.
From our issue of May 23, 2008100 years agoAN alarming collision occurred near Pinkie Pans Salt Works between one of the Musselburgh electric cars and a milk van belonging to Mr A Anderson, Smeaton Shaw Dairy, Inveresk, driven by his son, Mr Wm Anderson. It appears that Mr Anderson was driving in the direction of Joppa when at the bend of the road they met a car coming in the direction of Musselburgh. On the near approach of the car the horse became quite unmanageable, and pranced and reared in front of the car, which was going at a good speed. The two vehicles met with a tremendous force, the compact being heard at Fisherrow Harbour. The horse and van were swung completely round about, and falling across the north line of rail the horse died where it lay. Dr Horsburgh ordered Mr Anderson's removal in an ambulance waggon to his home. Young Mr Anderson, although very seriously injured about the head and shoulders, is progressing as favourably as could be expected.
50 years agoA SINCERE tribute was paid to the memory of Mr James Ritchie at the annual general meeting of the Musselburgh Golf Club. Captain Mr James Arthur recalled the sudden death of their hon. secretary and treasurer who had held office since 1949. The committee unanimously agreed that Mr Thomas Taylor, 35 Macbeth Moir Road, be appointed interim secretary and treasurer. The club has a membership of 446 — 35 ladies and 411 gentlemen.
MR John Penman, 27 Fa'side Gardens, Wallyford, a Musselburgh man who went into the business of coach hiring a year ago, is making progress. On Saturday he will help to transport a part of about 150 pensioners from Prestonpans for an outing to Greenlaw.
TWO Ormiston boys have gained the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They are Frederick Scott, 42 George Crescent, employed at the Bellyford Colliery, and William Wise, 65 Limeylands Road, employed at Winton Colliery.
25 years agoAT a time when many businesses are suffering the effects of recession, one Haddington company is in the enviable position of urgently requiring more staff to cope with increased demands. Kilspindie Ltd, the Haddington-based knitwear and hosiery manufacturers, have recently had to increase their staff by 50 per cent from 100 to 150 to meet new demands. Mr Mike Collins said the need for more staff started a few months ago when the company invested about £130,000 in new equipment and widened their market by producing lighter, fashion garments. Today, only about 10 per cent of Kilspindie's business comes from Scotland, but the European market is growing steadily.
ST Andrew's Church, North Berwick, begins a week of celebrations to mark the centenary of the present building. There will be a joint service in the ruins of the church in Kirk Ports, which was first used in 1664, and continued in use until the present building was opened for worship in June 1883. On June 5 there will be a centenary service conducted by Rev Walter M Ferrier.
10 years agoEAST Lothian Council has finished work on a new play area and local park at Preston Crescent, Prestonpans. The work took more than eight weeks to complete and cost £60,000. The park has been landscaped with trees and shrubs, a footpath network created and the area made safe with boundary fences. There is a toddlers' play area equipped with swings, activity unit and springy animals. The memorial sculpture, commissioned from local sculptor Michelle de Bruin, commemorates the Battle of Prestonpans and the hawthorn tree under which Colonel Gardiner was fatally wounded during combat. "I am delighted to see this play park opened on what was previously a piece of waste land," said Councillor Pat O'Brien. "It is important that we provide facilities like this one."
THE Saltire, Scotland's national flag, will be raised at Athelstaneford Primary School to herald the official opening of the new nursery. The new extension to accommodate the nursery class was built last year.
From our issue of May 30, 2008100 years agoAN alarming disaster occurred at Wallyford Colliery, involving the death of two miners and injuries to several others. It appears that a number of men were engaged in tapping the old workings, all being assisted in finding their way through the darkness and the water by means of a cable. The consequent inrush of water is said to have been the cause of the disaster. A miner, John Dickson, of Wallyford, was holing coal at the point of inrush, and he was overwhelmed and drowned, and three of his companions, William Copeland, William Craig and William Arnott, were badly injured. When Mr Donald Rowan, the manager, mustered the men, it was found that another miner, George Scott, was also missing. A rescue party, headed by Rowan, descended the mine, and brought up the body of Dickson. The search failed to discover the body of Scott and it is thought that it will be several days before it is recovered. The injured men were saved by the rescue party. The sad accident has cast a gloom over the locality.
50 years agoCHOPPY seas and a sudden squall blowing across the Firth of Forth nearly ruined the first yacht race of the season for Fisherrow Yacht Club. The storm blew up suddenly about 7pm and 15-year-old Madeleine Wills and her father Mr R J Wills, Liberton, were nearly drowned when their small racing dinghy, "Maud," capsized. First to reach them was a converted lifeboat, "Tern." The Wills were rescued promptly and taken back to Fisherrow Harbour. Meanwhile, four teenage boys, including Ian Curran (14), 53 Fa'side Avenue, Wallyford, found themselves in serious trouble in 15-year-old Charles Reid's white converted lifeboat before it was towed back to harbour.
THE Tour of Britain cycle race started last Tuesday from London and will last for 12 days. Local boy Ken Laidlaw, of the Musselburgh Cycling Club, is riding for the Army team. Kenny won last year's Tour of Scotland and broke the 100 mile time trial record with 4hrs 13m 14s. He has been nominated to ride for Scotland in the Empire Games Road Race at Cardiff in July.
25 years agoTORRENTIAL rain caused flooding to a large section of Haddington with houses in parts of the town submerged in four feet of water. Rescue services and members of the public worked around the clock when the River Tyne burst its banks and water reached the Ideal Garage in Haddington. The town's volunteer firemen rescued hydraulic machinery and other equipment at risk in the flooded stores under five feet of water and mud. From then the 15-man team worked towards trying to protect houses towards St Martin's Gate, Ford Road and Gifford Road.
THE annual meeting of Prestonpans Labour Club took place when Mr Harry Cairney was elected chairman for three years and Mr E Dudgeon vice-chairman for two years. Mr P Cairney and Mr J Yule were re-elected to the management committee. New members of this committee are Richard Carroll, Arthur Forrest and Willie Innes. It was confirmed that Mr J Maguire would serve as vice-chairman for one year and Mr Gerald O'Brien as secretary for two years.
10 years agoIT'S official, gas is finally coming to Ormiston. Owners and tenants in the village's 880 properties will have the chance of converting to gas. Around 350 properties are owned by East Lothian Council, and at a meeting of the social work and housing committee councillors agreed to a programme of installing 250 gas fired central heating systems in council-owned houses. Grants of £200 are to be provided for up to 100 owner occupiers who want to switch to gas. Transco has indicated that 60 per cent of Ormiston residents would have to take on gas supplies in the first five years to allow Transco to recover the capital costs of installation.
AN East Lothian company is set to celebrate 25 years of manufacturing in Scotland by welcoming a Royal visitor. HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, will tour the Weber Marking Systems factory at Macmerry industrial site on July 2. Founded in Chicago in 1932, the company has sales in excess of $100m. The Macmerry factory opened in 1973.
