Delve into the past with a look through the columns of the East Lothian News and Musselburgh News.
From our issue of May 1100 years agoTHERE was some excitement prevailing in Hercus Loan, Musselburgh, yesterday forenoon over the discovery of four tiny wanderers. The children, who were from three to five years, wer
e found by some of the mill hands standing about Eskside, and were unable to tell where they had come from. After they had been kept in a house in Hercus Loan for an hour or two, the police were communicated with, and it was found that they had wandered from the village of Inveresk. Meanwhile, several boys were fined 2s 6d (12½p) for having played football on Fisherrow Links. They can play golf but they must not indulge in football. Two other boys were dealt with for breaking into a stable in Musselburgh.
THE Musselburgh division of the Midlothian Constabulary were inspected by Major Ferguson, HM Inspector for Constabulary, at the Town Hall. There were on parade 14 constables under Inspector Fraser and Sergeant Ross. Major Ferguson expressed himself highly pleased. He visited the new police offices and remarked on their suitability.
50 years agoKAY Walker, a member of the Musselburgh Ranger Company and formerly of the 3rd Musselburgh Company of Girl Guides, has been selected as one of seven girl guides to represent Scotland at an international camp in Iceland in August. Meanwhile, at the annual census of the Musselburgh and District Girl Guide Association taken this month, there were nine Brownie Packs, eight Guide Companies, and one Ranger Company. The total number of Brownies, Guides and Rangers was almost 600 with 42 Guiders in charge.
THERE was a light-hearted atmosphere about the election for Honest Lad and Lass in Musselburgh Town Hall when Provost James Lannan announced from the balcony that Robert Morgan, 28 Windsor Park Terrace, would be Honest Lad for the coming year, and that Betty Russell, 133 High Street, would be Honest Lass. The result was lustily acclaimed by the many people who stood waiting patiently in the street below.
25 years agoCOUNCILLOR Tom Wilson, chairman of East Lothian District Council and Councillor Pat O'Brien, chairman of the council's planning committee, this week visited the Mitsubishi factory in Haddington, where they were shown round the new extension and production line. In talks with senior management at the plant, Councillor Wilson said he was "very impressed" by what he saw and was "delighted" with the new extension which will increase production to about 100,000 television sets a year, and will provide about 100 new jobs.
EAST Lothian miners on picket duty at Cockenzie power station took to the water on Tuesday to try and stop a Dutch tanker deliver oil to the plant. Pickets on duty watched as the tanker from Rotterdam docked at the station's jetty. They borrowed a small boat from someone sympathetic to their cause and a small group went on board to picket the foreign sailors. Oil is used at Cockenzie for two main purposes, lubrication and ignition for the coal.
10 years agoA PROGRAMME of repairs is being carried out at St Gabriel's Parish, Prestonpans. Extensive work has been completed on the church, hall and house roofs, as well as other related work. Cement pointing to the pathway in front of the church has also been done. Work has also been undertaken to the drainage at the house.
THE new computer at Haddington Library is proving so popular with members of the public it is fully booked. Librarian Trina Gavan said that although children are allowed to use the equipment which was purchased with funding from East Lothian Council, it is mostly adults who are taking advantage of the new local facility.
BARRATT East (Scotland) Ltd has lodged an application with East Lothian's planning department for a housing development at Windygoul Farm, Tranent. The housebuilder is seeking consent for the erection of 24 houses, 18 flats, vehicular access, pedestrian access and associated works.
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 May 8100 years agoMUSSELBURGH School Board took up consideration of the motion tabled by Rev Father McGettigan that free books be granted in all the schools in the burgh. He looked upon free books as, logically, the outcome of free education. When they compelled a child to go to school it logically falls that they must give him free education, and his books are part of his necessary equipment. Bailie Kelt rose to propose an amendment that they do not give free books to any of the schools other than to those pupils who were in the habit of getting them. He thought this was as far as they could go financially. By the granting of free books they were taking away the responsibility of the parents, and would give the class who were clamouring for them more to enjoy at football, whippet racing, and other ways. Mr R C Menzies thought that the subject of the granting of free books was premature. He contended that they might just as well give free food and free clothes, and all that sort of thing. The motion was defeated by five votes to two.
50 years agoTHE sole Independent candidate in Musselburgh's only election, 70-year-old retired schoolmaster, Thomas Wright MA, PhD, succeeded in retaining his seat in Ward IV and in topping the pool for the second time at the municipal elections. By doing so he ensured that the Labour controlled council will have at least one of an opposition in the coming municipal year.
A Musselburgh lad, John White, made his international debut at Hampden Park on Wednesday evening when he played at inside right for Scotland against Germany. He backed his selection with a first minute goal and staked a claim for a place in future Scottish sides with a sterling display. His goal, taken with the confidence of a veteran, gave Scotland a great start and the confidence to go on and gain a merited 3-2 win. White, at present on National Service with the KOSB, is a Falkirk player, having recently joined them from Alloa. He served his apprenticeship with Musselburgh Union and later joined Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic.
25 years agoFOLLOWING the recent success at the District Country Dancing Festival, the 13-15 year team of Macmerry Co-operative Country Dancers travelled to Dunfermline for the Scottish Arts Festival. The girls, accompanied on the accordion by Mr Ian Mowat, were successful again, winning the Brechin Trophy. Dancers were Victoria Anderson, Nicola Shanks, Anna Johnstone, Tracey Neill, Carol Young, Angela Smith, Pamela Linden and Manny Crawford. The team tutor is Miss Alison Trotter, herself a pupil of the Macmerry dancing school from the age of six until she was a teenager. The classes are run under the auspices of East Lothian Co-operative Society and the conveners are Mrs H F Trotter and Mrs C Leckie.
THE excitement of not knowing what tomorrow will bring is exactly what Mrs Isobel Harrison will miss after seven years as CAB organiser in Haddington. Mrs Harrison (62), Cawdor Cottage, Gifford, retired at the bureau's AGM.
10 years agoA CAREER spanning almost 40 years came to an end for Bill Geddes when he retired from Musselburgh law firm, Alex Mitchell and Sons. There were also fond farewells for retiring secretary Mrs Ada Noble, who had given 41 years of dedicated service to the firm, working with Bill throughout his career. Bill was an assistant with Alex Mitchell and Sons in their former office at 169 High Street, becoming a partner in 1963 and a senior partner in 1968 — a year after the move to the present purpose-built premises at Eskside West.
EFFORTS are under way to safeguard 59 jobs at Musselburgh-based Scotprint Limited, which went into liquidation last week with the loss of almost half its workforce. The company, which is believed to face debts of almost £5m, announced 52 redundancies as the search began for a buyer for the book printing business. Now based at Inveresk Mills Industrial Park, the business was established by Charlie Watt more than 30 years ago and recently expanded to Macmerry.
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 May 15100 years agoTHE quarterly meeting of Inveresk Combination Poorhouse was held, Colonel Caddell, VC, presiding. At last meeting Mr Alex Mitchell suggested that the committee might consider the advisability of enlarging the dining hall. Mr Mitchell explained that while the building has been enlaraged on several occasions to accommodate more inmates, the dining hall was never enlarged. There were at present 124 inmates in the house, and the hall could only accommodate 70. It was pointed out by the chairman that there were 32 lunatics and an average of 18 in the sick ward who did not take their food in the hall. Mr Mitchell stated that the dining hall was overcrowded, and seeing that the place could be enlarged to hold 40 more at a cost of £70 he thought it was worth considering. Mr Mitchell also explained that the lunatics took their food in the dining hall on Sundays. The matter was remitted to the committee. Meanwhile, accounts amounting to £543 5s 3d were authorised to be paid and orders for the supply of provisions for the ensuing half year accepted.
50 years agoNEVER have so many young people and adults attended the annual Commonwealth youth service at Inveresk when St Michael's Old Parish Church was practically full, save for the Fishermen's Loft. Over 900 young folk in various uniformed youth organisations were on church parade.
MUSSELBURGH trainee radio operator, 20-year-old John Brown, 58 Stoneybank Crescent, and a 23-year-old plumber, Robert Walker, 31 Pinkiehill Crescent, were awarded honorary testimonials from the Royal Humane Society for rescuing six-year-old Richard Graham, 18 Monktonhall Place, from the River Esk. The boy was in imminent danger of drowning after paddling in the Esk near the Roman Bridge on August 11, 1958. John swam to the rescue from the east bank, a distance of 30ft, and managed to grab hold of the boy. Robert also swam out to the rescue, a distance of 50ft. They took the boy, who was unconscious, to the island and applied artifical respiration. After two or three minutes the small boy regained consciousness.
25 years agoHAMPDEN Park belonged to Arthur McLeod and his superb Pencaitland aces at about 4.50pm last Saturday when Pencaitland AFC won the 1984 Scottish Amateur Cup final — beating Cleland MW 2-1 — at the home of Scottish football. A fairytale day for the 37-year-old Pencaitland captain, playing his 84th Scottish Cup tie, and, at the end, Arthur's smile was as broad as Hampden Park itself — and why not! The throngs from East Lothian who sang and cheered their team through 90 very exciting minutes raised the roof when captain Arthur was presented with the premier trophy by SAFA President Tom White. And what a fascinating, entertaining cup final it was, keenly fought between two sporting teams — a game to the complete credit of the amateur grade in front of 6,000 appreciative fans. Alan Day struck a glorious first blow for Pencaitland in 35 minutes when he side-footed a Billy Cowan cross into the net. Day made it 2-0 six minutes into the second half before Cleland pulled one back on the hour mark through McAuley.
10 years agoAFTER 300 years, months of campaigning, and a very long night at Meadowbank, Labour last week received the mandate to take Musselburgh into a new era of Scottish politics. Former Grammar School head girl Susan Deacon swept to victory in the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh constituency with a majority of 6,714. John Home Robertson won the East Lothian seat for Labour with a majority of10,946.
CHAIRMAN of Prestonpans Community Council Gerald O'Brien announced his decision to retire this week, just days before his wedding. Mr O'Brien (60), who has been at the helm of the community council for almost 23 years, tendered his resignation at the start of the monthly meeting. He will be marrying Elaine Knox, who is personal assistant to East Lothian MP John Home Robertson at Oldhamstocks Parish Church tomorrow.
COUNCIL official Ray Montgomery has told of his trip to Albania to deliver aid direct from East Lothian to Kosovar refugees.
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 May 22100 years agoTHE latest scheme for the extension of Musselburgh nine-hole golf course to one of 18 holes has been greatly discussed by the local golfers who will, in most cases, give the scheme their approval if it is found to be at all workable. The scheme has been so favourably received that the Town Council agreed to put it to a practical test, and representatives of the various affiliated clubs are going over the course this afternoon for this purpose.
THIS week the weather was specially favourable for the Victoria Day holidays. The Musselburgh folks had an exceptionally fine day on Monday, and many left the town for the day. Quite a number took advantage of weekend fares and visited friends at a distance. The youthful portion of the community made free use of fireworks to the annoyance of many nervous citizens. Several bonfires were to be seen blazing on the banks of the river long before the sun had set, which spoiled the effect considerably.
50 years agoTHE popularity of the Municipal Bowling Greens at Fisherrow has resulted in Midlothian County Trades Council requesting the parks committee to consider building a larger pavilion. Midlothian Trades Council pointed out that, with the bowling greens having been "full to over-flowing," a larger, more stable clubroom was now a necessity. Parks Superintendent Mr J Malcolm pointed out that "fairly moderate building" would cost anything from £5000 to £6000. The committee also received a request from Musselburgh Cricket Club concerning the possibilities of a better pavilion in Lewisvale Public Park. The secretary of the cricket club pointed out that most clubs they played had premises much superior to the pavilion in Musselburgh.
MEMBERS of the parks committee met a delegation from Musselburgh Merchants' Association to discuss the possibilities of erecting a caravan site at Fisherrow Links. Burgh Surveyor Mr W Dryburgh is to provide a plan and costs.
25 years agoTHE effects of recent Government legislation to curb trade unions is now being felt by the families of striking miners, according to local MP John Home Robertson. While the miners receive no strike pay, the DHSS continue to deduct £15 a week from their benefits as a result of the 1980 Social Security (No.2) Act. Tax refunds for miners are being withheld by the National Coal Board in compliance with regulations introduced by the Government in April 1982. And miners who opted some months ago for voluntary redundancy are now finding their unemployment benefit suspended by the Department of Employment. A number of Prestonpans miners were arrested last week at Hunterston ore and coal terminal when mounted police allegedly rode into pickets who were trying to stop coal deliveries to the Ravenscraig steel plant. Mr Home Robertson has asked the Chief Constable for his comments. The local MP spoke on the subject of policing the picket lines during a rally in Musselburgh Town Hall, attended by some 200 miners, their families and supporters.
10 years agoHOTEL tycoon Sir Rocco Forte was in East Lothian this week to publicly unveil plans for a £60m golfing development at Archerfield. His company, RF Hotels Ltd, is hoping to obtain planning permission to restore historic Archerfield House, in conjunction with the creation of a 180-bedroomed five star hotel and three golf course, which would create in the region of 250 jobs. More than 100 people attended a public meeting, held in a barn at Castlemains Farm, Dirleton, at which Sir Rocco and his team of architects outlined the project, which is being scrutinised by Dirleton Village Association.
MUSSELBURGH MSP Susan Deacon has secured one of the top jobs in the new Holyrood Government. She has been chosen by First Minister Donald Dewar to serve as Minister for Health and Community Care on the executive of the first Scottish Parliament for 300 years. The appointment comes with a salary of more than £70,000 a year. She is one of three women in the partnership cabinet.
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 May 29100 years agoTHE proverbial sea serpent has now disappeared from view, and mysterious airships flying over towns at night have taken its place. A Musselburgh residenter claims to have seen a flying machine hovering over Joppa one night last week. He says he distinctly saw two lights on the flier. There happened to be no person with him at the time to verify this statement, which is naturally being discredited. This is an age of scepticism.
A PLEASANT function took place in the Musselburgh Arms Hotel when members of the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Trades Band, along with a number of friends, met to do honour to the band secretary, Mr James Alexander. Provost Simpson believed it was 21 years since Mr Alexander first became associated with the brass band. That was in the days when old Sandy Leitch was bandmaster of the Volunteer Band. When that band passed out of existence, the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Trades Band was formed in 1898.
50 years agoA VERY special christening took place on Wednesday evening when Larry Marshall, famous television star of the "One O'Clock Gang" show, named the new ballroom in the Woodside Hotel, Musselburgh, the "Randolph Room." Larry came down to Musselburgh at the end of his show in the Empire Theatre where he is appearing this week. He was accompanied by Kay Rose, the principal dancer of the Larry Marshall Show. The ballroom was filled with Musselburgh personalities from every walk of life — all of them eager to try out the new ballroom floor, and perhaps even more eagerly awaiting the arrival of Larry Marshall. A special invitation from Mr and Mrs R F Richards was also extended to members of the Town Council and their wives. The police were represented by Chief Constable William Merrilees and Chief Inspector Smaill and his wife. Provost James Lannan welcomed Larry to "this ancient burgh of Musselburgh." Mrs Richards presented Larry with a giant bottle of champagne.
25 years agoAN East Lothian couple are preparing for the cycle trip of a lifetime. Bruce and Margaret Walker plan to spend the next 15-18 months cycling around Europe. Both have given up their jobs, and their New Winton home has been sold to finance the trip. Bruce (33) has been depute director of housing with East Lothian District Council for the past four years while his wife Margaret (31) is an assistant scientific officer. Their provisional route takes in France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, North Africa, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Germany and Denmark.
THE former farm steading at West Windygoul, Tranent, is to be put up for sale by East Lothian District Council. The local authority are looking for offers of around £50,000 from a private developer who is willing to convert it into some form of leisure or social facility. Next to the steading is land which has been allocated for 450 houses. A new distributor road will link Elphinstone Road with Ormiston Road.
10 years agoA BOLD and exciting bid to put East Lothian on the football map is to be made by Preston Athletic. The Prestonpans-based club is to seek membership of the new-look Scottish Football League the season after next. Preston, who play in the East of Scotland League, see an opportunity to develop the game in this part of the country. Club chairman Tommy Thomson and the Preston officials are keen to exploit the potential of the immediate Prestonpans-Tranent-Musselburgh triangle as well as the rest of East Lothian.
WELL-KNOWN comedian Ronnie Corbett was in North Berwick on Friday to help lay the foundations of the £2.9 million Scottish Seabird Centre on the site of the former Harbour Pavilion. In the evening, he gave up his free time to present a special gala event in the Marine Hotel which was organised by the local volunteer support group. 'An Evening with Ronnie Corbett' was a sell-out and all funds raised through ticket sales and raffles will be ploughed back into the project.
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
