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August 2010 Looking Back articles

Delve into the past with a look through the columns of the East Lothian News and Musselburgh News

From our files of August 6, 2010

100 years ago

ON Tuesday the very fine football ground of the Musselburgh Athletic FC at Olive Bank was opened, when the local eleven, clad in Bobbie Walker's international football jerseys, encountered the formidable juniors from the west — Ashfield. The enclosure is amply suited for a spectacular view, and the two thousand odds of people assembled within the enclosure had the advantage of seeing the game played in comfort. At the north end of the field, prior to the match, a large gathering had assembled, and Provost Simpson, accompanied by the club's officials, had a hearty reception as he proceeded to declare the field open. The club sprang into being in the season of 1908-09, and its location was Mall Park, where they played many a brilliant game. The Provost said that the sum expended on the new enclosure has been about 200 and that 10,000 tons of materials have been used.

THE weather on Saturday last was on its best behaviour, and the large gathering of people assemmbled within the beautiful grounds of Carberry Tower awaiting the arrival of Lord and Lady Elphinstone at their home after their honeymoon were also looking on "the bright side of things," for, without a doubt, whoever was responsible for the decorations did the work thoroughly. Over the front gate were the words "Welcome hame to auld Carberry" and the inscription undoubtedly expressed the wishes of the estate people.

50 years ago

EAST Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists' Society visited the village of Inveresk on Saturday. They were conducted on a tour of the village by Mr G Wardlaw Burnet, chairman of Inveresk Preservation Society, who met the members at his house, Rosecourt. They were shown its features of interest, visited the Manor House and studied the architectural style of Halkerston. They proceeded to the Parish Kirk of St Michael where they were welcomed by the minister.

FOLLOWING the report on business conducted at the public washhouse in Musselburgh in the past six months, Councillor Dr Wright was emphatic that an independent inquiry should be held. At the Public Health Committee, he asked: "Is the public washhouse paying its way? I think it is important that we should know if it is being subsidised by ratepayers." Provost Peter Hamilton pointed out that every time someone used the public washhouse a service was being provided. Councillor Wright emphasised: There are plenty of facilities for washhouses now. I can see no good reason why this one should be subsidised by the ratepayers of Musselburgh. It is either being run in an inefficient fashion or we are charging too little."

25 years ago

THE fight to secure a new pool for Dunbar must continue, a local community councillor urged this week. Miss Molly Keith. who called a working meeting for prospective fund raisers, said feelings were running high in Dunbar and many locals were demanding that action should be taken. She said: "The people of Dunbar were extremely upset about the demolition of the open air pool — it was almost like a death in the family — and many people were mad with the region making no effort to replace the amenity when our town is furthest in East Lothian from an indoor swimming pool."

THE route of a new link road between Elphinstone Road and Bridge Street, Tranent, is still uncertain, councillors heard. A public inquiry has come out in favour of a route which would retain Glenheugh Cottage but would require the demolition of a general store to accommodate the new road, east of the cottage. The reporter ruled out an alternative route to the west as it would fatally damage the amenity of the house through engineering works.

10 years ago

MUSSELBURGH based aviation company Brunton Aero held an open day last week to celebrate its continued success and its relocation to Inveresk Industrial Estate. The move to new premises marks the completion of a 1m investment programme by the company, which was established in 1876 to manufacture wire and ropes. MSP John Home Robertson and East Lothian Council leader Norman Murray were among those to join directors and staff at the open day. In the 1900s, the company broke the German monopoly on wire by making its own and, in 1919, when Alcock and Brown made aviation history by flying over the Atlantic for the first time, they had Bruntons to thank for holding their flimsy biplane together. More recently all the wire rope used in the construction of the Forth Road Bridge as well as the Humber and Severn suspension bridges was produced at Bruntons. The company's strength in manufacturing wire to high specifications has also found a useful application in Formula One racing, Harrier jump jets and Sea King helicopters.

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. Also try Lothian Lives.

From our files of August 13, 2010

100 years ago

AFTER the Fair comes the annual holiday, and anyone in Musselburgh on Thursday would easily recognise that to be the case. The town was extremely quiet and Sunday like. Visitors, of course, did not move away and a good many people were seen in the vicinity and on the Links, but otherwise the townsfolk took advantage of the trips arranged by different public bodies in the town and of the cheap travelling facilities provided by the railway companies to go away for a day to distant parts of the country. The weather fortunately was good, though those arriving from Blackpool about midnight found a wet welcome, the rain coming down in torrents just at that particular time, and continuing throughout the night. Most places of business in Musselburgh and Fisherrow were closed.

TWO nominations were made in connection with the vacancy in the North Esk Parish Church, Musselburgh, caused by the translation of the Rev G Gordon Scott to Cramond parish. The nominations were Rev J A Nicholls, Kilmerford, Oban, and the Rev W L Gordon, Athelstaneford. The result was 220 votes for Mr Nicholls and 42 votes for Mr Gordon. Only about a fourth of the voters took the trouble to record their opinion, there being 900 on the roll. Meanwhile, the voting in connection with the election of a minister for Inveresk Parish Church took place, Rev W Edie, Greyfriars, Dumfries.

50 years ago

A CONCERT party from Musselburgh provided a varied and enjoyable programme at East Fortune Hospital on Wednesday evening. One of the highlights, which delighted all the patients who could attend, was a display given by a Scottish country dance team. The dancers were Mr and Mrs Macdonald, Mr and Mrs Robert Howie, Miss Dickson, Miss Grier, Miss Steele, Mr Stake and Mr Lyall. Dance music was played by Mr George Riding, Tranent, who recently was successful in a competition for the Scottish national championship of accordion players, and won a medal with a diploma. The party also included Mr and Mrs James Brodie, Mr J Wilson and Brian Heeps. Votes of thanks were given by the assistant matron.

COUNCILLOR James Lannan emphasised the excessive cost that Musselburgh was having to pay out for boring in the Newbigging area. Bailie Robert Fairnie reminded him that it was already a decision of Musselburgh Town Council that five bores should be made at the Newbigging (Inveresk Road) housing scheme. Two bores have been completed, the mining engineers stated, and a third is now in progress but they cannot make a report until boring has been completed.

25 years ago

FURY over the proposed controversial housing development at Pencaitland raged on this week with the main objector outlining his new moves to "keep the pot boiling." Regional Councillor David Thomson was speaking after an emotion-charged plea to fellow councillors which resulted in an unprecedented move by Lothian Regional Council. Both planning and transportation committee councillors are to visit the village to see for themselves what has caused the furore. In his address to the planning committee, backed by a 40-50 strong deputation from the village, Councillor Thomson said the proposals, which could nearly double the size of Pencaitland, was planning rape. Outline consent for 316 houses was granted in 1967 by the former county council. The present council inherited the implications which were declared valid in 1979.

PRESTONPANS has picked up a commendation in this year's Britain in Bloom contest. And the town is in line for another award for improvements in the vicinity of the former Miss Murray Institute.

10 years ago

BOWLING champion John McCrorie defied all odds when he lifted the national title last weekend. For despite having to train on one of Scotland's worst bowling greens, the 34-year-old painter and decorator went on to win the final of the national championships at Ayr Northfield by beating Fauldhouse's Willie Francis. John has become a victim of the phenomenon known locally as the "Polson Pimple." Subsidence around an area of rock at the Tranent bowling green has rendered around half the rinks unplayable. Also at Ayr, Jonathan Allan from Gifford was crowned junior singles champion and the Aberlady threesome of James Florence, Bill Dunlevey and Charles Greenwood triumphed in the triples.

A LOCAL history enthusiast wants more prominence to be given to the Battle of Prestonpans. Peter MacKenzie believes that signs should be erected to give local people and visitors a better idea of where various events connected with the historic battle took place.

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. Also try Lothian Lives.

From our files of August 20, 2010

100 years ago

SIR, We have occupied houses annually in the Levenhall district of Musselburgh for so many years that the bairns we carried there in our arms are in turn carrying their children so we have annually witnessed changes. We reluctantly have come to consider Musselburgh and district as a dirty hole as well as a very noisy one. As one leaves the railway station, the beautiful Mall forms a grand entrance to the town. When we get to Rennie's beautiful bridge we come to one of the monstrosities of recent introduction — the electric car system. The golf course is in very poor condition; the walks are getting broader and the turf is getting thin. The beach is now bordered by a promenade from the Gas Works eastwards. Beyond that we come to what used to be the sands; now it suggests a refuse dump. Old boots, old mattresses, dead cats and dogs, coal "coom" and ships ashes, clinker and so forth. Beyond that as the tide recedes there is a filthy stinking sludge bed. The tendency of the Musselburgh citizen is to acquire as much as he can for himself and heaven take the rest. But let him think for a moment. The visitor comes, with his pockets well lined, to recuperate, and expects to pay liberally for the privileges he enjoys, but these privileges have year by year become seriously curtailed and if Musselburgh is not going to provide what he reasonably seeks then perforce, like ourselves, he will be driven to seek fresh fields and pastures new — A visitor since 1876.

50 years ago

REPRESENTATIONS by the manager of the National Commercial Bank in Musselburgh have been made for the re-siting of a bus stop in Bridge Street, which is at present directly opposite the bank at No.8 Bridge Street. The manager pointed out the difficulties tradespeople had in parking when they came to deposit money at the bank, especially at the end of the week. He suggested the bus stop could be conveniently re-sited several yards further along Bridge Street between his bank and the Musselburgh branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Councillors decided, on the casting vote of Provost Peter Hamilton, to recommend the bus stop should be re-sited further along Bridge Street.

TREES and tree roots are interfering with play on the Monktonhall golf course and the Musselburgh Town Council asked the club to comment on the position. At a meeting of the parks committee, Depute Town Clerk, Miss H McKinnon, reported that no reply had been received from the club. The club first raised the matter of having trees removed or the roots cut back when they found that roots were, in some instances, encroaching upon the greens and interfering with play. It was decided the club should be asked to furnish details.

25 years ago

EAST Lothian District Council is setting up a network of 21 personal computers which will communicate both with each other and with the district's central computer. The network will take computing out to local district offices for the first time, giving them processing power for their own use plus access to central files for immediate answers to queries on rents, ledgers, stories and other matters. The 133,000 contract with NCR will connect offices in Haddington, Musselburgh, Dunbar, North Berwick, Prestonpans and Tranent. Each office will get at least two computers with colour display screens and a printer. East Lothian's computing manager Neil Munro points out that linking the personal computers opens up the potential of electronic mail.

WORK on developing the Knox Institute, Haddington, into a 37-flat sheltered housing development began after an historic stone-laying ceremony. Peter Balfour, a direct descendant of AJ Balfour, who performed the opening in 1880, carried out the function.

10 years ago

FOUR competitors in the Scottish Triathlon in Gullane last weekend were treated in hospital after being stung by jellyfish. A doctor from Edinburgh summoned emergency help after he realised he was suffering an anaphylactic attack. He and two others were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. A fourth competitor later sought hospital treatment after he became unwell. A spokesman for East Lothian Council said Brown Jellyfish had caused the stings but said there was no need to panic.

RESIDENTS of West Holmes Gardens, Musselburgh, turned out with friends and family for Saturday's 100th anniversary street party. The honour of cutting the cake went to Betty Blackie — the resident who has lived in the street the longest.

A MEETING is to be held in Tranent with the aim of setting up a development company to take plans for a sports facility at Foresters Park forward. It follows news that the formers Foresters Trust, set up in 1995, had not been legally incorporated.

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. Also try Lothian Lives.

From our files of August 27, 2010

100 years ago

LOVERS of theatricals in Musselburgh, who have visited the Empire Theatre, Fisherrow, since it changed hands are simply delighted, not only with the excellence of the performers but with the clean and tidy condition of the premises, which have been made something like what a place of entertainment should be. The floors have been relaid and in many places the other woodwork has been renewed and repainted. The building is well lighted and visitors to the theatre can now enjoy the evening's programme without fear of interruption.

LAST Saturday representatives from all the 20 districts of Mid and East Lothian attended a meeting under the auspices of the Miners' Federation in the offices in Dalkeith. Mr Brown, the miners' secretary, reported on 30 cases of accident which had occurred in the Mid and East Lothian pits during the past five weeks, including two which ended fatally. Two other fatalities had also occurred within the last week or so which would also be dealt with under the Workman's Compensation Act. The reports from the districts showed that the state of the coal trade was only fairly satisfactory, though there were some slight indications of improvement. Employment in the Eastern districts continued short, but in most of the other collieries about nine days per fortnight was being obtained. At Riggonhead a pit had been closed in order that sinking to a deeper seam be completed.

50 years ago

FORMER Dunbar councillor Mr Erin A Deane, of Tower Amusements, Portobello, presided at a ceremony at the Palace of Pleasure, Dunbar, to mark the last of the sandbuilding competitions for this season. Sir Andrew Murray, former Lord Provost of Edinburgh, said how much the visitors and locals had appreciated the competitions. Councillor J Milne thanked Sir Andrew for the interest he had shown. The organiser, Mrs Christine Walker, and Mrs David Deane, who provided the gifts, were both presented with boxes of chocolate.

A READER of the Musselburgh News, Mrs C Smith, of 142 Bergen Avenue, Kearny, New Jersey, in a letter points out that there are a great number of vacancies for domestics in and around New Jersey, and she sends a cutting from a newspaper which gives details of the vacancies. English speaking women from 18 to 50 years of age are required and the pay starts at 150 dollars a month. A cook-housekeeper can earn 150 dollars a month and couples are paid 250 dollars. Mrs Smith writes: "I have been out here since 1925. I was born in Musselburgh, or rather Fisherrow, and I thought if you would tell Musselburgh News readers about the jobs it would give some ladies a chance to get to the States."

25 years ago

EAST Lothian housewives have been urged to boycott all South African goods on sale in local shops. "South African goods bought in Britain give indirect support to the apartheid system," declared Mr Noel Foy, secretary/agent of East Lothian Constituency Labour Party. He told a meeting of Prestonpans Labour Party's women's section that shoppers should check the label to find out the country of origin — and reject all South African produce. He described South Africa as a "police state" and called for support for the African National Congress in its struggle to end apartheid and for the unconditional release of ANC leader Nelson Mandela,

THE congregation of Gullane Parish Church last week showed their appreciation for the services of Rev Dr David Whiteford who retired this month after 14 years as their minister. Dr Whiteford came to the area in 1971 after 28 years as an army chaplain where he had reached the post of deputy chaplain general. Dr Whiteford, who has moved to Longniddry, was guest of honour with wife Mary at a reception.

10 years ago

SHOPKEEPERS, hoteliers, restaurant owners and motorists were left mopping up the mess and counting the hefty cost after freak weather caused flash flooding in Haddington on Monday. Several town centre premises were forced to close after being engulfed with water during the two hour thunderstorm which began about 12.30pm. The lawns outside local banks were covered with hailstones and drivers had to wade ankle deep in water to move their vehicles as Court Street, High Street and Church Street became a raging torrent.

COMMUNITY councillors are set to take to the streets of Haddington to give local people the chance to lodge objections to future house build on the field at Briery Bank. Following a recent public local inquiry, the Scottish Executive Reporter recommended the draft Local Plan be changed and the site allocated for up to 40 houses, which has sparked a wave of protest from local people, including Haddington and District Amenity Society.

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. Also try Lothian Lives and East Lothian Council archaeology service

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