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June 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 June 4, 2010
100 years ago
THERE was a large turnout of the general public to witness the funeral of the late Skipper Langmaid of the "Henrietta," which took place from the police station to Inveresk churchyard. In High Street the blinds of almost all the shops were drawn, and the funeral was largely attended. Among the mourners were two of the lads whom the skipper lost his life in attempting to save. The remains were interred beside those of Seaman Spilling. A meeting has taken place of the committee of local gentlemen who combined to raise funds locally for the dependents of the two men, who were lost in the Fisherrow boating fatality. Mr Alex Mitchell, solicitor, honorary treasurer, reported the sum already collected amounted to 111 10s 6d.
A PUBLIC meeting was held in the Assembly Rooms, High Street, Musselburgh, to consider the town's annual excursion, which is yearly managed by the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Trades' Prize Band. There were over 400 present. The final vote was between Newcastle and Blackpool. Newcastle was agreed by a majority of 117 votes.
50 years ago
A LETTER from solicitors acting for the tenant of Pinkie Mains Farm was considered by Musselburgh Town Council. The letter complained that gaps had been left in the fencing recently erected by the Town Council between the east boundary of Lewisvale Park and their client's field. Parks Superintendent Mr John Malcolm reported that he considered that the agricultural tenant would wish these gaps to be left but, in view of the complaints, they had been closed.
A PETITION of Messrs Crudens Limited for a warrant to erect a block of twelve dwelling houses on ground at Newhailes was granted by Musselburgh Dean of Guild Court. The probable cost of the twelve houses was given by Mr W R Douglas, solicitor appearing on behalf of Crudens, as 18,000.
25 years ago
A DISPUTE between the developers of the Auction Mart site in Haddington and a neighbour has been resolved. Complaints had been made that the part-completed housing development was being built closer to the houses in Hope Park, with the windows overlooking each other. But after a special site visit it was decided that the windows overlooking the neighbouring property be repositioned on the gable wall of the block.
PRESTON Lodge High School will mark its 60th anniversary during the week beginning Monday June 12 with an exhibition of photographs and other mementoes depicting PL over the years. The school is also producing a booklet, "Preston Lodge — The Beginnings," based on an article written by the late Mr William Allan, former headmaster of Longniddry Primary School , and a former pupil of the school, presented in 1974 to mark the school's Golden Jubilee.
10 years ago
A MUSSELBURGH engineering company is in pole position to take on its competitors, having completed a 1m investment programme at its factory in Inveresk Industrial Estate. Brunton Aero Products, which supplies parts for Formula One racing cars, is now aiming to build on its long-established reputation for manufacturing top quality products. Started in 1876, the company first became involved in aviation in 1909 and today produces bracing wires for bi-planes and control cables for a variety of aircraft, including most of the BAE Systems range of jets.
SCOTLAND'S premier peer, the Duke of Hamilton, has sold an historic painting for 80,000 which belonged to his family to help pay for work, including measures to meet safety regulations, at Lennoxlove House, near Haddington. The Duke was delighted the painting of a 16th century Welsh Earl had been sold to a museum in Cardiff.
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 June 11, 2010
100 years ago
THE Wallyford Public Hall was opened on Friday afternoon last by the Right Hon Sir Charles Dalrymple, Bart, of Newhailes. Mr D Rowan, colliery manager, occupied the chair. The chairman reported they were about to open the hall free of debt. It cost 400 and of that sum no less than 114 had been contributed by the workmen at Wallyford and Carberry. Another 100 had been given by the directors of the company and the remainder had been made up by various gentlemen of the parish and district. But to no one were they more indebted than to Sir Charles Dalrymple, who was there to open the hall that day. No sooner was the list opened than he at once intimated that he would give 50. (Applause). Sir Charles said it was a great pleasure for him to be present that day to open the new Public Hall in Wallyford. He had always taken a great interest in the colliery village, and he was agreeably surprised that they had secured such a fine building, and he was sure it would be of great benefit to the people of Wallyford.
50 years ago
THREE Musselburgh servicemen will be in the part of 500 British servicemen in the British Military tattoo in New York. They leave this week by Britannia transport planes, attached to the RAF Transport Command. The men are Piper Andrew Reid (20), of 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, whose home is at 70 Pinkie Terrace; Piper Archibald Cross, 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, whose home is at 2e Bush Street; and L/Sgt James Moyes (38), of 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, whose home is at 18 Whitehill Street, Newcraighall.
THE children of Musselburgh High Church Sunday School attended their annual picnic in blazing sunshine on Saturday. Five buses, crammed with laughing, singing kiddies, left the Mall in the afternoon and headed for Haddington, where they assembled at Neilson Park. The children received bags of buns and lemonade.
25 years ago
POLITICAL controversy has marred the opening of the Loch Centre, Tranent's 1m leisure and recreation complex built by East Lothian District Council. Local Rotary Club president Mr Frank Holland, a lifelong Conservative supporter, stormed out of Friday's opening ceremony after the Government were criticised for spending cutbacks. And Tory finance spokesman Councillor John Stephenson enraged his Labour counterpart by telling the people of Tranent to remember that their new centre was built during the lifetime of a Conservative Government. Mr Holland's walkout came when Councillor George Wanless, chairman of the leisure committee, attacked the Government for cutting their allocation to local councils.
NORTH Berwick outdoor pool is open for the summer, but it has been described as the town's "best kept secret." Residents are furious the council has failed to advertise the venue.
10 years ago
ORMISTON footballer Martin Strang has netted a silver medal in the recent Special Olympics in the Netherlands. he was among the UK five-a-side team that came second in their category losing 4-2 to Slovakia in the grand final. Martin (20), of Moffat Road, is an ardent Rangers fan. His proud parents Mary and George Strang are now hoping that Martin will be selected for the national games in Cardiff next year.
IT is hoped that a new indicator board showing directions to local landmarks and further afield will give added interest to a popular viewpoint in North Berwick. Members of the local environment trust, with support from East Lothian Council, have provided the facility which is situated at the Haugh Road, and it was officially unveiled last week. The environment trust paid for a plaque, showing destinations such as the Bass Rock, Lomond Hills and Fife, at a cost of 400. The car park at the Haugh was a popular place to admire the view.
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.
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Weather for Musselburgh
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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