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March 2009 Looking Back articles

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

From our issue of March 6, 2009

100 years ago

OWING to the great distress prevailing in Musselburgh and district, the soup kitchen is now open five days a week. Provision is made for two days by public subscription, and for the other three days by the kindness of the directors of the Co-operative Store. Several market gardeners in the neighbourhood have kindly sent in contributions of vegetables. It should be noted that the soup kitchen is open to all, and is not confined to residents.

ON Wednesday the Musselburgh curlers had a good forenoon's play at Monktonhall, but shortly after noon the ice gave way, but it was decided that if the frost kept up that a game would take place in the evening, and the pond would be lit by artificial light. It so happened, however, that play had scarcely started in the evening when a snowstorm broke out and the game was abandoned. After two hours' falling, snow lay to a depth of three inches. The snowstorm was accompanied by several very loud peals of thunder, and vivid lightning.

50 years ago

THREE ministers were invited to meet officials who run housey-housey at Whitecraig, which has been described as a "housey blackspot" and be "put right" about the game. The meeting took place in St John's Men's Club, Whitecraig. There was an unexpectedly large audience of some 100 people. Rev Samuel Eaton, Moderator of Presbytery, gave his definition of gambling as the laying out of a little money in the hope of gaining a big return. Mr James Stewart, president of the Miners' Welfare Committee who run the housey in Whitecraig, replied: "We run housey for the sole purpose of bringing a little recreation to this village." Money was raised by housey for charitable objects and this did a lot of good.

MUSSELBURGH is to have a welcome addition to its banking facilities on March 11 when the Bank of Scotland opens very attractive premises at 84 High Street. The branch will be under the managership of Mr John W French, at present accountant at Portobello branch.

25 years ago

AN application to demolish the former Dunbar Cottage Hospital as part of a sheltered housing development has been continued until East Lothian District Council's planning committee can obtain a report on the architectural importance of the building. The Civil Service Benevolent Fund want to demolish it as part of their development.

A 10,000 scheme to improve the local authority tennis courts at Hamilton Road, Gullane, has run into trouble. The courts were in need of improvement because of poor drainage and the surfaces were beginning to break up when the leisure committee approved an improvement scheme and called in contractors to resurface all three courts. Local players have commented "the courts seem to have been transformed into most unusual areas of bumps, ridges and patches."

A VENTURE Scout unit has been established in Longniddry for young people aged between 16 and 20.

10 years ago

MUSSELBURGH residents voted with their feet on Saturday for the retention of Edenhall Hospital and Fisherrow School. More than 100 supporters for the Standing Up for Edenhall campaign were joined by many more as they marched through the town, from the hospital to Fisherrow Community Centre. The Save Our Services rally was organised by the Edenhall campaign and is concerned that the services at the hospital are being run-down.

A COMPANY that manufactures labels for businesses throughout Europe is planning to expand its operation in East Lothian. The 200,000 project will help create and support nine new jobs at the Macmerry plant of Weber Marking Systems Ltd, which already employs 100 people.

MIKE Scott, a DJ from Radio Forth was guest speaker at Longniddry Rotary Club. Mr Scott, originally from Port Seton and a former pupil of Preston Lodge, recalled that his first public appearance at the Victoria Ballroom, Dunbar.

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

From our issue of March 13, 2009

100 years ago

MANY attempts have been made within recent years to bring Musselburgh into line with other first class golfing centres by securing an 18-hole course. Convener of the Links Committee, Councillor Robert Millar, brought forward a scheme which is likely to meet with general approval. The great fault of the last scheme was that it was to interfere with ground used for other sport in the town, but this scheme is free from any such objection. The alterations to the racecourse have considerably widened the golfing ground, and by taking advantage of this extra space and the unused ground in the centre of the Links, it has been found possible to have about 16 holes inside the course, and that, too, without any crossing. The other two holes are to be got by playing along the back of the club-house to the river mouth and from there to the Cannons. The new first hole will be from a point behind the Royal Musselburgh Club-House to the north-west corner of the reclaimed ground at the river mouth. The new 18th is to the Gas Works.

50 years ago

DEAN of Guild Robert Arthur raised the question about the dirty windows at the Town Hall at a meeting of Musselburgh Town Council. He said that he had heard many "adverse remarks" passed about the condition of the windows. Provost Lannan said that the windows and hoardings were "a perfect disgrace." "The windows are, as my mother used to say, 'as black as the Earl o' Hell's waistcoat.' The Town Hall appears to be slum-dom." Provost Lannan told how he received so many letters from visitors describing the beauties of Musselburgh. He pleaded: "Let us keep Musselburgh in a state of dignity."

DR James Craigie, principal teacher of English and Deputy Headmaster of Musselburgh Grammar School, has been unanimously elected president of the Educational Institute of Scotland for 1959-60. He will take office in June. A scholar of distinction, Dr Craigie has edited several works for the Scottish Text Society and has contributed to Chambers' Encyclopaedia.

25 years ago

EAST Lothian Constituency Labour Party will have six delegates at this weekend's Scottish conference in Perth. Local secretary Noel Foy hopes they will play a major part in the debate on energy policy. With Scotland's miners called out on a national strike, East Lothian CLP's resolution has been tabled with one from the National Union of Mineworkers. Mr Foy said: "One of our delegates is Johnny Russell from Prestonpans who works at Monktonhall and we hope he will take part in the debate." The East Lothian resolution states: "This conference pledges full support to the workers in the coal industry in their struggle against pit closures and job losses."

SCHOOL inspectors this week issued a glowing "report card" for Macmerry Primary. head teacher Mr David Robertson was praised for creating a "confident and co-operative" teaching team. The inspectors found that most of the 100 pupils seemed to enjoy school and applied themselves well. Books and materials were in good supply.

10 years ago

A CONTENTIOUS plan to build sheltered housing on a former putting green next to the Royal Hotel in North Berwick has been approved. The proposal provoked a wave of local protest including a petition with 1,000 signatures collected by community councillors. A separate planning application for demolition of the hotel and construction of 34 flats and garages was also given the go-ahead. This attracted 48 letters of representation.

AN all-weather pitch is to be installed at King's Meadow Primary School, Haddington. Work on the surface will be finished in time for the start of the new school year in August. Measuring 55m by 35m, the pitch will provide a good playing surface for many sports all year round.

A SHIP-SHAPED shelter looking out to sea could form the focal point of a 26,000 facelift for the Promenade in Fisherrow. Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council is pursuing the scheme as its major Millennium 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

From our issue of March 20, 2009

100 years ago

ON Friday night last the servants employed in Pinkie House, Musselburgh, had a most successful dance in the house. Augmented by friends, there was a company present to the number of about 40, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Excellent music was provided by Messrs Baptie's band, and a fine programme of music was gone through under the direction of Mr D Tucker, assisted by Mr J Jones. Songs were contributed by Messrs G Jones, D Colville, J Wightman and others.

ON Tuesday forenoon last, two men, while walking on the roadway near Cowpits, Inveresk, saw a woman sitting by the roadside apparently very ill. They spoke to her, but before assistance could be given she expired. The body was removed to the mortuary at Musselburgh Police Office. She was a woman of about 60 years of age, of the pedlar class, and had been selling thread and tape in the village of Cowpits. It appears she had been in Inveresk Poorhouse for about a week.

50 years ago

AFTER 26 years in Musselburgh Pipe Band, Pipe Major Robert Paterson has resigned. His competent piping and training of youngsters was widely known and appreciated. The Paterson family has had a long and valued connection with the band and Pipe Major's father joined the band before the First World War. Now the band will have another Paterson in its ranks as Matthew, a son of the Pipe Major, is a keen member and will carry on the tradition.

WHEN gas pressure fell in Musselburgh on December 15 last, police and Scottish Gas Board officials had to warn consumers of possible accident danger. As a result the Gas Board was fined 1 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for failing to supply gas at the regulation pressure. An agent for the Gas Board said that the drop occurred when gas supplies were being switched from one holder to another. The mistake was made by an experienced employee and, since the incident, the Board had introduced a locking device which would prevent is recurrence.

25 years ago

FULL backing was given this week to East Lothian's 1000 striking miners and their families. The district council are to set up special advice centres in the three mining towns. And local MP John Home Robertson has criticised NCB chairman Ian MacGregor for his tactics in the dispute. Depute Director of Housing Mr Bruce Walker explained: "We will be giving advice on all aspects of housing benefits and rents and rates rebates." Labour group chairman Councillor Pat O'Brien said: "We feel it is bad enough being on strike for the miners, their wives and families and we don't want them to lose out on any benefits." Councillor O'Brien said about 95 per cent of East Lothian miners lived in council houses. Mr Home Robertson criticised the Coal Board chief for seeking a High Court injunction to stop 'flying pickets.' He said: "It is right that the miners should want to fight for the future of their industry. It is obvious Mr MacGregor's tactics are to set miner against miner. You only have to remember how he buttered up the Bilston Glen workforce during the Monktonhall strike."

10 years ago

A MUSSELBURGH company is playing a key role in preparations for the opening of the Scottish Parliament. Ben Dawson Furniture, based at Eskmills, has been commissioned by the Scottish Office to design and manufacture the desks to be used in the main debating chamber at the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall at the Mound. Working closely with Simpson and Brown, the architects for the project, they are creating individual desks for each MSP, as well as those for the presiding officer, clerks and deputies. The company employs 23 people.

A NEW business, the largest of its kind in Scotland, looks set to breathe new life into Tranent town centre. European Bathrooms, which opened its doors less than a month ago, has already attracted potential customers from as far afield as Fife and the Borders. The former Presto store on the High Street has been transformed into a luxury bathroom showroom and is also HQ for its sister company, All Clear Emergency Services. Meanwhile, the Co-op is to spend 2m extending its Haddington Road store.

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

From our issue of March 27, 2009

100 years ago

THERE were rumours on Tuesday that a start was to be made immediately with the work of laying the track for the tramway extension between Levenhall and Port Seton, but from inquiries made we find that it may be yet be some time before the work commences. Of course arrangements are being made for an early start. The roadway will have to be widened consderably at certain parts and this should give work to many of our unemployed.

ON Saturday afternoon last, while playing over Musselburgh Links, Mr A C bain, one of a foursome, holed the home hole in one.This is the second time within a month that this has been accomplished. On Monday a Loretto boy named A Woodrow, while playing with a friend, holed the gas hole in two with his mashey, and also the home hole in two, finishing the round in 35, very nearly breaking the record. Meanwhile, Musselburgh Merchants Golf Club's annual team match between Captain and Vice-Captain finished in a draw.

50 years ago

A PARTY of 26 pupils from Musselburgh Grammar School start on the first stage of their journey to Paris. Miss MacLean, Mr Ferguson and Mr McGillivray, from the staff of the school, will accompany the pupils. Miss MacLean will be in charge of the 16 girls and Mr Ferguson and Mr McGillivray will be responsible for the 10 boys in the party. The pupils are all very excited as only one has ever been abroad before. When in Paris they will stay at the Lycee St Louis. From Waverley they will travel on the night train, arriving in London at 6.30am. They will cross the Channel on the Newhaven-Dieppe line and should arrive in Paris about six o'clock in the evening.

WHEN Provost James Lannan and Town Clerk David Taylor were inspecting the dirty windows of Musselburgh Tolbooth and the premises of the Cycling Club, they also spent some time digging deep into the archives, and managed to unearth some very interesting pictures, including one dating back to 1670 when Musselburgh got its charter.

25 years ago

A LOCAL man made a frightening discovery — close to the home of a famous footballer. As Hurry Hunter cleared ground in Gifford, he dug up what appeared to be an unexploded bomb. After shouted warnings to his workmates, he carefully transported the device to a place of safety where the Army bomb disposal unit later gave it the all-clear. The bomb was found on a site in Tweeddale Crescent where a new house is being built for former Scotland internationalists and Hibs goalkeeper Alan Rough. The bomb turned out to be a spent shell.

PATRONS of the Victoria Inn, Haddington, will certainly miss Bill and May Dalgleish, proprietors of the pub, who have retired after 20 years. The couple invited friends and regular customers to a special party to mark the occasion and bid them farewell. Mr Dalgleish explained: "We will certainly miss serving behind the bar and chatting to all our customers. We have both really enjoyed our jobs here."

10 years ago

AN innovative 2.7m project to set up a Healthy Living Centre in Dunbar has been given a massive cash boost of almost 1m from the Lottery Sports Fund. Ivor Davis, director of the Lottery Sports Fund, announced that 988,627 was to be awarded to the Dunbar Community Development Company, to help fund a centre at Hallhill.

PEOPLE in Prestonpans are to be given a say about where they think the town's new swimming pool should be built. Four potential sites have been identified and now the council is to carry out a public consultation. The location of the sites are at Preston Lodge High School, two locations next to the community centre, and Polwarth Park.

TRANENT footballers Christopher Gordon and Christopher McIntosh have been selected to play for Scotland. The midfielders have been chosen for Scotland's 16s team and will be setting off on a European tour next week. Gordon plays for Tranent Boys Club and McIntosh for Musselburgh Windsor.

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

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