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March 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 March 5, 2010

100 years ago

THE monthly meeting of Musselburgh School Board was held in the Grammar School, Colonel Whitelaw presiding. The chairman referred to the death of Mr Watson, late headmaster of the Grammar School, who had been a teacher under the Board for 38 years, and moved that an expression of their regret at his death be recorded in the minutes, and that an excerpt be sent to Mrs Watson. The chairman intimated that the conference with Inveresk School Board in connection with the proposed amalgamation of the School Board areas of the burgh and parish had been arranged. Col. Whitelaw further remarked that there was no doubt that Inveresk Board would have to build, and it was also equally true that before long their own Board would have to build. There was another point in connection with the amalgamation to be considered, and that was that Inveresk children got their books free. That raised a difficulty. Ex-Bailie Kelt said that matter was not irrevocable, They ought not to raise that question until amalgamation had taken place.

50 years ago

THE finance committee of Musselburgh Town Council agreed to donate 2 2s to the Davidson Clinic, 3 3s to the Scottish Council of Social Service and 150 to the Honest Toun's Association. There was slight confusion when Treasurer Peter Hamilton said of the HTA donation, "I think we have always been in the habit of giving them 150,000." He quickly corrected his mistake, however, saying, "I mean 150." Provost James Lannan smiled benignly and remarked, "I think the Treasurer must be feeling in a generous mood this evening."

ONE hundred guests enjoyed a remarkably pleasant evening in the Woodside Hotel when the annual dinner of Musselburgh Rugby Club was held. With Sir Alexander B King CBE as chairman, there followed a series of sparkling toasts full of wit and gaiety. Dr H M Gibson Aitken MBE proposed the toast of the Musselburgh club while Mr E C Barclay-Smith (Loretto) gave that of "Our Guests," who included Musselburgh Provost James Lannan.

25 years ago

A FORMER Tranent man, who took part in the RAF bombing raid on Hitler's rocket research facilities at Peenemunde in August 1943, is to be remembered in the town he loved. A stained glass window is to be placed in Tranent Parish Church in memory of Mr Charles Hogg, who served with the 35 Pathfinder Squadron during the last war. Mr Hogg, who attained the rank of Flight Lieutenant and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, was born in John Street, Tranent, in 1921. He joined the RAF on the outbreak of war and undertook radar training in the United States, Canada and Rhodesia before taking part in more than 50 sorties. After the war Mr Hogg and his wife Phoebe lived in England, settling in Loughborough. He worked with the Milk Marketing Board for more than 30 years before his death in November 1982.

NORTH Berwick's Glen Golf honoured their secretary and treasurer for the last 35 years, Mr J B Stuart. Mr Stuart was conferred as a life member of the club.

10 years ago

THE early days of the cinema are to be relived in Tranent next week. The Fraser Centre at what was the town's former Winton Cinema is putting on a special three-day event. Tranent folk used to enjoy a visit to the Winton Cinema — or "Cuds" as it was known locally after its owner, Cuddona. People would line up outside — up to 742 if it was a full house. For the better off there were the balcony seats while the less well off would occupy the back stalls. Customers would be shown to their seats by such people as Annie Little, Arthur Bruce, Teresa Herriot, Grace Quinn and Jean Krawiec. Mr Norvil was the cinema projectionist for 40 years. The Winton Cinema opened in 1921 and closed around 1970.

WORRIED parents have sent a letter to East Lothian Council listing their suggestions to improve road traffic safety around Haddington Infant School in the week of two recent accidents in the area. Parent Sue Hastings explained it was felt that speed calming measures in Meadowpark and Victoria Road could go some way to solving the traffic problems.

strong>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 files of March 12, 2010

100 years ago

ON Wednesday evening, in the Musselburgh Arms Hotel, Mr James Millar and Mr Joseph Dickson, two well known Musselburgh young men, were entertained to a complimentary supper and smoker on the eve of their departure for Canada. Mr Millar was lately associated with his father in the baker and confectionery business carried on under the name of Wm Millar & Son at 68 and 70 High Street, Musselburgh. Mr Dickson was identified with his brother in the business Wm Dickson & Co, cabinetmakers, etc, at 59 High Street.

OWING to the heavy downpour of rain on Wednesday evening, the attendance at the grand evening concert under the auspices of the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Trades Prize Band, in the Parish Halls, was not nearly so large as it must otherwise have been with such an attraction as the famous Australian soprano Miss Bertha Bird. However, Miss Bird's second visit to Musselburgh will long be remembered.

50 years ago

SIR — It would have been appropriate if the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Fishwives Choir had been in attendance at the juvenile games recently at King's Park, Musselburgh, to sing the well-known "Sail Away" song, as four balls were lost in the sea. The local Windsor's game with St Gabriel's BC had to be abandoned after only 20 minutes as both clubs had lost a ball. This is by no means the first time this has happened. If the wind is blowing towards the sea, this can happen any week as the playing fields are only a few yards from the edge of the water when the tide is up. At over 6 a ball, no juvenile club could keep it up. This is an indictment against Musselburgh Town Council who have been urged over a period of years to lay out new playing fields away from the sea. Yours, J Brown, secretary, Musselburgh Windsor FC.

AS long as there were refugees in the world, people had to go on giving, emphasised Lady Morton, at the inauguration of a World Refugee Branch in Musselburgh.

25 years ago

TRANENT'S worst ever fire tragedy claimed the lives of four people on Tuesday. A mother and her three young children died when the blaze swept through their house in Fa'side Crescent. Mrs Jane Scott (29) was trapped in an upstairs bedroom with her children Vicky (10), Grant (8) and two-year-old Morag. The tragedy happened about 2am and is believed to have been caused by a spark from the livingroom fire.

EAST Lothian miners ended their year-long strike yesterday in angry and defiant mood. Their anger was directed at Scottish Coal Board boss Albert Wheeler for refusing to reinstate sacked men. Seventeen East Lothian men have been dismissed during the dispute: eight from Prestonpans, four from Tranent, three from Musselburgh and two from Ormiston. Local MP John Home Robertson has written to each of them personally pledging to do everything in his power to get their jobs back. He described the attitude of Mr Wheeler as "extraordinary and provocative" in refusing to reinstate the men.

10 years ago

IMPROVEMENTS to a small park and toddlers play area at Artillery Park, Haddington, have been completed by East Lothian Council in 16 weeks at a cost of 50,000. The area has been landscaped and supplied with seating, litter bins and dark green railings to form a park. Safety railings have been installed at the entrance and an archway with Artillery Park inscribed on it has been added. Councillor Charles Ingle said: "I am delighted to see this project complete."

TRANENT councillor Bishop Shepherd ended up in handcuffs following a council meeting at the Town House in Haddington on Tuesday. But it was not because he was at loggerheads with colleagues about an item for discussion on the agenda! He was one of several local people taking part in a sponsored 'Jail 'em and bail 'em' event in aid of the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Mr Shepherd was incarcerated at the town's George Hotel but generous sponsorship secured 630 bail to set him free.

strong>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 files of March 19, 2010

100 years ago

FOR some time now, Musselburgh Town Council have been endeavouring to get the Musselburgh Real Estate Company to modify or cease their sand carting operations at Rosehall, near the Fisherrow Harbour, because they contend that the amenity of the beach is being destroyed. Councillor A Millar reported that sand carting was still going on at the place, and carts were going down the brae at the south-west end of the harbour, where he believed carting was prohibited. The harbour master and himself plainly saw the marks made by cart wheels on the brae and along the beach. Provost Simpson said the matter had been before the council for some months.

A LETTER was read at Musselburgh Town Council from Messrs W N Brunton & Son, Wire and Steel Works, regarding their application for permission to build a one storey building in Inveresk Road, beside the Musselburgh Bowling Green. Councillor Joe Young moved the council adhered to their previous decision to refuse. This was agreed.

50 years ago

A DELIGHTFUL party was held in the canteen of J&W Stuart Ltd, Esk Mills, Musselburgh, for Miss Sandra Murray, 29 Middleshot Square, Prestonpans, who, with her family, is emigrating to Melbourne, Australia. Sandra has been employed by the firm since she left school two years ago. The evening started with a meal, during which Sandra cut a cake decorated with white heather, and the inscription "Good Luck, Sandra." Afterwards her foreman, Mr John McPhee, presented her with a gold bracelet.

MEMBERS of the staff of James Brodie & Son, house furnishers, Musselburgh, and wives and friends met for a dinner dance in the Woodside Hotel. Altogether, some 80 guests sat down to dinner, presided over by Mr J Brodie, host for the evening. A toast to the principals was proposed by Mr John Glen, president of the Edinburgh and District Retail Credit Association. After the dinner it was on with the dance. Many prizes were distributed during the course of the evening.

25 years ago

NORTH Berwick has a new inshore lifeboat thanks to the generosity of children from throughout Britain. The 15-ft boat, costing 6500, is one of four bought as the result of an appeal by the BBC children's television programme Blue Peter. Funds were raised by children who collected literally millions of old buttons and postcards. When the 'D' class boat goes on station in April, she will be the third Blue Peter boat to serve the town in the past 20 years.

A NEW manse is to be built in Longniddry at an estimated cost of 76,000. The general trustees have agreed to make a 20,000 loan repayable over three years at seven per cent. A 43,000 bridging loan is also to be provided. Property convener Mr A G Giffen (Aberlady) said the existing manse was valued at 45,000. Longniddry is to prove 10,500 and there is to be a 10,000 donation from Gladsmuir. "Longniddry will have a fine manse when the work is completed. They will get good value for their money," said Mr Giffen.

10 years ago

A GRANT of 81,000 awarded this week to Forth Ports plc will allow cement to be transported from Blue Circle's Dunbar plant by rail to the firm's export facility at Leith Docks and ease traffic on the A1. The rail freight facilities grant award, which will contribute towards the reinstatement of railway track into Leith Docks, was welcomed by East Lothian MP and MSP John Home Robertson. "The move to rail means that nearly 90,000 lorry miles per annum will be removed from the A1 road," he said.

A NEW wall, bench and landscaped area to mark the new millennium have been created at Dirleton Primary School. The project was made possible by a grant the school received from the Aberlady, Gullane and Dirleton Community Fund. Local councillor Gilbert Meikle supported the school's bid for the necessary funding. The new retaining wall was constructed by John Smith builders from Athelstaneford. Head teacher David Scott said: "The new landscape features have improved the area dramatically."

strong>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 files of March 26, 2010

100 years ago

The following are extracts from the reports issued by Dr Horsburgh, medical officer, for the burgh of Musselburgh, and Mr John Barclay, sanitary inspector: The hospital consists of six wards in three pavilions. There are 16 beds. The water supply of the burgh is sufficient. In the passing of all plans in new dwelling houses, the Dean of Guild Court request that a tap be provided in each house so that water direct from the main may be procured for drinking and other purposes. There is a daily collection of refuse within the burgh, including the Monktonhall district, between the hours of 6am and 9am. Six horses are employed in the cleaning department. Some 6608 loads of refuse and 149 loads of snow were removed off the streets during the year. This refuse is used in reclaiming ground near the river mouth. A considerable proportion of house refuse is composed of waste paper and vegetable matter, which could be easily consumed in the kitchen fire. This would reduce their coal bill and keeps the streets clear of waste paper blown out of buckets.

50 years ago

A SUGGESTED plan for a lay-out of Fisherrow Links was considered at a meeting of Musselburgh Town Council's Parks Committee. This lay-out includes plans for a football pitch in the centre, tennis courts, putting greens and a children's play park. The levelling of the grounds and the setting up of this loan must not exceed 1,000. Councillor Stuart Strachan protested against ash football pitches and reminded his fellow councillors, "After all, this is 1960." The Town Council will be asked to decide whether they agree with this plan when they meet in April.

MUSSELBURGH Merchants' Association have not yet given up all hope of having a caravan site in the burgh. In a letter to the Town Council, they stressed that the association felt very strongly that having a caravan site would do much to "put Musselburgh on the map." A caravan site might cause a great many people to stay in the town rather than just pass through it, they argued.

25 years ago

MEMBERS of Cockenzie Old Parish Church will step back 100 years on Sunday afternoon when, dressed in Victorian costume, they will form a procession to Tranent Parish Church. Led by pipers, the congregation will leave from Cockenzie at 3pm to take part in a hour-long 19th century church service. The procession is only one of a number of events arranged to celebrate the centenary of the Cockenzie church which was formed by members of the Tranent congregation.

A SALES assistant at the Musselburgh branch of Woolworths, Mrs Mima Fraser, is on her way to winning a holiday for two with 200 spending money. Mrs Fraser, of 27 Northfield Gardens, Prestonpans, has already won 10 as her prize for being selected by her fellow workers at the Musselburgh store to represent them in the district final of the national Woolworths Sales Assistant of the Year competition. Mrs Fraser has worked at the Musselburgh store for 14 years and is now an assistant in the clothing section.

10 years ago

TRANENT is to get a new millennium clock at a cost of around 7,500. The timepiece, which will be given pride of place in the town's Civic Square area, has been commissioned by Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council. Ian Manson told fellow community councillors that he had managed to strike a bargain with clockmakers Ritchies of Leeds. The pillar clock, which will be delivered in about 14 weeks, will be finished in black and gold.

A LIVELY reception on Monday evening in the grounds of Prestonkirk Parish Church followed the induction of the Parish of Traprain's new minister. A large congregation welcomed Rev Howard Haslett to his new post during a service conducted by the Moderator of the Presbytery of Lothian, Rev Anne Lithgow.

A GROUP of more than 40 concerned residents of Briery Bank and Gifford Road, Haddington, voiced their opposition to the possibility of new housing being built on a greenfield site near their homes.

strong>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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