1895
The Storm – At Cellardyke Harbour the heavy stones forming the top of the east pier were lifted out of their places and flung into the basin, leaving the pier a very precarious condition. The yards lying next the sea were flooded, and in several cases damage inflicted to cellars and walls.
ln the Town Hall on Saturday evening, the Young Men’s Christian Association gave their annual entertainment to the old women of Cellardyke There was a large attendance, and after tea suitable addresses were delivered by various gentlemen. A very pleasant evening was spent.
MEETING of FISHERMEN.
On Monday evening a meeting of fishermen was held in the Town Hall. Mr R. Montador presided over a fair attendance. The delegate to the conference at Aberdeen, Mr John Carstairs, gave a report of the proceedings and findings of the meeting. He had expressed the views of the Cellardyke fishermen, but the majority had voted in favour of the close time for the East Coast being fixed from 10th June to 10th July. He also reported the resolution in favour of a General Association of Scotch fishermen, which he considered would be of great service to the industry. His statement was approved, and he was awarded a cordial vote of thanks. Discussion ensued as to the adoption of some means for the better securing of the boats during gales in Anstruther harbour, and it was resolved to send a deputation to the Harbour Commissioners on the subject Messrs Montador, Carstairs, and T. Watson were appointed for this purpose.
The nets, fifteen in all, that were brought into Berwick by some fishing boats on Saturday afternoon have been identified the property’ of John Wood, Cellardyke, Fife.
1896
THE PRICE OF A JUMP INTO THE HARBOUR. At the Burgh Court on Monday, before Provost Anderson and Bailie Morton, Dal id Davidson, fisherman, Cellardyke, pled guilty to a breach of the peace in Rodger and Shore Streets, and leaping into the harbour to the danger of his life on New Year’s day. One previous conviction was recorded against him. The Provost in imposing a fine of is 6d or seven days, advised him to keep clear of liquor, as his foolishness on this occasion might have led to his death had not some of his friends assisted him. Fine paid.
THE PITTENWEEM AND CELLARDYKE FISHING COMPAN Y. —The directors have issued a report to the shareholders in which they regret to state that the vessel purchased by the Company called the Emerald turned out badly, and the working of it proved most unprofitable. As the shareholders may be aware, this vessel sometime after she was purchased, instead of earning any profits, continually required repairs, thus causing considerable loss to the shareholders, and the debt was always accumulating so long as she was held by the Company. After several unsuccessful attempts to sell the vessel at something like the original price, the directors agreed to dispose of her at a heavy loss, as shown by the accounts, after receiving the approval of the shareholders. Notwithstanding this loss, the directors are convinced that, in disposing of the vessel, the best course has been followed in the interests of the shareholders under the circumstances. Seeing therefore that the only vessel belonging to the Company has been sold, and looking to the state of accounts submitted, the directors recommend that the Company should now be wound up voluntarily. The directors beg to intimate therefore that an extraordinary general meeting of the Company will be held on 3rd February, immediately after the general meeting, when the following special resolution will be submitted to the meeting, viz.:—That the Pittenweem and Cellardyke Fishing Company, Limited, be wound up voluntarily, and that John Guthrie, solicitor, Anstruther, be appointed liquidator for winding up said Company. Should this resolution be carried, another meeting of the shareholders will fall to be held on a date to be fixed by the above meeting for the purposes of confirming the resolution.
CELLARDYKE. AN ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL GAME IN TACOMA. —One feature of the Christmas celebration was a game of association football between teams from the crews of the British ships Eaton Hall and Norfolk Island. As several of the men were noted players of England and Wales, strong rivalry was infused into the game, each ship claiming to have the best players. Eaton Hall won by a score of 2 to 1. Norfolk Island scored its punt in the first half, and Eaton Hall one punt in each half. Mr John Montador and Mr Alex. McRuvie, both belonging to Cellardyke, were in the Eaton Hall team.
CELEBRATION OF A DIAMOND WEDDING.–At their residence, 39 Primrose Street, Leith, on Saturday, Mr and Mrs James Doig celebrated their diamond wedding Mr Doig was a native of Cellardyke, while Mrs Doig’s father was in the Milton Mill, West Anstruther. The wedding took place at Anstruther on the 18th January 1830, the officiating minister being the Rev. James Findlay, U.P. Church, Pittenweem, the parties being described as James Doig, weaver, and Margaret, youngest daughter of John Balfour, Milton Mill. Mr and Mrs Doig received many congratulations from relatives and friends on the interesting occasion.
AN UNPROVOKED ASSAULT. —A young man, named Thomas Murray Jnr, Fisherman, was charged before Provost Martin and Bailie Thomas on Monday, with having on New Year’s day, assaulted two fishermen by striking them with his clenched fists several blows on the right eyes to the effusion of blood, and then creating a disturbance in George Street. Three previous convictions were recorded against him. The Fiscal said the assault was very cowardly and unprovoked. He first struck an old man, and when the young man went to his assistance, struck him also. He was sorry that he had so many previous convictions to bring forward against him. He was under the influence of drink, but people should not take liquor when it leads them to this. The Provost said it was most painful for the Magistrates to have a young man before them on such a charge, and with three previous convictions against him. He would be fined on this occasion. They were dealing very leniently with him to give him another chance, but he would be fined very heavily if he came before them again. He advised him to give up the drink, and turn over a new leaf.
1897
St Andrews Police Court. On Friday, before Bailie Murray, Robert Keith, fish-hawker, Cellardyke, was fined 21s, or fourteen days, for being drunk while charge of a cart in public thoroughfare.
ELIE. FISHING BOATS IN THE GALE.–The storm on Thursday caught the East of Fife boats which were engaged at the herring fishing. A number of them bore up for their own ports, but two, the James of Cellardyke and a St Monans boat made for Elie harbour under difficulties. The James had a broken yard and the other bolt a broken mast, each making the harbour under jury rig.
1898
Brothers Quarrelling.— At Cellardyke Burgh Court on Saturday two brothers, named James and Robert Keith were charged with their brother Alexander at his own house on the 3rd inst. by striking and kicking him. After evidence had been led, the charge was found proven against Robert, and he was sentenced to pay 30s, or one mouth’s in Dundee Prison. He was taken to prison, but the fine was afterwards paid.
“Coaties” V. Bluejackets. The formation of the K.Y. team at Kilrenny has given young Cellardyke a chance s to try his foot at the game, in which at one time he had few masters. The team was originally composed of shoemakers, but the fishermen are getting places in it, and on Saturday there was quite an Anster v. Cellardyke flavour in the match—Rangers v. K.Y. It was fought out on the latter’s pitch. The Rangers had a lot of budding young players on trial They gave a fine exhibition. A pleasant game was played, ending in a draw of two goals each.
DIAMOND WEDDING CELEBRATIONS. IN CELLARDYKE.
Mr and Mrs Robert Brown, West Forth Street, Cellardyke, celebrated their diamond wedding on Wednesday evening A notice of the wedding in 1838, appears in another column. Mr Brown is a native of Fisherrow, where he was born, on 16th June 1816. When a young boy at school his father came to reside in Cellardyke, and he received the most of his education at the Parish School. He began life as a fisherman, and he helped his father, who at that time acted at what were known as “coupers” that is taking the haddocks from the Cellardyke boats, and sailing to ports up the Firth with them and disposing of them to the best advantage. The herring fishing was prosecuted with success in the Firth at that time, and the boats in use were the old open boats. Mr Brown was a very successful fisherman, and retired from the sea in 1881, 17 years ago. He ‘was first appointed to the Council in 1881, and served several terms, being twice elected one of the Magistrates. He was also one of the first Harbour Commissioners to be elected for Cellardyke by the electors. Mr Brown connected himself with the Free Church at the Disruption, and in 1845 was made an elder, an office he still continues to hold. Mrs. Brown is a native of Kingsbarns. The couple are still able to go about, and as a mark of the interesting occasion had their photographs taken by Mr Ireland on Monday afternoon. In the evening the couple entertained a number of people to tea. After partaking of this, The Rev. A. G. Macalpine, addressing Mr and Mrs Brown, said that on his own behalf, as well as that of his fellow guests, he tendered their thanks—cordial and sincere for the double honour enjoyed—the one in being invited to sit as guests at their most hospitable table, and the other in being privileged to share with them the honour of celebrating this most unique and auspicious event—their Diamond Wedding. Of course their relationship did not carry them very far among those six decades of years—but they did carry them sufficiently far back as to enable him to have a glimpse of the splendid achievement, the beautiful record, and the irreproachable character which they have been enabled to lead during these years. Speaking for himself, he was proud in being able to acknowledge that during these 13 years of their church relationship, years of Christian work, of congregational activity, and of manifold engagement, not one single look, word, or act, had ever marred their friendship, chilled their affection, or lessened their esteem. On the contrary these bonds were’ stronger, warmer, and deeper than they were years ago. In fact as his minister, he was compelled to say that never on entering his home, whether shadowed by sickness or bright with sunshine, had he met him in two moods, invariably the same, kind, sympathetic, genial, helpful, courteous. That was his experience; and he inferred that that was only a symbol of what their home had been during these 60 years. One writer of the highest order says that friendship is one heart in two bodies; and surely both of them could testify to the accuracy of this pleasing thought, Sixty years, what a history! What a memory: what a contrast! The countless blessings received, the paths—solitary and yet interlaced and combined–along which they had walked, the sore and severe trials and sure triumphs ; imminent pearls at sea, and the varied dangers ashore; the consciousness of their failures and the attainments of a closer walk with God, all voice themselves from the irrevocable past, and call for profound thanksgiving, admiring wonder, and deep humiliation. Proceeding, he continued—Sixty years ago, in the bloom of youth when you stood at the marriage altar, you, Mr Brown, with all the buoyancy and elasticity of manhood, and you, Mrs Brown, with all the beauty and simplicity and winsomeness of a young bride, when you stood at the altar you looked into the future with all its possibilities and contingencies, and joined heart and hand with your motto “Mizpah” ; but now when you look back tonight you can say “Ebenezer.” But your own thoughts, secret end sacred, we cannot intermeddle: but as your guests we combine in acknowledging the wonderful Hand of God that has been upon you, we rejoice in the beauty and integrity, of your character, and we are assured that the peacefulness of your bearing and the purity of your home, as well as the effort, so manifold, and varied, so assiduous and ungrudging, rendered in your early years have gone very far to the up-building and solidifying of tit: character in our community. I am convinced that yours is the experience of an old couple whom I knelt in the south. Both were frail and walked by the help of a staff. One day I asked the grandmother “whether she was not tired of her husband yet.” “Tired” said she with a smile smoothing her wrinkled countenance, ” We have been married for 55 years, and the honeymoon is not past yet.” And lam glad to think that Mr Brown holds the same opinion. But whether this is to be the last of our annual meetings in your hospitable home, or whether we may be honoured with an invitation to the celebration of your ruby marriage we all feel that our rejoicings are tinged with sadness and sorrow. Some are now at your Diamond wedding who were not at your golden wedding, and some were then present who are now no more. To those widows who are at their own hearths sitting under their bereavement, and were joyfully only a few months ago, walking on the edge of the sunshine of their golden wedding, we proffer our deepest condolence; to those who by growing infirmities and the burden of years are compelled to remain at home we extend our warm sympathy, and to you, clearly beloved friends, Mr and Mrs Brown, we again offer you heartiest congratulations.
Thereupon Mr Macalpine presented the aged couple with an address signed by all the office bearers of the Chalmers Memorial Church, Anstruther, and at the same time begged their acceptance of a purse and sovereigns, as a small token of the esteem and affection in which they are held by all the members of the Congregation.
Mr and Mrs Brown
Honoured Friends—We, the undersigned office bearers of the Chalmers Memorial Church, Anstruther, gladly avail ourselves of this most auspicious occasion, your diamond wedding , in presenting to you our united congratulations and best wishes.
Rarely has the happy and holy bonds of matrimony continued so long as 80 years, and therefore most exceptional must be the honour which a benign Providence has vouchsafed upon you. Consequently in your rejoicing we also joy and join you in laying our tribute of gratitude and praise at the feet of our gracious Lord and Master. Further we are impelled to say that the integrity of your character, the assiduity with which you have devoted yourself to Christian service, and the blamelessness of your lives, have endeared you, not only to ourselves and to the members of our congregation, but also to very many of your fellow-townsmen.
To you, honoured sir, we tender our deep indebtedness, for during the many years you have held office in our Church, you have ever been a safe and cautious counsellor, and a warm-hearted and generous friend.
In token of our admiration for your own and your life partners character, we have much pleasure in asking your acceptance of this address along with a purse and sovereigns, at the same time expressing a hope that the divine hand which has guided you hitherto will guide you and your wife to the close of life, and thereafter lead you to the homeland of the King.
Signed by A. Gillon Macalpine, Minister. Elders and Deacons ( all listed)
……. Mr Macalpine said he had a further duty to discharge, viz., to present an address from the Young Men’s Guild, and one from the Band of Hope….. ( a similarly long statement).
Mr Brown rose under considerable emotion, and, in suitably acknowledging the presentations’, warmly thanked the friends for their kindness in responding to their invitation, acknowledged the goodness of God in giving him such a good wife, rehearsed some trials incidental to such a long stretch of years, and humorously referred to some experiences that led up to the happy consummation of the event which they were now commemorating.
Mr Barbour, teacher, said that he counted it a great pleasure to be present on such an occasion as the celebration of a Diamond Wedding. For Mr and Mrs Brown he had the very highest regard, and was inclined to endorse what the boy said “Robert Brown is the best man in all the town.” Ever since he came to the town he had observed Mr Brown’s character, and always it was the same, uniform and consistent. In a few choice words he warmly congratulated their friends on their Diamond Wedding, and wished them health, happiness, and years…………..
1899
ON THE LIGHTING OF CELLARDYKE WITH GAS. BY A FISHERMAN.
Some folks in our town are going stark mad,
Because they are getting light
Into their streets, and they do vow
To oppose it with all their might,
For they count it here entire abomination
For the Ballies to bring in such an expensive innovation.
For if they get such light, d’ye see,
It will set the town in such a flame,
That when they get upon the spree,
A’ body will ken their name.
Na, na, the Cellardyke folk are no sic asses,
To brook such nasty stinking gases.
As true as I’m here, it really beats a’,
To hear their dreadful sighing;
Here, some women are roaring with rage,
And there, some old women are crying,
That they all should stick out for the good old way,
So that they might know the night from the day.
A little while now, and you’ll hear of fun,
About these terrible lamps,
For I hear of one who is strong against them,
And when he thinks of the lamps he stamps,
And vows, the first man who a light doth raise,
He’ll be his sworn enemy a’ his days.
I’m painfully affected such news for to hear
of some of the folks of Cellardyke ;
Instigators, I’ve no doubt they have,
Else they never would do the like.
But I hope soon to get better news,
And say that the Dykers have chang’d their views.