1910
A distressing tragedy occurred early on Tuesday morning in Cellardyke, by which a young woman named Elizabeth Thomson (31), daughter of Alexander Thomson (Pratt), James Street, lost her life. The deceased, who was to have been married on Friday, was on Monday evening made the recipient of a present from the Christian Endeavour, in recognition of her approaching wedding. She retired to bed that evening with her sister, but during the night she was restless, and, it is supposed, went out about one o’clock in the morning. She, however, did not return, and nothing more was heard of her until her dead body was found on the beach about eight o’clock. The deceased was well-known in Cellardyke, and was generally regarded as a kindly, bright, and intelligent girl. She was in good spirits the evening before, and was engaged in completing her wedding dress. She was a somnambulist, having on previous occasions been found walking in her sleep, and it is thought she had done on this occasion with, unfortunately, fatal result. Much sympathy is felt with her relatives and intended husband. The funeral will take place on Sunday at 1 30 p.m.
Impressive Funeral – The funeral of Miss Lizzie Thomson (daughter of Mr Alexander Thomson , James Street), whose tragic death caused such a gloom and sensation over the whole district, took place at Kilrenny Church on Sunday afternoon. There was a large turn out, and the hearse and carriages were followed to the graveside by a large concourse of people, who attended to pay their last respects to one who was so well respected and loved by all who knew her. The Rev. P. N. Buchan officiated both at the house and the graveside. The coffin was carried to its last resting place by eight cousins and friends deceased and at the graveside the members of the Christian Endeavour Society sang a hymn, “Asleep in Jesus,” which caused a very deep impression. There were many floral tributes among which included wreaths from; “Father and mother, brothers and sisters, with deepest sympathy”; ‘from “The Christian Endeavour ‘Society “; Captain and Mrs Thomson, Miss Fordyce, Miss Janet Anderson, Miss Sophie Parker, Miss Chrissie Sutherland, Mrs Myles; and others sent bouquets of flowers. Many letters of sympathy have been sent to the parents, among which is included a letter from Mr J. Duncan Millar, M.P. Mr and Mrs Alexander Thomson and family desire to thank everybody most sincerely for the kind sympathy expressed, both by personal enquiry and letters received, in their sad bereavement. We may add that the deceased went to bed the night previous to the sad affair in the best of spirits and in her usual health, and any other impression that has been given by other reports, both in the press and otherwise, are entirely without foundation. She was not even restless during the night, as was suggested in last week’s Record, and the time of her departure is unknown
East of Fife Record – Thursday 21 April 1910 4
1911
MOTOR ENGINES IN FISHING BOATS.
Year by year the chance of the sailing drifter in the herring fishing has decreased. They have been cut out by the steam liners, so that only the winter herring fishing has been left to them. In no business at the present day can a living be made upon an uncertain harvest of a few months is twelve. It pays no one for valuable boats to be laid up for the greeter portion of the year. It has long been recognised that the oil engine, or as more popularly described ” the Motor” would eventually give these sailing boats a new lease of life. Anstruther has seen several attempts at applying the oil engine or motor to the sailing drifter, and owing to the very qualified success obtained a few years since the fishermen have been somewhat backward in trying the more recent engines, which undoubtedly have developed in a marvellous manner. The fact that something had to be done, and the success attained at other ports seem to have at last stirred and awakened the Anstruther and Cellardyke fishermen to realise the capabilities of the motor, and that by its adoption the sailing drifter need no longer play second fiddle to the steam drifter, at least so far as sharing out money is concerned. The Sunbeam, ML. 36 takes the lead at Anstruther, as the first boat to be fitted with the modern motor, and to Messrs R. & W. Anderson of Cellardyke, as owners of the boat, belong the credit and enterprise of taking a step that will have an immense effect on the well-being and future of Anstruther as a fishing port.
A first run with the motor was made with their boat on Thursday, which partook somewhat of the nature of a holiday excursion. It says much for the motor that although it had been turned round for the first time for half an hour only the previous day, a good run was made to May Island and back, with what must have been a record in number of passengers. By a misunderstanding the oil fuel supplied to run upon was of a class that had not been previously used with the engine. Indeed up to a year or so ago, such oil was considered quite unsuitable for the motor. In several respects it required different adjustments to the American and Russian oil usually used. Owing to this the full power of the engine was not available. To those who were not aware of the circumstance this was disappointing, while on the other hand it demonstrated very clearly that it took a lot to disarrange the motor’s digestion, and that whatever you gave it in the shape of oil it would make the best of it.
On Friday another run was made with a strong wind blowing, and a bit of a sea running, in fact the movement was sufficient for one man who boasted of being a blue water sailer succumbing, and being a sadder and for the time a less talkative man. It was a day to thoroughly test the motor, and as the skipper said just out of harbour he was going to do it. The motor came through in flying colours, the boat travelling at a speed that ensured it being well up to the guarantee of 7 ½ knots in smooth water. In fact notwithstanding the sea and wind and the heavy use of the rudder, the speed of the boat was very much over that of the previous day in a quiet sea; and some of the crew were heard to say, “As fast again.” it was made evident that when the Scotch oils particular requirement were known, and the engine adjusted accordingly, there would be no difficulty in using this oil. The Sunbeam being a very heavy, very full fore, and in fact a bad boat to drive, the trial must be considered eminently satisfactory.
The engine, which is a “Parsons’ Fisherman” with the machinery was supplied and fitted by P. E. Weyman of Pilgrim House, Newcastle on Tyne, who first introduced the motor to Eyemouth boats, and who has probably put in the majority of motors in the east coast drifters so far. It may be of interest to say that the Annie Mearns of Montrose recently fitted with a similar motor made the journey in a heavy sea and wind from Blyth to Montrose at an average speed of over 7 miles as taken by the log and confirmed by the distance, the course being outside the Ferne Islands, it being too rough to go inside. Two more Cellardyke boats are being fitted with the same motor, the Harvest Home and Jasper.
1912
WATER LEAKAGE.—On Saturday afternoon a test was made of the new pipes recently laid between Balmonth reservoir and the foot of the March. All seemed to go well at first, but on Sunday forenoon a burst occurred at the top of the March, near the St Andrews road, which occasioned a considerable flooding in the March grounds and surrounding fields. Fortunately, the burst was soon discovered, and the supply screwed off at the reservoir.
SUNDAY TRAFFIC ON KILRENNY ROAD.-In connection with the tally which is being kept by the Town Council, on behalf of the Development Grant Commissioners, of the number of vehicles, motor cars, cycles, etc , which are driven over the public highway between Anstruther and Kilrenny, it may be stated that on Sunday last, up to noon, no fewer than 150 different machines were counted. The great bulk of this number was made up of cycles. The good weather which prevailed on Sunday probably accounted for the large number of cyclists
East of Fife Record – Thursday 18 April 1912 4
1913
A Mean Theft.—Before Provost Black and Bailies Butters and Marr on Saturday, William Gay or Tarvit, fisherman, 28 West Forth Street, Cellardyke, pled guilty to having stolen 6 lines, each 75 fathoms long with 120 hooks on each, valued at 39s, from a garret at the above address. The lines were the property of Mr James Jack (Reid). Accused took the lines to Buckhaven where he sold them to fishermen there, and from whom they were recovered by the police. The court considered accused had perpetrated a very mean theft, and he was given the option of paying a fine of 10s or going to Dundee far seven days. Fine paid.
CELLARDYKE SKIPPER DROWNED IN THE DOCK AT HARTLEPOOL. Intelligence has been received at Cellardyke that John Sutherland, skipper and joint owner of the steam liner Dreel Castle, Anstruther, met his death by drowning at Hartlepool. Sutherland went on shore on Saturday evening to visit some friends, and it surmised that in making his way back to the vessel he tripped and fell into the dock. His body was found on Sunday morning. The crew were not alarmed his not returning his vessel on Saturday evening, as they concluded he was staying on shore overnight. Deceased, who was about 45 years of age, leaves a widow and five of a family, his eldest son being with him the fishing.
1914
MENS SUITS made to measure from 30s upwards. Fit guaranteed. P. SMITH, 6 E. Forth Street, Cellardyke.
To LET —Dwelling House and Shop 32 John Street. Cellardyke, lately occupied by Mrs PARKER. Apply D. & A. COOK. Solicitors, Anstruther.
CELLARDYKE SCHOOL TEACHER RETIRES. At a meeting of Kilrenny School Board Provost Black, chairman, presiding—a letter was read from Mr Barbour, head schoolmaster, Cellardyke, drawing the Board’s attention to the fact that he, having reached the age limit, was to retire at the end of this session.
DAVIDSON & CO., James Street, CELLARDYKE, We have just returned from our visit to the Spring shows and have a nice selection of Millinery. Knock-about and Ready-to-wear Hats in all the latest shades and shapes. Infants and Children’s Millinery. Infants and Children’s Coats and Pleises. Hoods and Hats suitable for all ages, in silk and straw. Flowers, Feathers, and Mounts. Blouses and Corsets. ALL GOODS NEW AND FRESH. DAVIDSON & Co. JAMES STREET, CELLARDYKE.