1930
CHILDREN’S CANTATA AT ANSTRUTHER. An enjoyable children’s concert in aid of Cellardyke Improvement Committee’s funds was held last night in Anstruther Town Hall —Provost Readdie presiding. Among the interesting and humorous items submitted was an operetta by T. Maskell Hardy.
The following took part: —Peter Roy, showman; Margaret Watson, king; Iris Palmer, queen; Douglas Keay, tinker; Gladys Nicolson, Chinaman; Catherine Smith, Jap; Peter Murray, sailor; Margaret Carstairs, sailor. The assistants were Alex. Laing and Jim Doig.
Action songs were also given, and community singing by the audience was a feature.
CELLARDYKE GUILD SALE OF WORK. Cellardyke Church Women’s Guild sale of work realised over £85. This sum will be used to defray the cast of new heating apparatus and other church improvements.
A “welcome home” Was given to Anstruther fishermen last night, when the local Burns Club treated them to a supper and musical entertainment in Cellardyke Town Hall.
There was a large company presided over Mr C H. Maxwell.
Details of an important scheme, which would be undertaken the council under the unemployment grants proposals, were submitted at a special meeting of Anstruther Town Council last night.
Bailie Crooks said that it was likely that a grant would obtained for the scheme for the institution of sewer outfalls and also for demolition and road work at George Street and Dove Street, Cellardyke.
There was no chance, however, of getting grant for the work to be done the repair of the sea wall at the east end. This work was considered purely maintenance, and could not figure as a grant subject. The council decided to undertake the repair of the whole of the wall provided the grant was obtained.
1932
DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT ST MONANCE
Three Cellardyke men were fined by Hon. Sheriff Lumsden at Cupar yesterday for disorderly conduct.
They were Alexander Myles, carter. 9 James Street; Mitchell Anderson, joiner, 2 Fowler Street, and John Marr Braid, carter, 33 Shore Street —all of Cellardyke. admitted that on 4th December on Station Road, St Monance, opposite the bus stance, cursed and swore and committed a breach of the peace; and (2) within the ex-servicemen’s hut, St Monance, assaulted James Fyall, son of, and residing with. James Fyall, fisherman. Rose Street. St Monance, and threw the contents of a lemonade bottle his face.
All three admitted having in the same place shouted and bawled and committed a breach of the peace.
Mr George Brander. Procurator Fiscal, said there had apparently been a dance on that night, and accused were annoying the other dancers. His lordship imposed a fine of 15s on Myles and 7s 6d each of the others.
BOAT-BUILDING IN CELLARDYKE BOAT-BUILDING is booming in Cellardyke. Down at the harbour and in the streets there is no unusual activity. The town wears that pre-occupied demeanour, habitual to her after the close of the Yarmouth fishing. And the population is—to all appearances —quietly and methodically engaged in preparing for the coming “winter herring.” Nor is there anything secret or sinister about the new “industry.”
Through the efforts of the Ratepayers’ Improvement Association, a large pond has recently been completed “east the toon,” beside the famous Cardinal’s Steps. This pond, which, I understand, is the largest of its kind in Fife, is to be formally opened early in the New Year as a yachting pond. During the summer months it will be used for swimming.
A “Model Boat Club” is presently in process of formation. Nearly every man, young and old, is interested, and every day we see a boat-laden procession going pond-wards. In garrets, cellars, back shops, and by cosy firesides in the winter evenings, every “man body” in the town, from the youthful schoolboy to the aged “Dey,” is busily engrossed in making “model boats.”
Each dainty vessel is perfect in every detail, and thus reflects the greatest credit on the skill, ingenuity, and patience of her builders. There is no flaw in her exquisite workmanship, no error in her dimensions.
With white sails set, she awaits that thrilling moment when, carried proudly thither in the arms of her builder, she is launched not only into her native element, but also into strenuous competition against her sister ships. It is charming sight to see the tiny craft, sails all taut, darting through the wind-ruffled wavelets of the pond, responding, as it were, to the shouts of encouragement from admiring and enthusiastic spectators, some of whom in their excitement run the risk of toppling into the water.
“THE FIFIE” At the first casual glance the boats seem to differ only in size and colour. A closer scrutiny reveals the fact that each has been designed from either of two models. The “Fifie ” type, which has no connection with our old friend of the Tay Ferry, is modelled on the lines of the old-time fishing boat.She has two masts and carries jib, main, and mizzen sails. Her direction is controlled by the weight of her keel and the manipulation of her sails. The yacht models, on the other hand, have been designed to take the path of least resistance. As they cut through the water, their long, slender, graceful lines are easily discerned. Their complement is one mast and four sails, fore jib and aft-jib, main-sail and top-sail, and they are directed by a rudder.
AN OLD AMBITION
The new bathing and boating pond has been the result of the united efforts of Cellardyke Ratepayers’ Improvements Association to foster the spirit of enterprise and to supply by artificial means that something lacking in the natural endowments of their burgh.
The “Dykers ” are well noted as a keen-witted, far-sighted, and progressive community; it has long been their ambition to make their clean and caller town valuable asset to her inhabitants. They are now endeavouring not only to cater for their own requirements, but also to minister to the needs of those who spend a brief annual holiday on their shores.
YOUTH ROUSED
This new “industry” or “hobby,” as some may term it, has awakened the interest of Cellardyke youths. It has roused their latent ability and stimulated their ambition, for not only must they emulate their experienced elders, they must also attempt to surpass them by exhibition of workmanship superior to that of the “old-timers.”
Although the spirit of rivalry is abroad, it is a friendly and kindly spirit. Each man tries to outvie his neighbour in the production of “champion racer.”
Well and merrily, therefore, may the bonny boaties speed, their billowing sails filled by the sportive winds of the Forth.
1933
An explanation of the new Unemployment Insurance Bill in relation of fishermen was given by Provost Carstairs, Anstruther, at large meeting of fishermen in Cellardyke Toun Hall. Mr Jack Graham, who was a member of the deputation which recently visited the House of Commons, presided.
Mr David Christie, fisherman, 26 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, has been appointed chief coxswain of Anstruther lifeboat in succession the late Mr Martin Gardner. Mr Christie has been member of the lifeboat crew for a number of years, and has acted recently as bowman. He has been connected with the fishing industry all his life, and is recognised as a skilful and capable seaman. . Mr M. Gardner (Thomson), skipper of the Acorn, has been appointed bowman in succession to Mr Christie.
CELLARDYKE SAILING CLUB OFFICIALS COMPETITION WINNERS. At the annual mooting of East Fife Model Sailing Club, Cellardyke, the following office-bearers were appointed: Commodore, Dr D. C. Wilson; vice-commodore, Mr James Bett; hon. secretary, Mr David Reid; hon. treasurer, Mr A. O. M. Bett; committee-Messrs David Mitchell, James Laing, Wilson Allan, William Smith, James Stewart, Martin Sutherland, George Brown, David Scott, Thomas Murray, and James Williamson, jun. In the final of the Mitchell Cup competition, with Dr D. C. Wilson as umpire, and Mr James Bett as starter, the winners were: —27 in. and under—Adrian Lowrie 30 in. and under —Alex. Rodger, jun.: 33 in. and under —Alex. Rodger, jun.; 36 in. and under —Vice-Commodore James Bett; over 36 in. —Martin Sutherland. 113 models were entered.
1934
CELLARDYKE DONATIONS TO CHARITY. The employees of John Martin & Co., oilskin manufacturers, Cellardyke, have raised the sum of £85 for charitable purposes during the past year. This sum, which includes the proceeds of various whist drives, has just been disbursed as follows: Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. £25; Dundee Royal Infirmary. £25; Anstruther and Cellardyke Nursing Association £20- Edinburgh Sick Children’s Hospital, £5- Local Ambulance Fund, £5; Lifeboat, £5