1912
Indignation prevails amongst the fishermen in the fife coast burghs over damage to their nets, alleged to have been done by torpedo boat destroyers. The damage this week amounts to £150, the fishermen who have suffered belonging to Cellardyke, Pittenweem and St Monans.
Claims for damage have been lodged with the Fishery Officer and coastguards, and Major Anstruther Gray, M.P. will raise the question in Commons.
1914
In Anstruther Town hall on Saturday Afternoon, all was stir and enthusiasm. The reason was the desire on the part of the community to show their esteem for appreciation of the services rendered by one of the most popular men in the district – Dr Wilson- who was presented with a rose bowl and a cheque with which to purchase a motor car. Mr A C MacIntosh, in the unavoidable absence of Ralph Anstruther, Bart, of Balcaskie, presided, and the Rev Mair referred to the popularity of the Doctor from Cellardyke to St Monans, inclusive, whence the subscriptions had come, showing that he had not spared himself during the 25 years he had done work which no salary could repay. They were therefore there that day to show their gratitude for his energies, the Doctor had also shown interest in Public affairs, such as fishery matters and sports. In asking Dr Wilson’s acceptance of the gifts, Mr Mair expressed the hope that he would be spared to enjoy them, and live to celebrate his jubilee in their midst. (Applause). Dr Wilson thanked the company for their kindness to him during the years he had been amongst them. On the motion of Mr Maxwell, the Rev Mr Mair and Mr MacIntosh were heartily thanked for their services as were also the lady collectors, on the motion of Mr Readdie.
1915
Tuesday 23rd
About a score of boats left Anstruther harbour yesterday. With favourable weather today, 23 boats including 9 steam drifters, arrived with a total catch of almost 400 crans. The best takes were Majestic of Pittenweem (motor) 60 crans, Steam drifter Breadwinner of Cellardyke 45 Crans; sailboat Snowflight of Cellardyke and motor boat Bounteous Sea of St Monans 30 crans each. There was a fairly good demand for herrings and prices were from 18s 6d to 20s 6d per cran. All the fleet is at sea tonight but the weather is threatening.
Wednesday 24th – The herring fishing today is light but regular. Altogether 23 boats arrived with a total catch of 300 crans, the best take being 32 crans, landed by the steam drifter Olive Leaf, of Cellardyke. Other good takes were – Vanguard III, Cellardyke, Camelia, Sty Monans, and Calceolaria Pittenweem, 20 – 25 crans each The quality was mixed but prices had an upwards tendency, the range being from 25s 6d to 28s 6d per cran. The weather continues favourable and all the boats are at sea.
1916
Mr Robert Ray BSc son of the Minister of the Parish is at present home from Africa. Mr Ray’s intentions were to join the Army, but owing to his knowledge of Chemistry, his services have been enlisted for munition making. Mr Ray had a brilliant career in science at St Andrews University, where he also gained fame as one of the most expert hockey players.
1917
Mr John Barbour (68) retired teacher, Cellardyke, died yesterday morning.
A native of Dumfriesshire, he had his first experience as a teacher in Johnstone, and on the opening of the Public School in Cellardyke in 1878 he was appointed its first headmaster in 1878. He remained in constant supervision of the school until he retired about three years ago.
He was a member of Cellardyke Parish Council and an elder in the Chalmers Memorial Church, he is survived by a son and daughter
Mr James Leslie, manufacturer, Lyndhurst, Anstruther, who has just died was a native of Leith, but went to Anstruther at an early age.
He soon showed and inclination for a seafaring life, and from cabinboy he made progress till he was ultimately master of a sailing ship. On retiring from the sea he became a partner in the firm of Messrs J. Martin & Co oilskin manufacturers, Cellardyke.
All parties having claims against the late James Leslie, manufacturer Cellardyke, will please lodge same within fourteen days with the subscriber; and all parties indebted to the deceased will please make payment within the like period.
A F B Lawrence Solicitor, Edinburgh
1918
Estate of Andrew Henderson (second owner of my house, blown up by a mine with his sons while fishing August 1917) £2618 16s 3d
1923
Lonely Cellardyke Woman’s death
The Rusted Nail
Mrs Janet Birrell Murray, Shore Street, Cellardyke, has fallen victim to gas poisoning.
One of the oldest residents of the fishing town ‘Janet’ as she was familiarly known locally, was an alert woman of 85 years of age. Residing alone she met her fate in particularly tragic circumstances, as the evidence proved that the old lady had made strong endeavour to get clear of the fumes.
The milkman on his rounds was first to realise that all was not well with Janet. He missed her usual call at the milkcart and inquired of the neighbours her whereabouts, but no one had seen her. A strong smell of gas in the vicinity served to increase his fears, and he raised the window. Here he saw the old woman lying lifeless. The police were communicated with and entry made to the house. The meter was turned off but still the gas was escaping. Investigation showed that it was coming from a pipe leading to the top flat. A rusted nail was found on the floor and this fitted the small hole in the pipe.
It is presumed that the gas had been leaking slightly when Mrs Murray retired to rest, and on detecting it she had endeavoured to open a window. In the attempt the nail, which had been driven in to fix some hangings, was withdrawn and she had been overcome by the strong fumes.
Dr Wilson, Anstruther, certified death due to accidental gas poisoning.
1925
Provost Readdie presided at a meeting of representatives of the town councils of Kilrenny, Anstruther Easter and Anstruther Wester held to consider the formation of a joint fire brigade for the three burghs.
It was agreed that a fire brigade drawn from the three burghs, be formed, and Bailie Bett, Cellardyke was appointed firemaster.
A suggestion was made that the gas works would be the most central place for a fire Station, and remit was made to Provost Readdie to approach the Company for the necessary accommodation, and also for permission to install a siren.