Author: cellaradmin

1861

Naval Volunteers – On Monday last information was communicated to the naval volunteers for the coast defence in the neighbourhood to hold themselves in readiness for immediate service. This unexpected intelligence excited, as might be expected, not a little sensation in the fishing towns of Cellardyke, Pittenweem and St Monance as nearly a hundred of the fishermen are enrolled in the force. Amongst the mothers and wives of the volunteers the alarm and uneasiness natural in the circumstances was very generally manifested; the men themselves however, viewed the matter quite a different aspect, and a prospect of active service was hailed with lively satisfaction; and when the summons to duty arrives it will be promptly and cheerfully obeyed. They are all young spirited fellows, and when last on board the exercising ship were highly commended by the officers for their expertness and steadiness. Noted also for their fearlessness and daring there is little doubt, in whatever position they may be placed, their conduct will be such as to reflect credit on themselves and advance the honour and glory of their country.

1874

John Scott Carter and Alex Pattie (Cellardyke) were charged with assaulting William McDow, labourer Lochty, on the road from Anstruther to St Andrews… The assaulted party left Anstruther a little worse of liquor and was followed by a number of young men. When about a mile on the road Scott informed McDow that he was a policeman and proceeded to handcuff him with a bootlace, and afterwards offered to let him off if he paid a shilling. This excited McDow, and he commenced kicking which lead to the assault. The charge was found proven, Scott fined 30s or 21 days and Pattie £1 or fifteen days.

1890

The East of Fife the past year has been in severe depression in the fishing industry.. it has now continued for 4 years…. For the first time the fishermen have had to seek other callings, and men from Cellardyke, Pittenweem and St Monans men who have been unfortunate in the fishing have been employed in the coal pits and labourers work in the west of Fife. The result of this is the large number of empty dwelling houses. In Cellardyke alone there are said to be no less than 60 vacant houses…. Mr Williamson MP was called to the depression and he was invited to do something to invigorate the fishing industry…. After hearing the opinions of the fishermen of Cellardyke he resolved to build a trawler at a cost of £5000 and give them an opportunity to take shares in her. The (Steam) trawler is now being built at Kinghorn. Her crew have already been selected from Cellardyke men, but unfortunately it is felt that the trawler will do little good to the district on account of being unable to come into Anstruther with her fish, the depth of water not being sufficient.

1897

Scottish Divorce Statistics

1 from Cellardyke (None from any of the other East Neuk Villages) 8 from Aberdeen, 43 Edinburgh, 3 Kirkcaldy, 1 from Largo, 1 from Methil..etc etc

1901

A mass meeting of Cellardyke fishermen was held in the town hall to consider the advisability of rebuilding Cellardyke harbour destroyed in the great gale of Oct 1898. The cost would be about £1600, of that sum £1000 had been promised by the Fishery board, and Skipper Henry Bett proposed that the sum of £1 should be levied on each boat going to the winter herring fishery and 10s for each boat at the drave. It was also agreed to hold a bazaar…

1902

Skipper Robert Stewart and 8 men of the crew of the steam liner Rothesay Bay were presented in Cellardyke town hall by Provost Black, with binocular glasses and aneroid barometers in recognition of their humanity and bravery in saving the crew of the Steamer Tinto of Bo’ness which was abandoned in the Forth on 3rd September last.

1912

At a meeting of Cellardyke Fishermen’s benevolent Society the following were elected as Directors, Messrs Robert Murray, James Martin, Leslie Henderson, William Sutherland, Thomas Murray, John Carstairs and John Murray. The treasurer reported that the funds amounted to £1426 and the membership stood at 118.

1924

James Thomson a Draper met his fate in Anstruther harbour it is presumed by tripping in the dark over some moorings while taking a stroll after mingling with the crowd at his brother’s shop awaiting the Sporting Post.

The discovery of the body was made by John Muir, fisherman Cellardyke, who had gone to look at the recently acquired Pilot Star, he immediately informed Police sergeant McLaren. It is presumed that at the time of the accident the pier was deserted and if the deceased had shouted for help the roar of the gale would have prevented his being heard by anyone on the main street.

The occurrence cast a gloom over the community, where deceased, who was about 46 years of age was well known. ( he was second son of Cellardyke boat builder Alexander Thomson, who resided at Harbourhead Anstruther, Fisheries Museum buildings)

1825

22 Dec

Thomas Salter, Fisherman, Cellardyke, having gone to Pittenweem on Thursday last, in the afternoon, where he met with some of his acquaintances and got himself intoxicated, in returning home went off the high road ( it is supposed) being bewildered by the darkness of the night, and crossing a field toward the sea side, fell over a precipice between Pittenweem and Anstruther. His body was discovered on Friday and taken to Cellardyke, he left a wife and 3 children to lament his untimely fate.

1843

22 Dec

The fishing has commenced much earlier this season, one Drave boat and one yawl set their nets near the Isle of May, the boat brought in 12 barrels of herrings which sold at 32s per barrel. The yawl has not come in yet. The whole fleet of Cellardyke boats is preparing to go toe the Island tonight.

The fishermen of St Andrews, though a laborious, and in many cases a respectable are an exceedingly improvident race. They carry the divine precept a great deal too far –  they ‘take no thought for tomorrow’ they might be rich – they are poor; they might have houses of their own- they rent dirty, damp hovels at ten times their values. They have separated themselves by such habits from all decent society, and associated only with each other in slovenly filth, and I fear moral degradation. Now, the reverse of all this is the case in Cellardyke, and other fishing stations along the coast. Their houses are generally their own. The husbands come home at night to neatly- dressed wives and clothed children. They have butcher meat in the pot at least twice a week, and tea and coffee whenever they wish it.. Look on this picture and on that,  mark the difference.

1848

21 Dec

We are glad to hear that five pounds, a legacy of the late Miss Williamson has been appropriated to the opening of a soup kitchen, as a supply of nourishing food, it is one of the best preventatives against cholera…

1864

24 Dec.

On Wednesday Mr David Black, baker, Cellardyke, the leader of the Psalmody in the Free Church here, entertained the 22 members of the choir to an excellent and substantial supper. After full justice had been done to the good things so kindly and liberally provided the evening was pleasantly passed with song and sentiment….

1868

25^th Dec

During the severe storm of Thursday the deep sea boat Jean Wallace of Cellardyke, Skipper William Smith was brought to anchor in the offing of North Berwick. The poor crew were wet and weary with their ling conflict with the storm, and stood mightily in need of rest and refreshment; but being afraid to make for the harbour, owing the many dangerous rocks that beset the fairway, there was no prospect of obtaining either, when to their great relief a boat came from the shore with several local fishermen, by whose help and direction the Cellardyke boat was taken safely into the harbour, The storm beaten fishermen were assisted in the kindest way, but this was not all. Fishermen, of course do not carry money with them on an ordinary fishing trip, and the Fife crew landed without and resources, but no sooner was their cause known that one of the North Berwick fishermen, in the frankest and most delicate way, slipped a pound note into skipper Smith’s hand, by which timeous help the men were enabled to telegraph their whereabouts to their anxious families, and also to procure the comforts of which themselves stood much in need. We have been requested to publish the foregoing that the generous and brotherly conduct of the North Berwick men may be known, and in doing so we beg to add the earnest hope that in any similar emergency the gallant fellows may ever receive the hospitality which they on this occasion gave.

1880

23^rd Dec

The house and yard at the west end of Cellardyke belonging to Alexander Tarvit was exposed for sale…. (sold to James Fleming (Coul) for £220).. The house had been long inhabited by a singular character Martha Alexander or ‘Black Martha’ as she was usually called. Her ordinary occupation was of fishwife but her usual system of trade- especially with the country wives – was barter. She was accompanied in her country expeditions by her stalwart son ‘Daft Willie’ each with his or her backload now of fish or wheaten bread …. And so it went on until her tragic death of Cholera some 31 years ago when sums of money of £150 were found secreted in this corner of that old miser’s dwelling

1912

Robert McRuvie, fisherman, Rodger Street Cellardyke was presented with the national Royal Humane Society’s parchment for having jumped into Anstruther Harbour and rescued Alexander Pattie (10) from drowning in August, Provost Black made the presentation.

1915

25^th Dec

The Aberdeen trawler Monarch brought into Aberdeen yesterday the crew of the Berwick Drifter Success II which was wrecked some three miles north of the Bridge of Don yesterday …. The rescue was effected with great daring. By means of a lifeline and half a dozen lifebelts. Captain Michael Doig (Cellardyke) succeeded in having the crew of the disabled drifter pulled through the stormy sea to safety, the critical operation being pulling the men aboard the vessel……

1871

Some of the poor households in Cellardyke and the two Anstruthers are to have a seasonable friend in Mr Stephen Williamson of the firm of Messrs Balfour Williamson & Co Liverpool, and a native of Cellardyke, he is we understand to distribute about 50 pairs of blankets amongst the poor.

More boats are at present engaged in the haddock fishing from the coast of Fife than at any former period. By the return of the fishermen from the Norfolk herring fishing, The Cellardyke fleet this week has risen from nineteen to about fifty boats,

1875

Cameron Bridge

On Saturday the handsome sum of £17 was subscribed for at the Distillery in aid of the widows and children of the fishermen of St Monans and Cellardyke who were recently lost at sea during the storm. The firm contributed £10 and the employees the rest.

York herald – Sir Robert Anstruther has been energetic in his endeavours to bring the case of these poor people before the country and subscriptions amounting to nearly £2000 have already been raised.

A few days later – £3500 have been subscribed on behalf of the widows and children

 Of the 37 Cellardyke and St Monans Fishermen lost. (Cellardyke men lost –  James Murray, skipper unmarried, Andrew Stewart married four of a family,  Alexander Lothian, married four of a family, William Briggs, married one child, James walker married and four Children, Hugh Mackay, unmarried and William Mackey unmarried.… second vessel  Robert Stewart (Latto) skipper, married and family of 5, James McRuvie, Married leaves 4 Children, James McRuvie his son, un married, Leslie Brown aged 19 Un married, Alex Doig (Reid), married and six young Children, and William Stewart married and two of a family.

This is the disaster that the Fifies, Thane and The Beautiful Star from St Monans were lost and the memorial naming the Beautiful Star was placed in Kings Lynn.

1892

The other day one of our correspondents observed in a shop in Cellardyke a most striking freak of nature.. This was a Swedish turnip of stunted growth which had grown through the neck of a bottle and shaped like a fowl deprived of wings, the head was nearly complete. There was a beak and the under part resembled a plump chicken when plucked.

1895

Boundary dispute – The Secretary of State for Scotland has intimated his decision in the boundary dispute between the parishes of Anstruther Easter and Kilrenny……. The decision was given on Saturday last which is to effect that the parishes stay the same. The decision has been received with great joy by the Cellardyke people, while their friends in Anstruther are quite indignant over the matter.

1901

At a meeting on Wednesday two alternative plans for additions to Cellardyke School by Mr A.C Dewar, Leven were submitted. It was agreed tom adopt one showing an estimated cost of £550, the additions including four rooms on the east gable, with headmaster’s and retiring rooms.

1916

John Thomson draper and Mr Allan, grocer, Cellardyke have been appointed members of Kilrenny Town Council in place of Mr Martin Gardner and Mr John Leslie who have retired.

1921

The Education Committee fully considered the question of reorganising primary education in the Anstruther area… they considered whether it would be financially sound to have a new school, central for the whole of the pupils, By means of reorganisation they would be able to do with two fewer teachers than at present, If they built a new school to accommodate 500 pupils it would cost approx. £12 000. They estimated they might get £3000 by selling both Cellardyke and West Anstruther Schools. If they did not build at the present time they would have to put an addition to West Anstruther School and carry out alterations to Cellardyke School. The cost of these would be £4500. The committee recommended the erection of a new school on the site immediately west of the Technical School, the said Tech School converted into an infant school for the accommodation of infants, from the whole district.

This all depended on whether or not the centralisation scheme could be voted through.

1846 –The Total Abstinence Society of Anstruther and Cellardyke presented Mr John Mc Dougal, preacher of the gospel with a Hebrew Bible as a small testimony of their esteem as over the past two years he has zealously supported the abstinence cause by a series of valuable lectures.

1859 – Cellardyke boats had been prevented from going to sea all the early part of week, on Wednesday however the storm abated considerably, and on Thursday the fleet put to sea, but before they had done with the fishing the wind again freshened. And continued to increase all the early part of the day, during which they had to make their way homeward over a cross sea, in which numerous hairbreadth escapes were made, from the waves breaking over their undecked vessels and nearly filling them. One of the boats less fortunate was suddenly engulfed in a huge wave, and over whelmed in an instant. Another boat about a stonecast distant, succeeded in saving one of the crew, named Daniel Fleming. But the rest perished. Their names are William Birrell, skipper, married, David Birrell, his son, Thomas Birrell his nephew, William Wood, married and James Reid lately married. The destitution resulting from this sad event although sore enough to the bereaved families is perhaps not as great as sometimes arises from such disasters.  As near as we can learn 12 Children and 5 widows are deprived of earthly support. It may be interesting to note that over the last 30 years 8 boats involving 50 lives belonging to Cellardyke, have been lost in prosecution of the fishing.

1864

Buckie – the fishermen of Cellardyke with their letter to Mr John Caldwell  Fishery Officer here enclosed the munificent sun of £37 3s as their contribution to the destitute widows and fatherless children of Buckie and Portessie.

St Andrews – Marriage of Peter Muir Fisherman Cellardyke to Margaret, eldest daughter of David Davison Fisherman there.

1868

A most exciting scene was witnessed at Anstruther in consequence of the fishing boats making for the harbour in the face of a severe storm. … one of the Cellardyke boats of which Mr Brodie Nicholson is skipper sustained some damage in her rudder by which she was forced to return to the shore. In the attempt to enter the harbour the boat grounded on the outside of the west pier and could not be floated off… the boat was drawn into the harbour by means of ropes on the next flow of the tide. Many boats were in danger and three of the coxswains of the Lifeboat Admiral Fitzroy, Thomas Birrell, Andrew Henderson and John Pratt decided to launch, and this was done with a voluntary crew under the charge of Skipper Birrell as coxswain, was pulled to the entrance of the harbour so as to be in readiness of an emergency.

1869

Cellardyke Fishing boat Lillias Scott KY 1 , John Gardiner, Skipper was going south to the Lowestoft fishing when they observed a boat floating full of water at a distance from the Isle of May. They boarded it but it was impractical to take it in tow, so they took away the mast and sail (which was painted LH 96) and oars branded JCCN. They were advised at Lowestoft to bring them to the receiver of wrecks for the district when they returned to Anstruther.

1878

The first class fishing boat Polar Star as owned by Alexander Watson recently drowned at Lowestoft, was sold at auction at Anstruther beach recently. The upset price was £250 but the first and only offer was £230 at which she passed into the hands of Martin Gardener. The Jacobina was offered for sale under the same melancholy circumstances as the Polar Star, her owner John Montadore having perished last Lammas in the offing off Stonehaven. Her upset price was £140 but no sale was effected

1887

Stephen Doig, Cooper, Cellardyke was charged with assault to the effusion of blood and serious injury to James Birrel Christie a mariner Kilrenny. He pled guilty and was charged 7s 6d, he was again placed at the bar with a similar charge on Alex Ogilvie fisherman Cellardyke but he pled not guilty and the charge was found not proven.

1894

Skipper John Carstairs was appointed to a delegate to the East Coast Fishermen’s Conference to be held at Aberdeen. The delegate was instructed to vote for the close time of herring fishing from the end of April til the 10^th July. Skipper Gardener held it high time the fishermen of Scotland were uniting to prevent everything being taken from them.

1900

Launch –  Mr Fulton launched from his building yard a large sailing liner built to the order of John Watson (Salter), Cellardyke. The craft which is named the Pride of Fife is 68 feet long and for design and finish has few compeers.  Fitted up internally in the most modern style for trade requirements and for the comfort of the crew. She is also to have the new indispensable steam winch (capstan) for the hauling in of gear &c

1855

On Friday last, while the crew of a fishing boat here was in the act of setting one of their masts, previous to going to sea, the rope slipped from the half suspended mast, which fell, and struck the skipper Robert Moncrieff, upon the head, by which he was seriously cut, and rendered for a long time insensible. Two medical gentlemen were soon in attendance, and had the wounds dressed, and, we understand he is in a fair way of recovery.

1857

Prize essays by working men.. Prizes awarded by the Rev A L Gordon Kent.. on ‘The British Workman, his wife, their social, Intellectual and religious elevation; the obstacles thereto; and the means of removing them’  second prize of £15 to Thomas Brown ( I believe this to be the post master) Cellardyke.

1878

A pleasing instance of large hearted sympathy occurred here on Thursday by an invitation to a ‘neighbours’ union from Cellardyke friends to the Moray Firth fishermen now storm stayed in Anstruther harbour. These worthy fathers of the sea Bailie Brown, and Messrs Charles Carstairs and Thomas Cunninghame, took upon themselves the interesting task of in visiting the strangers, between 120 and 130 in number. The meeting took place in the Forth Street hall in Cellardyke, where exchanging their dingy cabins for beautiful surroundings of this noble room, they were entertained to an excellent an substantial service of tea, to which ample justice having been done, the company were addressed on various interesting and important subjects by the friends present. There was no programme to the meeting, indeed the outcome of a kindlt wish to breathe something like sunshine amongst the strangers as captives of the storm… as time wore on the meeting took a more devotional tone…

1882

Death of veteran skipper. Mr Robert Cunningham, one of the best known skippers of Cellardyke died here on Tuesday morning at all but the allotted span of Three score and ten. Mr Cunningham belongs to a family second to none on the coast for their courage and heroism on the sea, He had his own part in the heritage and was one of the most successful in his class, especially in the days of the Firth drave when he has once and again landed upwards of four hundred crans in a single season. The opinion is not new that the fishers of fife are descended from the old Scandinavian sea kings….. his was one of the most fearless of the fearless keels that ploughed the azure waters of the North sea, where the veteran had also his share of the perils of the deep as on that memorable night when his boat lay buried and broken …. ‘ This is the end noo, but let us dee like men’ was his calm resolve, ‘askin the blessin o the king tae bie wi wife and bairns’ …. ( there is no mention of how he was recused from this predicament!)

1903

A navigation class for fishermen has been started in Cellardyke by Captain Wood, Dundee, under the auspices of Fife County Council.

There was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Smiths Dock, North Shields on Thursday 3 finely modelled steel steam herring drifters of the following dimensions. 82ft by 18ft.3 in by 9ft 1in. ……. Named Emily Reaich, Nina (Peterhead) and Vanguard III (built to the order of Martin Gardner and sons, Cellardyke)

1905

The new Pipe organ which has been obtained for Cellardyke Parish Church has been put in the building and will be used for the first time on Sunday first. The organ an exceedingly handsome instrument and cost a fully £600. The half of the total cost is to be borne by Mr Andrew Carnegie. (n.b My house in west Forth Street sold in 1901 for £300)

1909

A public meeting was held in Cellardyke Town hall for the purpose of presenting Mr Robert Brown, Cellardyke, a cheque for £5 from the trustees of the Carnegie Hero fund in recognition of his bravery in saving a young lad’s life in the harbour in June last.

1905

A telegram was received in Anstruther on Wednesday stating that the Cellardyke Boat Lillias Scott (Skipper Philip Gardner) has landed 120 crans at Yarmouth. The fish sold at 23s 6d per cran, the catch there for bringing the boats total earnings up by £140.

The Fishery Cruiser Brenda landed at Granton a quantity of wreckage which was picked up at the mouth of the Forth. The Master of the Brenda stated that he had come across a mast sticking out of the water apparently attached to a sunken wreck. After several attempts the wreckage came away and was found to consist of two masts, a crutch, blocks and gear belonging to a large fishing boat. It is believed to be the wreckage of the Cellardyke fishing vessel sunk in collision with HMS Speedwell during last spring.

1913

Intelligence was received yesterday of the drowning of a Cellardyke fisherman, John Wilson, one of the crew of the Shields drifter Baden Powell, while on a voyage from Yarmouth to Anstruther. Deceased was about 55 years of age and leaves a widow and large family.

1916

Another promising young man connected with Cellardyke has made the supreme sacrifice, Gunner John Bayne Brown, (33) of the Canadian Royal Artillery has been killed in action. He was the son of Thomas Brown, builder, Alberta Canada, late of Cellardyke.

1923

David Birrell, baker, Fowler St Cellardyke, appeared at Cupar Sheriff Court for examination in Bankruptcy.

The state of affairs showed assets 385, liabilities £558 3s 10d.

Success of Cellardyke Putting Green, A credit balance of £72 7s 4d on the season’s working was shown in the accounts. It was agreed to transfer £60 to the common good fund. Provost Mitchell voiced the council’s indebtedness to Bailie Bett for his work in connection with the putting green.

1924

A distinguished son of Cellardyke has passed away in his residence in Binghampton, New York City. Mr George Fowler was born in 1852 and was a son of George Fowler (Murray) from a lowly origin he became one of the merchant princes in the US, but he never renounced his connection with the fisher folk.

He served his apprenticeship as a draper and general merchant with Sharp and Murray, the then leading stores in Cellardyke. He emigrated at 19 and set up business with two other Scotsmen, Fowler, Dick and Walker which grew to immense proportions with many branches spread throughout several states. Mr Fowler was much beloved in his native burgh which he delighted to visit in the summer months, residing in the house in which he was born. He was especially mindful of old folks of the town who each year received a helping hand in the way of Coals and other goods. He also carried out several town improvements at his own expense.

1925

Anstruther town hall was lavishly decorated last night on the occasion of the annual dance organised by the local bankers. Over 100 couples were present and the company danced to the music provided by the Olympia Palais de Danse Orchestra, Kirkcaldy. Messrs C Methven (Anstruther) and T Robertson (Cellardyke) were the MC’s

Cellardyke attendees, Mr James Anderson, Miss Agnes Allan, Miss A Boyter, F. H Boyer, Alexander Bett, Miss Blyth, John Clark, Mr. J Donaldson, Miss L Gardner, Mr George Keay, Mr and Mrs G Melville, Mr J.M Muir, Miss E Murray Miss Reid and Miss A Watson.

1928

Large crowds witnessed the launch from the boatbuilding yard of Walter Reekie, Anstruther of the motor fishing bauldie, Onaway, built to the order of Mr William, W Carstairs, Cellardyke. The Onaway, sister ship to the Winaway is 53ft long and fitted with a 48 hp semi diesel engine and special design of steam boiler and capstan. Miss Jessie Watson, Cellardyke sister of the skipper performed the christening ceremony.

1849 – 1855

James Fowler posts the annual official advert to enable the burgh to establish ‘a general system of Police’ electing one commissioner in the place of one going out of office.

1864

A meeting of the fishermen of Cellardyke was held for the purpose of taking into consideration the state of the families of Buckie and neighbourhood who lost their relatives and friends in the late storm there.. Mr Thomas Cunningham took the chair … resolutions were moved and carried to raise a subscription on their behalf, and a committee appointed for this purpose, A letter of condolence was also ordered to be sent along with such subscriptions as might be got.

1865

Anstruther Police Commission – the meeting took into consideration the desirableness of appointing a sanitary inspector for the burgh. Provost Todd was authorised to speak with Mr George Watson, the Inspector for Nuisances for Cellardyke to undertake the same duties in Anstruther.

1866

Providential escape of a boats crew _ the Cellardyke boats made a start from our harbour for the fishing ground, but in the course of the passage a gale sprung up from the North West. A heavy swell added greatly to the perilous position of the fishermen. A boat owned by James Gardiner was about 6 miles south easterly from the bell rock when she was struck by a heavy wave which split open one of the bottom planks. The crew only became aware when one went into the cabin to find it covered with water. The alarm was given and every exertion made by pumping, baling and by throwing the ballast stones overboard to keep the boat afloat. Four boats were in the vicinity and went to assist, additional hands put aboard, the boat was taken in tow and the mast and sails put down. Every effort was made to gain the harbour but as the wind was nearly offshore much time and labour was spent before this could be done. The accident happened at 8 in the morning, and with the flowing of the tide the steam lighter Hemaja put out and towed the little fleet and exhausted fisherman to safety.

1868

The inhabitants of Cellardyke have made the movement for the purpose of having the advantages of a Post Office in their village. Mr Ellis MP has promised to aid them in the matter.

1869

Street Manure

The Police Commissioners of Cellardyke in order to remove that very general subject of public complaint – the undue length of time which the manure heaps are gathered by the scavenger’s broom occasionally lie upon the streets from the want of a ready service to cart them away – have just sold their street manure for the ensuing year to Mr Macfarlane, farmer, Carhurlie for £52. Of late the street manure of Cellardyke made up to the great extent with mussel shells has been rising in value, and when sold in public roups may have yielded £109 a year. But as Mr Macfarlane is bound to cart the manure to the depot within a certain number of hours under a stringent penalty the loss in revenue from dung sales is squared by the saving in cartage.

1873

One Cellardyke boat The Jessies belonging to Skipper James Brunton, it has been said made the best fishing ever reached by a Scottish crew, having earned at Lowestoft no less than £430. Several of our Cellardyke crews have earned from £300 to £400; but the average of the sixty Fife boats will be under £200, and in some cases it will not exceed 390, many have sustained considerable loss of gear during the severe storms.

All Yarmouth rung the other day with the daring feat of young Cellardyke fisherman John Watson, who kissed Britannia’s cheek as she sits with trident on the pinnacle of the lofty column 140 feet high. What invested the fearless act with peculiar interest was the terrible tragedy which occurred at the last attempt to scale the monument, ten years ago, ‘Marsh’ fell to his death while embracing the statue. But no squirrel was ever more at home on the shooting bough than our fife fisher seemed to be while swinging like one in mid-air at the top of the dizzy height. He will was seen in many a Yarmouth eye as the ‘hero of the hour’

1876

The 50 crews at Yarmouth have netted an average of £200, so that in the course of the next fortnight a sum of £10 000 will be brought into the district.

1878 Mr Thomas Brown Runs Cellardyke Post Office

1881

The Fishing boat KY 1666 Useful of Cellardyke returning from Yarmouth had gone ashore at Boulmer on the Northumberland coast. The crew of 7 were rescued by 3 fishermen in a coble. The boat was insured for £200 by the Fraserburgh Club. The James Innes of St Monans was also lost and crew saved.

John Pratt master of Cellardyke boat Confidence , grosses  an unheard of £710 at Yarmouth, most vessels ranged between £300 and £400

1933

Cellardyke residents who for years had no means of communication by public phone at night time , The call box is in the Local Post Office – are now to have a phone provided in one of the streets

1936, 19^th Nov

Cellardyke church Choir held a variety entertainment in Cellardyke town hall last night. Items rendered by the choir included ‘Laughing Chorus’ and fantasia on songs of burns’

Solos were given by Mr Fredrick Chivers, while violin solos were played by Mr Walter Reekie Junior. Mr J Macleod, Mrs Hosie, Miss J Doig and Miss M Murray also contributed to the programme. A dancing display was given by Miss Georgie Telfer, Pittenweem. The accompanist was Mr Blair.

Two Sketches were performed by the following ‘Honest folk’ Misses Maggie Hodge, Kathleen Scott, Dora Murray, Martha Boyter and Mr Melville Hodges. ‘ Easy Osey’ – Mr D Jack, Mrs Hosie, Mr W Riddell, Misses Margaret Murray, Agnes Carstairs and Chrissie Anderson.

1848

The John and Mary has not been seen or heard of since she went to sea on the morning of the third. Some articles belonging to the missing boat have been driven ashore, there is every reason to conclude that she must have been run down by a vessel or gone down in a squall. By this melancholy event 8 industrious fisher men have been drowned, leaving six widows and twenty two children to mourn their loss.

John Smith owner and Master – a widow and four children eldest 5 years youngest seven months.

James Fleming – widow pregnant and seven children 2 – 16 years old

Henry Reid – a widow and seven children, the youngest being born on the same morning the father perished.

Thomas Fleming – a widow and six children, four are from 9 – 16 years old

John Fleming unmarried, son of Thomas Fleming perished with his father

James Dick – widow and two children, the eldest 5 years

David Birrell – a pregnant widow

James Dickson – unmarried

From Personal knowledge of each particular case the crew were sober and industrious men, some of the most respectable in their class, and while some of the widows are not so destitute as to be entitled to parochial relief, most are without means for present support – James Fowler set up a fund to help support the families.

1851

James Gardner was fined 5s for allowing his dog to go at large…

1862

The Schooner Elizabeth of Aberdeen was driven ashore near Caplie, No sooner was the vessel observed to be in danger than several Cellardyke fishermen hastened to the spot, and one of their number Thomas Tarvit, at great personal hazard, went on board to aid the crew. On the tide receding, the crew abandoned the vessel, considering her wreck inevitable, but mainly by the exertions of Tarvit and the weather becoming more moderate, she was floated off in the course of the next tide and taken into Crail harbour, apparently but little worse of her mishap.

1879

John A Millar Cellardyke, has just completed a first class fishing vessel for Messrs John Boyter and George Ritchie, Cellardyke and is to be named the Guiding Star, she is within four inches of 50ft but her launch will not take place till the eve of the lent fishing in which she is to be employed.

Robert Melville, Cellardyke, who holds a leading place on the piers at Crail has engaged crews as follows Crabs or Partans, 1s 10d a dozen, Lobsters 1s each till, and 6d after the 15^th May with a sovereign for ‘arles’

1885

On Saturday afternoon the body of a woman named Elizabeth Jack or Thomson wife of a Cellardyke fisherman was found at the foot of the steep cliff of rocks between Anstruther and Pittenweem, it is supposed that she committed suicide, for on leaving her sister at Pittenweem on Friday night she told her that she would never see her alive again. She must have fallen a height of 50ft at least and death must have been instantaneous.

1904

‘A good habit will be formed when you begin to use regularly Cooper & Co’s teas

These teas are held in the greatest regard in thousands of homes where they are considered ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for the breakfast or tea table.’

Local Tea Agents

Cellardyke A.C Murray 23 George St

Anstruther J. Young, Masonic Restaurant

1912

Intelligence was received in Anstruther yesterday that the body of John Watson, Cellardyke, fireman on the Cellardyke Steam drifter Guerdon, who went amissing about 3 weeks ago had been found.

1922

Married women are no longer to hold teaching appointments under Fife Education authority. A motion to that effect was carried yesterday. The authority approved the following appointments…………. Miss Mary Rennie assistant Mistress Cellardyke as headmistress of Kings Road School, Rosyth.

1928

15^th Nov

Large crowds witnessed the launch of the fishing boat Winaway from the boat building yard of Mr Alex Aitken, Anstruther yesterday afternoon. The boat was built to the order of Mr William Carstairs, Cellardyke. It is 52 feet 6 inches in length with a 16ft beam, and is fitted with a semi diesel engine.

Miss Gourlay, daughter of the skipper performed the naming ceremony.

1937

At Anstruther and Cellardyke services were held at the two war memorials.

At the Billowness, Revs James A Paterson, Thomas R Sneddon and DR Ogg officiated, while at Cellardyke the services were conducted by the Revs J Marshall Pryde, James Lee and William Manson.

Wreath were laid at both memorials on behalf of the town council and other organisations.

A remembrance service in the examination hall of the Waid academy was conducted by the Rector Mr W Wishart Thomson. A wreath was placed on the Waid War memorial by the senior girl Margaret Thomas and the acting senior boy Alexander Smith

1949

Children’s own Corner Dundee evening Telegraph.

Many Happy returns of the day to………… Martin Sutherland, Cellardyke, ten years old… I hope you are remembering the competition children, the closing date is Monday so there is still time to get your entries in… lots of love Aunt Joan….

1854

– The fishermen of Cellardyke have taken shares in the East of Fife railway to the value of £800

• On Tuesday last the following persons were tried before Sherriff Monteith :-
• Agnes Tarvit, Cellardyke, for assault, aggravated by a previous conviction pleaded guilty , and received a sentence of four months imprisonment.

1862

 – a follow up from last week’s post it seems that Cellardyke boats were not involved in trawling in St Andrews bay, line fishing was the main method of fishing

…… It is true that when this mode of fishing was introduced about 14 years ago by a fisherman from Rothesay, who practised it successfully in the ‘traith’ several Cellardyke fishermen were first to adopt in this locality what then seemed to be a profitable and legitimate system. Experience soon showed their error and several years since it was voluntarily discontinued, and the whole of their trawling apparatus sold.

1866

David Mayes , porter at Anstruther harbours normal duties were manning a small coble to take out the ropes from the steamer ‘Forth’ when she turned in Anstruther harbour, the steamer being late and a westerly gale blowing he sought help of Cellardyke fisherman John Brown, the steamer struck and sunk the coble on entering the harbour, Brown managed to hang on the stern of the Forth for a hundred yards, but due to the storm none of the crew heard the accident. Brown was rescued in another small boat and was able to walk home but Mayes’ body was not discovered for another 4 hours, with the exception of a slight blemish above the eye the body showed no signs of the violent death, He left a widow and two children.

1867

William Muir, Fisherman Cellardyke, pleaded guilty to having on 26^th October committed assault on David Wilson, a publican, for which he was sentenced to pay a 20s fine or suffer fourteen days imprisonment.

1869

The reports of the herring fishing on the Clyde are now very encouraging and several Cellardyke boats seem to have fairly participated in it. From Yarmouth the accounts are very satisfactory and some of the Cellardyke boats have already grossed from £150 to £200 and on some nights the fishing was so heavy that our crews had up to 12 crans.

1872

Fishing boat damaged – On Wednesday morning the fishing yawl Agnes of Cellardyke belonging to Skipper Alexander Jack was found to have been almost crushed to pieces by having rested beneath some of the large deep sea going boats which had shifted during the violent gale which had prevailed over the night. The unfortunate owner is of the opinion that she will not repair and the mishap is the more to be regretted that it threatens to deprive six men of what is almost to them a breadwinner.

1873

Division in the Kilrenny School board… The School board are unanimous for erecting a Central School for the rural district and thriving town of Cellardyke with her 510 children, but a difference of opinion has arised as to the site.  The Rev Christie, Mr Oliphant and Mr Gray of Rennie hill advocate the west corner of the Windmill Rd, The majority however propose to erect the building at a point near the Toll bar. The Rev Christie speaking for the minority, protested that this would not be a Central School for the district and would make a protest to the Board of Education. A compromise could be siting the school not at the end of the Windmill Rd but at or near the ridge!

1888

Death of a fife heroine – Another sleeper was laid in the beautiful churchyard of Kilrenny, in the silver haired widow of Cellardyke, Mrs Elizabeth Henderson or Wilson verging on if not over 90 years of age. She belonged to Burntisland but when her father was lost off Kinghorn pier she came to stay with Cellardyke relatives over 80 years ago. Her husband was a Dunino crofter who became a fisherman but died at a young age.. Elizabeth supported her family by trudging for years from farm to farm in rain or shine with her back creel on to supply eggs and butter or carrying the post.  During the Cholera epidemic of 1849 she followed Dr Black and assisted the dying and the dead when relatives had fled the spot. She also treated sprains &c, and there was a touch of healing in her kind tongue which brought relief when the case had defied the most skilful and accomplished scientist. Mrs Wilson was the mother of seven, sadly outliving some of her children but had twenty four grandchildren and fifty one great grandchildren.

1900

It would appear that Downings bay on the Donegal coast, has advanced to the important position of being regarded as the centre of the principal herring fishery in Ireland. The operating fleet comprises about 34 large boats… three are local and three come from Cellardyke, the rest are the property of the Congested District Board. The Cellardyke Fishermen first introduced this class of boat into the bay. Alexander Pratt and William Watson brought their own boats to Downings six years ago and have fished there each year steadily since and both have no cause to regret coming as they have done well. Owning to the scarcity of herring on the Scotch coats process at Downing have been high …on several occasions reaching 36s

1915

Excellent results were obtained by five Cellardyke drifters last week at Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Rothesay Bay £457, Alnwick castle £405, St Adrian £333, East Neuk £270 and the Edith £195.

1930

A project is afoot to bring miniature golf to Anstruther and Cellardyke, Improvements committee are believed to be considering the laying down of a course to help the finances of the organisation. The Cellardyke town hall would be the venue for the new course.

1931 Dairy Business for sale, Cellardyke. – Shop, 38 Rodger St with 5 apartment dwelling house above, and byre and stable and Cart Shed, &c in connection therewith, Assessed rental £24, feu duty £1 2s. There will be included in the sale the Dry-Dairy Business and Milk round carried on by the late James D Dow….

1939

A 20 year old servant girl Miss Isabella Watson daughter of David Watson, 30 Fowler St, Cellardyke, has died from electric shock. She was in service with Mrs Mackintosh wife of Hugh C Mackintosh, solicitor and town clerk of Pittenweem and St Monans at their residence in Chesterhill, Anstruther. The girl was preparing for supper and Mrs Macintosh found her lying on the floor with an electric lamp in one hand and a radiator in the other. When she bent down beside the girl Mrs Macintosh sustained a shock.

She called Mr Macintosh who…?.. the radiator aside and telephoned the doctor.  Dr J J Wilson and Dr Mackay attempted artificial respiration for two and a half hours and also administered injections to the heart but the girl failed to revive

 1862

Fishing Notes St Andrews,,, The fishermen here are complaining very severely of the conduct of certain boats from Buckhaven, St Monance and Cellardyke which have been trawling the bay for the past four weeks. It alleged it tears up and destroys the grounds and the spawn and several of our boats have had their lines run over rough shod by the heavy trawl, cutting them to the loss and injury of their owners

1866

Alexander Cunningham only 23 years of age is setting up business in the East end of Cellardyke, building one of the largest fishing boats in the district. 47ft x 17ft

1868

Andrew Scott, carter, Cellardyke was sentenced to be imprisoned for 14 days for theft at the Stenton Roup. Andrew Pattie, carter, Cellardyke pled guilty to a breach of the peace at the Stenton roup and was fined £1 or 14 days imprisonment.

1875

Mr George Corstorphine, fisherman, Cellardyke, who in the act of scrambling from the boat to the west Pier Anstruther, laid hold of a piece of wood to assist his landing but the supposed stay yielded to his weight and gave way, and he fell into the harbour striking with considerable violence his head on the gunwale of the boat. His comrades immediately sprang to his rescue…shivering with wet and bleeding profusely from the stroke on his head his appearance at first excited the liveliest fears of his friends, but his condition has since been hopeful, but he has had to forego in the meantime his trip to the south

During the hurry and confusion at the departure of the boats in the intense darkness and rising wind, the deep sea fishing boat Olive Branch of Cellardyke, Skipper Thomas Smith, while leaving the pier under canvas was struck in the bow by another south bound boat. The collision excited little attention and less alarm, for thinking all secure the crew of the Olive Branch went on with their duty as their gallant craft flew like an arrow in the whistling breeze, till some two miles in the offing, two or three hands had an errand to the cabin, where they heard the sound of rushing water through the splintered planks.. happily the boat reached the shore in safety.

1896

Boot factory for Cellardyke

A few weeks ago the capital was subscribed for starting a boot factory in Cellardyke, but some difficulty was experienced in obtaining a site. This difficulty has now been overcome. The promoters have purchased a property in West Forth Street belonging to Mr John Ritchie and lately occupied by Mr Hutton, aerated water manufacturer which will be converted into a factory for the above purpose.

1918

Miss L J Smith, who for the past ten years has been a teacher at Moffat School has recently been appointed as assistant infant Mistress at Cellardyke Public School.

1925

Like most places Cellardyke has its housing problem, and despite the erection of twenty houses by the local authority the supply does not meet demand. At last night’s meeting of the Kilrenny town Council eight applicants, including one from Glasgow were received for tenancy of one of the municipal houses which had become vacant. … It was resolved to ballot the most deserving case. Three applicants, James Wood, Alex Anderson and Andrew Watson all belonging to Cellardyke were voted on and the result was in the favour of the first name..

1935

At a Pittenweem Liberals social, the speaker was Mr Russell , Leven… after teas songs were sung by Miss Jeanie Wood Pittenweem, Miss Ella Carstairs, Cellardyke and Dick Sellars, Pittenweem.