25 years ago

A BUS driver helped save a pensioner’s life, reported the East Lothian Courier on September 15, 1995.

A grateful passenger said a “big thank you” this week to the quick-thinking bus driver who helped save his life.

Kenneth Smith diverted his double-decker to Roodlands Hospital in Haddington after pensioner Harry Wilkinson suffered a stroke as they reached the outskirts of the town.

As Mr Wilkinson, 74, recovered at his Edinburgh home this week, he was full of praise for the actions of the 31-year-old bus driver from Haddington.

“He definitely used his initiative and got me to hospital for prompt treatment which saved my life. I had a blood clot on the brain and was completely paralysed down one side of my body. I am okay now apart from slight dizziness and loss of balance,” he said.

Mr Wilkinson had been en route to visit his sister-in-law May Dalgleish in Haddington last Tuesday morning when he became sick.

50 years ago

PLANS for a sports centre in North Berwick were given the green light, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier of September 18, 1970.

Work is soon to commence on the building of a new £50,000 sports centre for North Berwick.

The centre, which will cost £47,500 to build and £2,000 to furnish, came a step nearer reality this week when a Board Meeting in the Hope Rooms decided to put schedules out to builders.

The meeting appointed an executive committee of nine members to be responsible for raising further funds and contacting clubs and associations interested in the project with a view to working out the best use to be made of the building.

The annual running costs are estimated at about £3,000.

100 years ago

A WOMAN from Prestonpans appeared in court in Glasgow accused of stealing two suitcases from railway waiting rooms in the city, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier of September 17, 1920.

The story of a young woman’s downfall was told in Glasgow Sheriff Court, on Friday, when a girl of seventeen admitted stealing two suit cases from railway station waiting rooms in the city.

The case was continued till next week, pending a report from the Prison Commissioners regarding her suitability for Borstal treatment.

The accused explained that two men had made her take the suit cases, threatening to ‘knife’ her if she refused.

A sister said the accused had left her home at Prestonpans where she had got beyond her father’s control.