25 years ago...

A TOWN’S library ruined by fire was front page news in the East Lothian Courier on September 29, 1995

Tranent Library was devastated by fire on Sunday night.

The blaze broke out in the office area at 8.15pm and spread into the rest of the building – where it destroyed nearly two thirds of the entire stock of books.

The emergency services rushed to the scene and fire fighters, some wearing breathing apparatus, managed to bring the blaze under control within 15 minutes.

Extensive damage was caused to the whole building.

David Moody, assistant district librarian, said the office area, where the fire began, had been completely gutted.

There had been some damage to the roof and the heating and lighting had been completely destroyed.

Mr Moody said: “It could take about six months to straighten everything out.”

A spokesman for East Lothian District Council said the structural damage was still being assessed.

50 years ago...

PRESTON Lodge Rugby Club opened its “palatial” new clubhouse, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier of October 2, 1970.

Much can be achieved by teamwork and a perfect example of it is the fine new premises in which Preston Lodge F.P. Rugby Club meet in Rope Walk, Prestonpans.

Once it was a derelict building but due to the efforts of the members it has been transformed into a palatial club.

The Town Council roofed the building and sold it to the club for a nominal sum on the understanding they could repurchase it at any time the club wished to give it up.

100 years ago...

Summer time was to be extended due to a potential coal miners’ strike, said The Haddingtonshire Courier of October 1, 1920.

It was announced on Saturday that the Government have decided, in view of the possible coal strike, that the return from summer time to Greenwich time, which would normally have taken place at 2 A.M. on the night of Sunday-Monday last, shall be postponed for a time.

An order in council will therefore be made substituting 25th October for 27th September as the date when summer time will end.

It was officially stated that the suspension of the strike would not affect the foregoing order.

In view of the announcement that summer time is to be extended for a period, the alterations in the times of certain trains on the North British Railway will accordingly be delayed.