THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Seafield Lodge, Magdalen Green, Dundee, was formally opened yesterday afternoon as a home for mothers and infants by Lady Baxter. The home has been established under the Women’s Social Work Committee of the Salvation Army. Commissioner Adelaide Cox, Salvation Army, addressed a large gathering in the lodge yesterday. She said the war had proved to us what was worth going on with in this country. It was evident that in Scotland the babies greatly needed to be taken care of.

50 years ago

General de Gaulle yesterday dissolved the National Assembly, called new general elections and declared he would fight back against the threat of a Communist dictatorship in France. In a tough, direct challenge to the striking workers and left wing politicians trying to bring down his 10-yearold regime, he indicated he would resort to emergency powers if the present crisis continued. In a fiveminute broadcast, the 77-year-old general brushed aside demands that he should quit.

25 years ago

The Queen can expect an extra loud cheer from the crowd at Derby Day in a couple of days, the 40th anniversary of her coronation. In the middle of what is a favourite race meeting for her, she will have little time to reminisce about June 2 1953, when as a young mother-of-two, she was crowned Queen. Accompanied by the Queen Mother, the Queen will watch her horse Enharmonic in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom, the race before the Derby. She will have a quiet time for reflection.

One year ago

An elderly man was left lying on a rain-soaked street for almost an hour after an ambulance shortage meant he could not immediately be taken to Ninewells following a nasty fall. Passers-by had to cover the 85-year-old with blankets and jackets after he tripped and fell on Westfield Place in Dundee. Emergency services were called just after 7.30pm but due to a lack of available crews the man could not be taken to Ninewells until 8.30pm – an incident local MSP Bill Bowman called “disturbing”.