THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A well-known society lady, who darkened her grey hair by a simple home process, made the following statement: “Any lady or gentleman can darken their grey or faded hair, stimulate its growth, and make it soft and glossy, with this simple recipe: To a half pint of water add 1 oz of bay rum and one small box of Orlex Compound. These can be purchased at any chemists’ at very little cost. Apply to hair every other day until the grey hair is darkened sufficiently. It is also excellent for itching and relieves dandruff.”

50 years ago

Mrs Grace Galanter yesterday went to see the race horse Whisky Dewar which she won in a competition. He cost 5,000 guineas when bought as a yearling by John Dewar & Sons Ltd, whisky distillery, Perth, and was the first prize in the company’s 1966 winter competition. “I was thrilled to win the horse,” said Mrs Galanter, who was born in Perth and educated at the Academy, close to the headquarters of the John Dewar organisation. The horse, a bay colt, will run during the flat season.

25 years ago

Appropriately for a Fair Maid from Perth, 19-year-old Holly Gray’s first leading role on stage is going to be Eliza Dolittle – My Fair Lady herself! Holly is taking on one of the best-known parts in musical theatre in St Andrews Operatic Society’s production of Lerner and Loewe’s well-loved favourite. It’s only her second year in the society, and although she is experiencing a few butterflies, she is thoroughly enjoying the experience. She also has a real-life Londoner to help with her Cockney accent.

One year ago

A Fife woman’s difficulties in finding plus-size jodhpurs saw her take the reins of her online business specialising in larger sized fitness wear. Sam Ollis, 46, from Lochgelly used her redundancy money to set up www.curvykit.co.uk after gaining advice from Business Gateway Fife. After a 10-month search for suitable suppliers, the former police control room operator is selling everything from riding boots and jodhpurs to fitness leggings in size 16 and above. The idea for Curvy Kit grew from there.