THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Of all the French cities which have suffered at the hands of the enemy Rheims is now the most pitiful. Ancient Arras has suffered, and is no more than the mouldering bones of a town and utter destruction may be in store for St Quentin. The German lines run 500 yards in front of it and before the Germans leave they may well wreck it utterly. But Rheims is suffering now day by day. It is being hammered to ruins. In its streets one realises the awful price which France is paying for victory.

50 years ago

Mr George Henderon, 3 Struan Street, Newport, has retired after 34 years with Newport Town Council. A native of Leuchars, Mr Henderson worked on various farms in the district and then went to Thos. Muir, Son & Patton, coal merchants. He was a driver for nine years. In July 1933 he became a driver of Newport Town Council refuse freighter and held the job for 34 years. To mark his retiral Provost W. J. Smith paid tribute to his long service and presented him with a gold watch.

25 years ago

Victoria Jane Meakin, from Dalgety Bay, a former pupil of Inverkeithing High School, had a unique honour yesterday. She was presented with the Currie Medal, awarded by Moray House College, Edinburgh, and the Watt Club Medal, similarly awarded at Heriot Watt University to the student gradating with the greatest distinction in the final year of his or her course. Vicky (22) gained the degree of bachelor of education in primary education with first class honours.

One year ago

A shake-up of the NHS could mean the end of health boards in Tayside and Fife. Scottish Government ministers are considering plans to overhaul institutions, with the prospect of saving money by reducing the number of senior staff thought to be appealing. Cross border cooperation already exists between Scotland’s 14 regional boards. It is understood that number could be slashed to three or five when plans are put forward for consultation in the coming months.