THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The following German official communique was issued: Western Theatre. – On the Lys battlefield a strong French counter-attack against the height of Vleugelhock failed with heavy losses. There were local engagements to the north west of Bethune, near Festubert, and on both sides of the Scarpe. To the south of the Somme we attacked the British and French near Villers-Bretonneux. By means of hard fighting our infantry broke its way through the enemy’s machine gun nests.

50 years ago

There is an acute shortage of radiographers in the X-ray department at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, the East Fife Hospitals Board were told at their meeting in Kirkcaldy. The hospital medical staff and GPs have been asked to co-operate by limiting their requirements as far as possible. On the question of open access to X-ray services by GPs, the Regional Board had indicated as a general policy they should have direct access to certain radiological examinations.

25 years ago

Former Dundee grocer and keen boxing enthusiast Jim Manderson died peacefully at Ninewells Hospital at the age of 81. Born and raised in Dundee, Mr Manderson spent the early part of his career with William Low, firstly as a message boy in their branch in Ure Street, before working his way up through the company to become manager, just before the Second World War. In later years he was described as being involved in Dundee Amateur Boxing Club “in every capacity you can think of.”

One year ago

A single mouse has led to the temporary closure of a popular Fife community hub. The pest controllers have been brought in to Parkgate Centre in Rosyth following the sighting of the rogue rodent. A raft of community events had to be cancelled and the recently refurbished centre may be closed for a week to allow an investigation to be carried out. Local MP Douglas Chapman is demanding answers from Fife Council to ensure the problem is resolved quickly.