THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A pathetic double tragedy has befallen an Aberdeen family. News has just been received that James Butler, skipper on board one of HM patrol vessels, and his son, James William Butler (18), signaller boy on the same vessel, have been killed at sea. Mr Butler was well-known at the port and successively acted as master of vessels belonging to the firms of Irwin & Sons Ltd; Smith, Jamieson & Holmes; and Dodds & Co. For two and a half years he fished in South African waters. He was 39 years of age.

50 years ago

Form IV were in a fix. St Michael’s School, Dundee, had a mid-term holiday and didn’t know what to do with it. They asked their teacher. “Go for a walk,” he said. “Where to?” “Perth and back,” he joked. So a group of them did – almost. Five girls took a train to Perth in the early morning. Less than eight hours later – after 22 miles through freezing fog – they found themselves facing the Dundee boundary sign. Rosslyn Clark, Liz Tosh, Joyce Lamont, Christine Malliff and Kathleen Dunn took part.

25 years ago

One of the longest-serving Wrens in Tay Division RNR, Lieutenant Commander Eleanor Bryden, leaves after 31 years. To mark the event she will be honoured at a special “dining out” ceremony at HMS Camperdown, when fellow officers will hand over a silver salver. In return, she will present the mess with a set of Duncan tartan tables runners (Lord Duncan was Admiral of the Fleet at the Battle of Camperdown.) Eleanor joined the service from the Girl Guide Association.

One year ago

A Dundee artist has taken the unusual step of designing puppets to allow children suffering from mental health conditions to communicate their feelings. Duncan of Jordanstone graduate Deborah Chapman has developed a self-help service combining her creative talents with helping youngsters suffering from ADHD. Since launching her project, How It Felt, Deborah’s work has been acclaimed by specialists and parents. Deborah’s work has been backed with a grant from the Dundee Futures Fund.