We had many items of business to cover at the 3rd November meeting. The club’s ‘Christmas Post’ will again be run from 4th to 18th December, with delivery at 50p per card. Monies raised will be donated to local charities that could do with immediate support.
Benches that Rotary installed on the Coastal Path a number of years ago now need to be repaired or replaced and work is in hand to decide the best course of action. With mention of the coastal Path, a committee has been established to consider running the Coastal Path ‘walk’ in 2026.
The Waid Academy debate, normally taking place in November, is postponed until February and the Primary School Quiz will be in March at Pittenweem primary school.
Wednesday 5th of November will see Rotarians helping Round Table members with their fireworks display when the promenade will be shut off from traffic.
With more information elsewhere on the website, the ‘Casino Night’ is taking place Friday coming, 14th November in Crail community hall. We look forward to the Rotarians from the Angus Glens club coming down and lending their expertise for what should be a fun night.
Following all the business items, club member Malcolm MacDonald was our speaker. He entertained with a well-researched talk on the history of Cellardyke. We heard the likely origin of the name from ‘sillerdyke’ or ‘silver dyke’ - the effect of fish scales residue on walls. We heard much of the fishing industry - whaling too - but also of press gangs of smuggling and of the many industries that sustained what was a self contained community. It was all lightened by colourful snippets of spme of thre characters from those times.What was particularly interesting was just how many businesses, shops and traders did exist so many years ago. What was also a sobering reminder was just how basic living conditions were, with very simple small cottages, no running water and only the most elementary of outside toilet arrangements.
Following questions, Eric Govan proposed a vote of thanks.
Looking ahead the club will meet for its traditional Christmas meal on the 15th December.
