Speaker John Spittal - Tradesmen and Shopkeepers of Markinch in 1911

Tue, Mar 22nd 2016 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Reception Bruce Clark

	Kilrymont St. Andrews Rotarian John Spittal took club members on a Trip in Time as he talked about the trades people and shopkeepers of Markinch in 1911.

	John's grandfather William Spittal was a plumber in the town. An advert of his business showed that he could also install incandescent light which could save 50% on gas bills and yield three times more light.

	John's illustrated talk featured a number of adverts for businesses in Markinch with some fascinating details, claims, products and prices.

	John also had the minutes book for the town's trades association and highlighted a day trip members took from Markinch to Cupar. The horse-drawn brake took 2hr 30min to reach Ceres where the party stopped en route to Cupar where tea was partaken for 1s 9d (equivalent to £4.99 today!). The return went via Freuchie with a stop for dancing and arrived back in Markinch for 10pm.

	The trades association's demise coincided with the outbreak of the First World War during which several members were killed. One of those was one of John's ancestors, Jas Spittal, who died at Festubert. The names of the trades people who perished can be found on the Markinch war memorial.