by rathbone » 01 Feb 2012, 08:21
The Government issued Gas Masks to all of the civilian population. In Portobello you could pick up your mask either from St. John’s R.C. School, St. Philip’s Church Hall or the Marine Gardens. The Dean of Guild Court granted warrants for the erection of air raid shelters at various locations in Portobello.
Over 1,000 young men registered at Portobello Labour Exchange for the call-up in the event of war. When registering potential militiamen were asked to state what service they would like to join, Navy, Army or Air Force. Those who enrolled received instructions within the next few days to report for medical examination. Men who objected to serve for conscientious reasons received a special form which they had to fill in and return.
The heat wave continued into June with the temperature rising to 88 degrees. The highest temperature recorded was in Shandwick Place, which reached 97, but it was thought that this was due to an unusual combination of reflected heat from the walls and pavement. Both Portobello pool and the beach were thronged with bathers trying to keep cool. Extra tram cars and buses were put into service to convey the crowds to Portobello.
A Grand Gala was held, featuring a display by the Highgate Diving Club, a water polo match, the 100 yards Ladies’ Championship of Scotland and the 100 yards Gents’ Invitation Handicap. There was also entertainment from the Mayfair Dance Orchestra, the Constance Gabrielle School of Dancing and Miss Cissy McLuckie and Mr. Alec Cockburn gave excerpts from The Vagabond King. 2,000 spectators turned up and watched Miss D. Murray of Aberdeen win the championship for the third year in succession.
At the Baths a new Aerotone machine was installed. The principle of the new device was massage through hydraulic vibrations. An upward current of water in the inner bath, in which the bather is seated, is induced by air under pressure pumped into the bath by electrical power. A similar current is induced in the outer bath with the result that the water overflows into the inner which sets up a vibrating effect over the entire body. The force of gravity is neutralised by the counterflows of air and water and complete relaxation is attained.
A new Milk Bar opened on Portobello Promenade. Lemon milk shakes were at a premium, with swimmers in such a hurry to get one each that they walked straight up out of the sea, quaffed their milk shake and then walked back into the sea again.
In the Evening Dispatch Golf Tournament Portobello United were beaten by the Licensed Victuallers in the fourth round.
At the Marine Gardens Speedway Edinburgh beat Crystal Palace 30 - 23. In heat five Jack Hancock of Edinburgh collided with a Crystal Palace rider. He was carried off, but after receiving attention from the ambulance men, was able to resume.
Edward Coombes of 213 Portobello High Street was sentenced to eight months hard labour. Coombes was butler to Lord Cecil Douglas and had been found guilty of stealing two of his Lordship’s old suits. On a separate charge, Coombes was indicted for bigamy. It was alleged that he married Lord Douglas’ cook, Marjorie Drew when he was already married to Florence Coombes.
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