Born in Keith, Banffshire on 30 August 1867 to general labourer Joseph Ripley and his wife Margaret Cassels, John Ripley was working as a wool spinner by the age of 13 at Isla Bank Mills in Keith, for G&G Kynoch tweed manufacturer. Two years later, he and his brother moved to Montrose, where they undertook an apprenticeship as slaters. However, at the time of the 1891 census John was in Bonhill in Dunbartonshire and his occupation was recorded in the census as railway porter. However, when he married Jane Laing in 1895 he was a journeyman slater, residing in St Andrews. His marriage was where John's connection to Largo began, as his wife hailed from New Gilston.  Many will have heard of John Ripley (pictured above) as a recipient of the Victoria Cross and some may know that he is buried at the cemetery in Upper Largo. 
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​John and Jane were married in New Gilston on 21 June 1895. Jane had been born there in 1867. Her father Alexander Laing was a coal miner, as was his father before him, Andrew Laing. Jane's mother was Agnes Gatherum, whose father Thomas was also a coal miner. This side of the family lived in neighbouring Woodside. According to A.S. Cunningham's 1907 book 'Upper Largo, Lower Largo, Lundin Links and Newburn', New Gilston was built around 1700 and owes its existence to coal mining. Gatherum was a common name around the area at that time. As well as Jane's mother being a Gatherum, her grandmother on her father's side was too.  When Jane Laing married John Ripley they settled in St Andrews and that is where their son Alexander was born in 1896.

As well as setting up his own business as a slater, John was also a long-term member of the St Andrews Fire Brigade and the Rocket Brigade and was also a volunteer with the Black Watch territorials (which he had joined in 1884). By 1901, John, Jane and Alexander had taken in Jane's widowed father Alexander and also her sister Catherine Laing. All were living in College Street St Andrews and John was still working as a slater. in 1909, the family moved from College Street to North Street. The notice below from the 5 June St Andrews Citizen advises customers of the relocation of John's business as a slater and chimney sweep.

It was also in 1909 that John was awarded the Volunteers’ Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He had served for many years in the 6th Volunteer Battalion, Black Watch, becoming a sergeant and one of his company's best shots. Three years later he retired from the Volunteers, after completing 18 years service. The Ripley household was now only John and Jane and their teenage son Alexander. At that point in time none of them could have foreseen the events that would unfold over the next few years.
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It was on 9 May 1915, while a corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) at the battle of Aubers Ridge, that the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (below is how it was reported in The Gazette):
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John was one of four men to be awarded the Victoria Cross (shown below) in that particular battle. One of the others was David Finlay from Guardbridge, close to where John lived in St Andrews (also of the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)). Finlay was later killed in action in Mesopotamia on 21 January 1916. 
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The Victoria Cross is the highest British award which may be given for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Instituted by Queen Victoria on 29 January 1856, this decoration may be conferred upon officers, non-commissioned officers and members of all the armed forces. The medal itself is a cross pattée of bronze, having almost triangular arms, narrow at the centre and broadening to squared ends. In the centre is the Royal Crest over a scroll bearing the words For Valour. The date of the act of bravery is given on the reverse and the recipient’s name is engraved on the back of the bar.  The holders are entitled to add the letters V.C. after their name.

George Swan Rodger was born on 20 May 1837 in Coaltown of Balgonie to James Rodger, coal agent, and Christian Swan. As an infant he moved with his family to Tyrie Bleachfield, Kirkcaldy and there he received his education from local teacher, author and poet, Peter Purves. He later served an apprenticeship to the drapery trade under Mr Gilchrist of Kirkcaldy. After gaining further experience in the trade at Falkirk, Edinburgh and Glasgow, George became a buyer at an important Glasgow clothing business. It was in Glasgow on 21 December 1866 that George married Jeanie Wylie Leys. He had been a boarder with Jeanie's family, who hailed from the same area of Fife that George himself was from. By the time of the 1871 census, the couple had three children: James, William and Christina. Still living in Glasgow, along with Jeanie's mother, George was now a master draper.

It was in 1872, the George Rodger came to Largo, taking over the premises of the late James White. The following year the family grew with the birth of second daughter, Jeanie. Sadly, in 1878, eldest daughter Christina died aged six. The above advert dates to 22 February 1879 and featured in the Fife News. Below are adverts from the same year. One announces 'summer goods', while the other from later in the year advertised 'winter goods'. In both cases George had just returned from 'the markets'. Glasgow trimmed bonnets and hats are mentioned in both adverts. Hats had become elaborately trimmed in the 1870s. Sometimes with ribbons at the back, which hung over the chignon hair style. In the late 1870s bonnets featured an increasing use of flowers and birds in their trimming, before transitioning to feathers in the 1880s. Fabrics used in summer varied from those used in winter. Plush, for example, was used for winter hats, as well as  for dresses, muffs and bags.
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As well as regular advertisements for summer and winter goods, it became a tradition for Rodger's to hold an annual clearing sale and these were always advertised in the local press. In 1881, the family had another child, George, and Jeanie's widowed mother was still living with them in Upper Largo. Around 1885, a young Alexander Kirk Melville entered the employment of Rodger, staying for four years and laying the foundations for his own long journey into the clothing business.

The original shop continued until 1887, when George Rodger decided that new premises were required. In fact, his shop was described as "too small and also damp". So he decided to have it taken down and a new shop (with attached dwelling) built upon the site.  During the works, the business moved into temporary premises next to Mr Thomson's chemist business. The various Fife News notices below tell the story of the upheaval and necessary stock sales that took place during that year. A sale was held prior to the move and another later the same year, due to the lack of room in the temporary premises. 
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The Rodgers seem to have been installed at the rebuilt shop and dwelling in time for the annual sale in February 1888. Their new building is now 12 Main Street (pictured above).  In more recent times, this building has housed George Mackie's chemist and The Salon hairdresser. Like so many former shops in the village, it has long since been converted into a residential dwelling.

At the time of the 1901 census, the two eldest Rodger children had moved away. George and Jeanie's daughter and youngest son (Jeanie and George) had joined the family business as a milliner and draper's assistant respectively. The family business flourished in its purpose-built premises and by 1906, the shop held its thirty-third annual clearing sale (see 1 February Leven Advertiser advert below).
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Over the decades, fashions of course changed dramatically and G.S. Rodger moved with the times and catered for local needs. The 1910 advert below highlights the 'golf hose' on offer (10 August 1910 Leven Advertiser).
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Knitting machines were installed in the back shop at some point - the above notice requests a girl to join the team to operate one of them. Below, an advertisement from 15 Feb 1911 Leven Advertiser mentions a range of items reduced in the clearance sale: from floorcloth to overcoats and wincey shirting. 
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An elder of the United Free church for many years, under Rev, R. Lundin Brown and William Bruce, George Rodger eventually retired and his son (also named George Swan Rodger) continued the business. George senior died on 12 April 1925 aged 87 at his home on Upper Largo's Main Street. He was survived by his widow, three sons and daughter. His eldest son was by then headmaster at Burntisland Higher Grade School and his second son employed by a woollen manufacturer in Canada. George was buried in Upper Largo cemetery. His widow Jeanie died in 1930 aged 91. Young Jeanie died in 1943 aged 70. George junior lived until 1956, latterly living at Ravenswood in Lundin Links.
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On 18 August 1874 a marriage took place at Largo House between Robert Rintoul and Margaret Jack Jeffrey. Robert was the Glasgow-born proprietor of Lahill House (pictured above) and Margaret the daughter of John Jeffrey the Kirkcaldy linen manufacturer. The Jeffreys had taken the tenancy of Largo House in 1872 and had become well-known in the Largo area. After their marriage, Robert and Margaret settled at Lahill and in 1878 their daughter Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul was born. She would go on to become a pioneering ornithologist along with her great friend Evelyn Baxter. Two years later, on 30 March 1880, another daughter, Jane Helen (known as Jean) was born at Lahill. 

The 1881 census recorded the household at Lahill Mansion House. Robert was described as a "Proprietor farming 726 acres of which 706 are arable, employing 15 men, 14 women and 2 boys". In addition to Robert, Margaret and their two young daughters, the household included a cook, house maid, table maid and nurse. There was also a visitor - cousin of Margaret, Charles Maxton, a linen manufacturer. Other staff were living in the Lahill Coachman's House and Lodge House. Two years later, in 1883, a son was born - Andrew Jeffrey Rintoul. Robert Rintoul (who had been the very first Captain of Lundin Golf Club when it was first founded in 1868, having learned golf on Dubbieside links) died on 26 January 1887 just before his son's fourth birthday. 
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Growing up Leonora and Jean were educated privately and had the opportunity to travel on the continent. At home, they were often mentioned in the papers as "the Misses Rintoul" when attending social occasions. Jean also featured in newspaper reports for her pianoforte solos and theatrical performances. On example above is from the 29 June 1899 Leven Advertiser in relation to a fund-raising event in Kirkcaldy. Perhaps it was at such an event that Jean met her future husband.

On 4 August 1910, Jean married Captain Thomas Kershaw Gaskell of the 89th Punjabis at Upper Largo Parish Church. She was 30 years old and he was 39. Reverend Duncan Macmichael and Reverend James Robert Burt (Macmichael's predecessor) officiated. Sister Leonora was a witness. The 6 August Fifeshire Advertiser described the wedding as "fully choral" and noted that there was "a large and fashionable assemblage" at this "pretty wedding".

Thomas Kershaw Gaskell was born on 1 October 1870 in Portsea, Portsmouth, one of 8 children. His father, also Thomas, was in the army and this required the family to move frequently, including a spell in Cupar in the late 1870s when young Thomas was still a boy. So he had a connection to Fife from an early age. Thomas junior served as Lieutenant in the Suffolk Artillery Militia from 1890 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers on 19 October 1892. He was promoted Lieutenant in the Indian Staff Corps on 12 January 1896, whilst serving with the 29th Burma Infantry. He was made a Captain with the 89th Punjabis on 19 October 1901. He was still a Captain at the time of his marriage.

Now widowed, Jean continued her active life in the Largo community and beyond. The newspaper archives record her opening fetes, hosting social events, assisting in the Girls Guildry, being involved in church events, presiding over the East of Fife group of the W.R.I., being part of the wartime work parties making provisions for the troops, acting on the Kirkton of Largo school management committee and continuing to entertain by playing the piano. In some of these endeavours she was joined by her sister Leonora Rintoul and friend Evelyn Baxter, both of whom were also extremely prominent in the W.R.I..

Another of Jean's interests was the newly-created Scotland's Gardens Scheme (a scheme which continues today). She acted as organiser of the scheme for Fife in 1930s and 1940s. Gardens were opened to the public in order to raise money for the Nursing Association.  Jean was able to arrange for gardens at houses such as Lahill, Strathairly and Cambo to be open to visitors. The notice below from the 10 April 1937 St Andrews Citizen notes an opening of the Lahill gardens - often timed to show the daffodils at their best each year.

In 1940, Jean bought Grove Cottage in Upper Largo, which was adjacent to both her sister's home, Balsusney, and the home of Evelyn Baxter, The Grove. The three properties can be seen in the map below. 
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In February 1943 Jean Gaskell was co-opted as a member for Largo and Newburn of the Anstruther District Council. The same year she was Secretary of the Wings for Victory committee for Largo. A few years later she funded the building of a hut within the grounds of the manse at Newburn Church to be used as a community hall. Groups using the hall included the Newburn Women's Guild and the Newburn Men's Club. 

In the weeks immediately prior to her death she conducted the opening ceremony of the Robinson Crusoe Social Club's Sale of Work in the Club House at Mill Wynd (see 11 Feb 1948 notice below from Leven Advertiser). She also attended a meeting of the local housing committee and made a recommendation which resulted in the naming of Durham Crescent (see 10 January 1948 Courier below). The Housing Supervisor had suggested the name Crusoe Crescent but Mrs Gaskell thought the Crusoe name was already overused and made her alternative suggestion.

When Jean Gaskell died on 27 March 1948 at St Margaret's  just days before her 68th birthday, the official record of her death described her as a 'housewife' but there was so much more to this talented, independent, community-spirited lady. Aside from the pursuits mentioned above, there were no doubt many other strands to her activities. Unfortunately, I have been unable to unearth a photograph of Mrs Gaskell so far - if anyone has a photo of her, please do get in touch.

Back on 28 November 1959, the village hall in New Gilston Hall was officially opened. The Leven Mail of 2 December reported on the event and featured the photograph below. At the time, the total population of New Gilston, Woodside and the surrounding countryside was around 240. And yet, the community had raised over £800 in a short space of time - such was their determination to have a new hall. The newspaper piece described the area as "extremely isolated, with a bus passing through to Leven only every two hours". The remote location was sited as a reason for the necessity for a hall as it would enable social functions to take place, strengthening the community. Other uses mentioned for the hall were private meetings and a base for the regular meetings of the New Gilston and Woodside W.R.I.. 
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The hall was opened by Brigadier W.C. Black of Teasses and "there was an excellent turnout of the villagers and also many friends from the Largo area". All were welcomed by the local school mistress Miss J.A.H. Thomson who was chairwoman of the hall committee. She explained how, in addition to the funds raised by the locals, a £2,880 grant had been allocated from the Scottish Committee of Social Service towards the cost of building the hall. Major Douglas Brown of Edinburgh was in attendance representing that committee. Perhaps some of those individuals mentioned are featured in the indistinct photograph.

Major Brown commented that in his opinion such a village hall could be likened to a church or school, as it played an equally important role in rural life and he was "really glad to see the end of a long and frustrating period for the villagers themselves". He congratulated the villagers on their "magnificent effort" in raising such as large amount for a small place. He urged support for the hall from the community. Miss Thomson went on to explain how the villagers had elected to have a better hall than would have been allocated by default. In particular, they wanted a better floor for dances. The cost of their extra requirements were met by a St Andrews District Council grant of £50 and a larger amount from Fife County Council's Further Education Committee. Provost John Nicol of Burntisland was in attendance representing the latter. He spoke of how he was proud to have played a part in the hall coming to fruition and hoped that "many happy hours, evenings and days will be spent in this hall for years to come".

As Brigadier Black carried out the opening ceremony he said that "we must all express our thanks to the committee who have done such a wonderful job of work. I think it was the Coronation Committee and the W.R.I. who started off in the old hall making plans for this new one. They are entitled to the gratitude of the whole community". He declared the hall (shown left of centre on the map above) open and it was then dedicated by the Reverend J.S. Paterson, minister of Largo and Newburn Parish Church.

The "old hall" referred to was the Woodside Hall, which was used largely by the New Gilston and Woodside W.R.I.. It had been erected in 1933 and was a wooden structure. The report from the 5 August 1933 Fife Free Press below tells of that hall's official opening. Mrs David Bruce of Charlestown, sister-in-law of the Earl of Elgin performed the opening ceremony. The ladies of the W.R.I. had been collecting for three years for the new hall and local people built and furnished the facility. Interestingly, the structure was previously "four houses....purchased in Largo for £35". Surely, all of those involved in the creation of both the 1933 hall and the 1959 replacement would be heartened to see how well the village hall continues to be used by the residents of Woodside and New Gilston to this day.
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The previous post looked at Largo Cricket Club's four-and-a-bit season run from 1949 to 1953. After that time the club went into abeyance for three decades before being revived in 1983. It was Yorkshireman, Peter Norton, who was living in Largo, that played a pivotal role in the resurrection of the club, along with a number of keen locals. Initially, games were played at Silverburn on the outskirts of Leven (where apparently donkey droppings had to be cleared from the grass before play). Some play also took place at Waid Academy in Anstruther. However, after three years, the club made a return to their Upper Largo playing field at East Drive (pictured above).

The 10 May 1986 Courier piece below tells of the inaugural game at the ground, which was due to take place the following day. The article noted that the return to the home ground had been made possible through a combination of the efforts of local people, funding from North East Fife District Council and the agreement of land owner Charles Makgill Crichton. The opening gala day saw Largo play against "Fife's most famous cricketers" Freuchie Cricket Club. Just the year before, in 1985, the Freuchie side had risen to fame by winning the National Village Championship at Lord's, with a victory against a side from Surrey.

Around 500 people attended this special occasion but unfortunately the Largo team went down by 135 runs to 66 against the National Village Champions. This was in spite of a guest appearance for Largo by Mike Denness the former England and Kent cricket captain. Denness was, and remains, the only England captain to have been born in Scotland. Scotland did not have an international team at the time of his career.

Freuchie's George Wilson was man of the match. President of Largo C.C. Andrew Duncan was delighted that such a high profile opening match could be arranged at the new ground. There was a "carnival atmosphere" with side shows, beer tent, teas and coffees. Since that day many visiting clubs have enjoyed the hospitality and picturesque surroundings of the East Drive ground. ​The Largo club's second period in existence continues its almost 40 year unbroken run to this day. You can read more about recent club history here and on the club's website: www.largocc.org.uk/. Long may the club's second run continue.....
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