February 1959

Sudden Death of Ex-Lord Provost Fenton

TramsCouncillor Richard Fenton, Lord Provost of Dundee from 1949 to 1952, died suddenly at his home, Balnaguard, Marchfield Road, last Saturday. Death was due to coronary thrombosis. He was 59.He was a Deputy Lieutenant of the City, a Justice of the Peace, a vice-president of Dundee Rotary Club, a prominent member of the Business Club, a committee member of the Bonnetmakers, honorary president of Downfield Amateur Operatic Society and a patron of the Midlands district of the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association.

He always took a keen interest in anything connected to the Scots Guards, with whom he served in the first world war.

Mr Fenton is survived by his wife and their only son Richard Fraser Fenton.

Few people were better known or commanded more widespread esteem the ex-Lord Provost Fenton. He was a partner with his brother, Mr Henry Fenton and Sons, Auctioneers and House-furnishers, which was founded by his late father.

The ex-Lord Provost, who was Dundee's last trawler owner, also carried on a fish sales and curing business in partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr W.A. Stewart.

His Town Council career began in 1933 when he was elected for the eighth ward as a moderate. Since then he represented the fourth and the ninth wards at various times.

The esteem which Mr Fenton enjoyed was reflected in attendance of over 400 mourners at the funeral in Dundee Crematorium on Wednesday. There was almost a full turn out of Dundee Town Council and senior officials.

Closure of Engineering Works

The final closure of the Blackness Engineering Works, Dundee, will take place soon. The remaining office staff of about 20 have been warned of this intention by management. This was confirmed by a staff member on Wednesday night. "We were told that the office is definitely closing shortly. About five people have been offered jobs and houses with parent company (Fairnbairn Lawson Combe Barbour, Ltd.) in Leeds and are considering the matter. The remainder will be paid off. No date has been fixed. It may be one month, two months or even three, but the closure is to take place."

Super Swim Pool Proposed

A Swimming pool for Dundee estimated to cost £150,000 is envisaged by Mr William B. Taylor, corporation baths manager, in a report to the Baths Committee on Tuesday night. A sub-committee is to consider the report.

Mr Taylor, in listing disadvantages of the present swimming facilities, points out that the first class pool at the Central Baths was built in 1910, and no major structural alterations have taken place. Since the end of the war swimming has become very popular. During 1952-53 there were 170,031 swimmers and for the year ended May 15 last the number was 269,454, an increase of 60 per cent. In the past few years it has been impossible to meet the demand for swimming club facilities.

Suggesting a new pool, Mr Taylor says it should be 110 feet long by 42 feet wide, with a five metre fixed diving stage. The pool hall would be arranged to allow for 1000 seats and a café. Under the spectator terraces, dressing accommodation, pre-cleansing facilities and spray rooms may be provided. Club room's, first-aid room, staff accommodation and toilet facilities would be required.

Spend Your Early Season's Holiday in Warmth and Comfort

In the sheltered Vale of Atholl amid the pines at Fisher's Hotel, Pitlochry - where every room is central heated and where special winter terms are available until Easter.
Send for a brochure.
Fishers Pitlochry.
"Ever Open Door"

Golfers Take Note!

The 18-hole golf course at Camperdown Park, Dundee will be formally open on the morning of Saturday 6th June. This was announced at Dundee Park Committee on Tuesday night. Mr A.S. Dow, parks superintendent said he hoped to fix up two well know professionals and two equally well known local amateurs for the opening.
The committee also decided not to seek a resident professional for Camperdown until a year of so had elapsed, so as to gauge the popularity of the new course.

After The Wedding - The Cup-Tie!

Six hours before he lines up with his Dundee Unite team mates for the Scottish Cup second round tie against Third Lanark at Tannadice Park today, inside-right, Dave Sturrock is to be married. The wedding takes place at nine o'clock in SS Peter and Paul, Byron Street, Dave's bride to be is Laura Gow, 75, Dens Road. The reception will be held in the bride's home after the game.

The Palais

31, South Tay Street,
Next Friday
February 13
Stupendous attraction
The Clyde Valley Stompers
Special St Valentine's Eve session.
8.30 - 1. Lots of ladies choice dances.