THE ANTONELLI FAMILY - May Kerr

Francis Antonelli started business in the Dragon's Lair in 1900 with his son. John. John married Adelina (Lena) and their first child, Dora. was born there but they later moved along to the other end of the High Street near the foot of Redburn Road.
In 1926 they built the shop and hall and their family grew with the arrival of Frank. Albert and Peter (Mimi). The hall was sold to the Ebenezer Chapel in 1937 when the shop at Hawthorn Road was built.
During the war years, Francis was not interned because of his age but he still had to help out. peeling potatoes and looking after the chip pans because by this time Frank was in the RAF and Dora in the WAAFs. When they came home on leave Lena used to make a little ice cream with real milk. not the regulation powder variety, and the neighbours were all given a small jar of this luxury.
In later years, the hall was sold to the RAF Club and then bought by Lowe's Television. After it closed, the hall lay empty for many years until it was destroyed by a storm on January 11th 1978. The business is still being run by the Antonelli family, Albert's wife and daughter, Joan and Leonora.



This shows the well-loved Ebenezer Gospel Hall on the left with Antonelli 's shop beside it

A TRIBUTE TO MR & MRS ALEXANDER CAMPBELL May Kerr (Granddaughter)

Mrs Agnes Campbell was well known in Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Scion as Nurse Campbell, District Nurse and Midwife. In the 1920s Auldhammer House in Prestonpans High Street was Nurse Campbell's Nursing Home, run with the help of her daughter, Esther. No matter what time of day or night Nurse Campbell answered any call without delay. Many mothers still remember the care and attention so unselfishly given during their confinement.
Mr Alexander (Sandy) Campbell was also well known in the district as Superintendent of the Ebenezer Sunday School situated at the west end of the High Street. Many a youngster enjoyed hearing the "Word" and singing the old Gospel choruses. Once a year every child received a Gospel booklet and looked forward to the Sunday School Trip.
Mr & Mrs Campbell's contribution to the community was to them their Christian duty and they will always be remembered for their hard work, devotion and dedication.