The Dean Tavern 1899-1999
The Dean Tavern opened in October 1899 and almost immediately became a focal point for what eventually became Scotland’s biggest mining village – Newtongrange. In the ensuing hundred years The Dean was to make an invaluable contribution to the expansion and improvement of Newtongrange. Music, Art, Sport, Leisure, young and old – all benefited from the system referred to as the Gothenbugh System: one of the fundamental principles decreed that profits should be channeled back into the community – a principle still adhered to today.
After the Coal Industry was Nationalised in the mid forties a Trust was eventually set up to make sure that the Dean would continue to play its part in Community life. Other Gothengurg’s have come and gone but the Dean not only survives but is flourishing and looking forward to the challenges of the 21st Century.
The Dean did not open without a fight. Opponents claimed that the first Manager, Andrew Anderson, was a man ‘with no previous experience’ and asked that he be ‘Interdicted from trafficking in excisable liquors there’ (The Dean). The Lothian Coal Company also had to give assurances that profits would go towards ‘Providing electric and a Bowling Green’. The Licence was ‘Legally Granted’ by the Court of Session. Coincidentally, a big Temperance Demonstration was held in Bonnyrigg that same week!
One of the most difficult challenges facing the Trustees in the nineties was how to refurbish the bar while at the same time keep its unique character. It was always going to be a tricky one but the refurbishment did go ahead and fortunately the Dean Bar is more popular than ever. Gone are the days when the Dean was regarded as a ‘Man’s Bar’ and women are now as comfortable in the bar as men. Apart from the bar and two lounges the Dean has an excellent Function Hall and a recently refurbished Committee / Conference Room. All of these facilities are available to local organizations free of charge.
However….no matter how many improvements and changes are made, the most important function of the Dean Tavern is that it continues to support the local organisation such as the two bands, the Gala Day Committee, the St David’s Day Centre and many other groups.
The Village of Newtongrange
The Monks of Newbattle Abbey, which is within walking distance from Newtongrange, were the first hewers of coal in Scotland and, from those early primitive workings came one of Scotland’s most productive coalfields. By the end of the 19th Century coal was indeed, King. Newtongrange grew from being a tiny settlement to become Scotland’s biggest mining village. The main reason for this expansion was the development of the Lady Victoria which was to become one of the country’s most productive pits. (Now the Scottish Mining Museum). Sadly, the mining industry has disappeared from the area but Newtongrange is still a thriving community with all of its traditions and organizations intact. Most importantly, it has retained its strong sense of identity. The Dean Tavern is the epitome of this spirit!
Box and Fiddle
Dec 99 / Jan 2000
After the Coal Industry was Nationalised in the mid forties a Trust was eventually set up to make sure that the Dean would continue to play its part in Community life. Other Gothengurg’s have come and gone but the Dean not only survives but is flourishing and looking forward to the challenges of the 21st Century.
The Dean did not open without a fight. Opponents claimed that the first Manager, Andrew Anderson, was a man ‘with no previous experience’ and asked that he be ‘Interdicted from trafficking in excisable liquors there’ (The Dean). The Lothian Coal Company also had to give assurances that profits would go towards ‘Providing electric and a Bowling Green’. The Licence was ‘Legally Granted’ by the Court of Session. Coincidentally, a big Temperance Demonstration was held in Bonnyrigg that same week!
One of the most difficult challenges facing the Trustees in the nineties was how to refurbish the bar while at the same time keep its unique character. It was always going to be a tricky one but the refurbishment did go ahead and fortunately the Dean Bar is more popular than ever. Gone are the days when the Dean was regarded as a ‘Man’s Bar’ and women are now as comfortable in the bar as men. Apart from the bar and two lounges the Dean has an excellent Function Hall and a recently refurbished Committee / Conference Room. All of these facilities are available to local organizations free of charge.
However….no matter how many improvements and changes are made, the most important function of the Dean Tavern is that it continues to support the local organisation such as the two bands, the Gala Day Committee, the St David’s Day Centre and many other groups.
The Village of Newtongrange
The Monks of Newbattle Abbey, which is within walking distance from Newtongrange, were the first hewers of coal in Scotland and, from those early primitive workings came one of Scotland’s most productive coalfields. By the end of the 19th Century coal was indeed, King. Newtongrange grew from being a tiny settlement to become Scotland’s biggest mining village. The main reason for this expansion was the development of the Lady Victoria which was to become one of the country’s most productive pits. (Now the Scottish Mining Museum). Sadly, the mining industry has disappeared from the area but Newtongrange is still a thriving community with all of its traditions and organizations intact. Most importantly, it has retained its strong sense of identity. The Dean Tavern is the epitome of this spirit!
Box and Fiddle
Dec 99 / Jan 2000