May 27, 1903

On Monday morning in the streets of Newark was heard the trot of cavalry horses, mingled with the jingle of accoutrements, as tall figures in khaki, with swords by their sides, carrying carbines in one hand and managing their horses with the other, rode through Newark.

The reason of the appearance of all these smart horsemen was that the Sherwood Rangers Imperial Yeomanry were journeying to their annual encampment, which is this year held in the pleasant park of the colonel of the regiment (Viscount Galway) at Serlby.

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Several years ago Swinderby annually held an exhibition of local trades, handicrafts, and curios, which in time used up all the resources of the neighbourhood, and in 1890 the series came to an end.

This year, however, an attempt was made to renew the exhibition, and it proved distinctly successful. The great attraction of this over previous exhibitions was the introduction of a singing contest, and of classes for scholars' work.

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A very enjoyable concert took place in London Road Congregational schoolroom, Newark, when there was a fairly good attendance.

Miss Harness, sister of Mrs Osbourne, of Wellington Road, who had carried out the arrangements, had secured some very good talent, and the audience fully appreciated the music provided.

The programme was opened with a pianoforte duet. The second part was commenced by the Brothers Hickling giving an exhibition of Indian Club drill, at which they were adept, and their movements were watched with keen interest.

May 20, 1903

The 36th annual show of the Newark Agricultural Society opened on Thursday last on the historic Sconce Hills, under the most favourable auspices.

The date falling at the same time as the May Fair in the town, there is always a large attendance on the opening day from the surrounding country, but on this occasion the visitors seemed more numerous than usual.

Further encouragement was found by the committee in the fact that the entries for the two days showed an increase of nearly 20 per cent, on those of last year, the respective totals being 561 and 480.

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On May fair day a robbery of vases and ornaments was perpetrated at the Lion and Adder public house, Newark, occupied by Mr Walter Garfoot.
An arrest was made yesterday at Sleaford by Pc Smithson, of the Borough Police, and the prisoner was conveyed to Newark.

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The butchers of Lincoln on Wednesday had a walking match over a 15-mile course. Ten of their number entered for the contest and shortly after 2.30pm they started from the High Street, near the Reindeer Hotel, to walk to the Royal Oak Hotel at Newark.

It being the tradesmen's half-holiday many people accompanied the contestants in traps and on cycles. Prizes were offered for the first and second arrivals, and in addition Mr A. Sattele gave a handsome silver medal to the winner.

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The Newark and District Flying Club flew their first old bird race on May 16 from Northampton, distance 58 miles, 34 birds competing.

May 13, 1903

An exciting and dangerous 'big game' hunt took place on Friday night. It appears that a man was bringing two splendid specimens of the bovine tribe to Newark from Shelton.

What appears to have mysteriously and suddenly excited their fear was the sight of red-coated militiamen in the vicinity of the Barracks gates.

Their sensitiveness to colour showed itself in an alarmed look of curiosity, which had not died off their faces when the blare of the bugle startled their ears.

Then came the 'attack' and the 'charge,' which the beast preceded with a warning snort terrible to those in the immediate vicinity.

In the twinkling of an eye some marvellous athletic feats were performed by obese men and petticoated women.Walls and fences were scaled at one spring, whilst children showed a perfect genius for cover.

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A very interesting and impressive service was held in the parish church, Thorpe.

It has been the desire of the manager (Mr J. O. Wardley) of Smith's Bank, Newark, together with the clerks in the bank, to erect some permanent memorial to the memory of their former colleague in the bank, the late John Bainbridge Wood, who during the late Boer War joined Kitchener's Fighting Scouts, and was killed at Pienaar's River.

The tablet is enclosed in a massive frame of old oak, and is of copper with raised letters of brass in Old English.

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The Right Rev Dr Brindle, Roman Catholic Bishop of Nottingham, paid his first pastoral visitation to Newark on Sunday last, when he preached twice at Holy Trinity Church.

May 6, 1903

The first annual inspection of hackney carriages licensed to ply for hire in the borough took place yesterday morning at 10 o'clock.

The carriages were paraded in the Market Square, and were inspected by the Mayor, Alderman Pratt, Councillors Doubleday, Appleby, Priestly and Lacy. There are 37 carriages and 28 drivers licensed, and the plates for the carriages and badges for drivers were conspicuously worn.

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Yesterday afternoon, the Vicar and churchwardens appointed Mr Frank Cook, agent to the Prudential at Southwell, to the vacant post of verger at Newark Parish Church. Mr Cook is a native of Newark, and had most excellent testimonials. He is an old Mount School boy, and his father was for many years verger at St Leonard's. There were 35 applicants, some of them from far distant localities.

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The quarterly meeting of Newark Town Council was held at the Town Hall on Monday.

Mr Davy asked if the magistrates had taken into consideration the question of using the big hall instead of the council chamber.

He thought that it was generally admitted that a great deal more damage was done by the people who frequented the police court rather than the use of it at bazaars etc.

Mr Davy proposed that a communication be made, and to go through the Town Clerk, asking the Bench if they would consider the question of sitting in the big room.