January 29, 1902

The annual prize-giving took place at the Mount School on Friday last, when the Vicar officiated.

Mr Speight, the headmaster, as a prelude to the ceremony, exercised the scholars in physical drill, which was noticeably smartly performed.

A picked squad of elder scholars were brought out of the desk, and they gave an exceptional drill, to the accompaniment of suitable music.

The excellent order and discipline of the school made a marked impression upon visitors.

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The annual ball organised by the Newark Companies of the Volunteers took place in the Town Hall on Thursday night, and was well attended.

The large room was again very tastefully decorated for the occasion by Messrs. G. W. Ford and Son, Appletongate.

At the entrance to the assembly-room, over the doorway inside, was a trophy of small flags flanked with large admirals of the White and Blue.

In the window ledges were placed a number of choice plants, and above and below each gas bracket on the side walls the decorators had exercised their skill with effect by placing a trophy of flags and a mirror.

There was also on the walls portraits of Lord Roberts, Lord Kitchener, Sir George White and Baden Powell.

No effort was spared to make the ball enjoyable to all who attended. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and was kept up with spirit till 4am on Friday morning to the strains of Mr Burgess's efficient band.

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The usual supper in connection with the old established New Inn Money Club was held on Friday evening, when there was a large attendance.

After the repast, Mr W. Wilson was voted to be chairman and submitted the customary toasts. The secretary (Mr G. Stafford) read a satisfactory balance sheet, incidentally mentioning that the present was the fifty-seventh club, and announcing an increase both in membership and shares.

January 22, 1902

Yesterday morning an accident happened to a G. N. Railway fast goods express when travelling between the Cromwell Crossing and North Muskham signal boxes which completely blocked the traffic on both lines.

It is surmised that the cause of the mishap was the falling off one of the trucks of a heavy bale of paper.

The driver, probably feeling the oscillation, turned round and saw sparks flying from the wheels and track.

He immediately shut off the steam and stopped the train. It was ascertained that the train had travelled a mile off the rails, doing much damage to the permanent way.

One truck was minus a pair of wheels altogether and was in other ways damaged. Both the up and down lines were blocked.

Mr Pott, the Great Northern Railway station-master from Newark was quickly on the scene with a gang of men, and the locomotive breakdown gang from Retford soon followed.

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The anniversary services in connection with the Lombard Street Congregational Sunday School took place on Sunday and Monday last.

The Rev W. E. Perfect M. A., of West Bridgford, and formerly pastor of this church, preached on Sunday morning and evening to congregations the like of which have not been seen for years in this venerable chapel.

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On Thursday evening, a most successful concert was given by the Flintham Minstrel Troupe, when the school-room was crowded.

The members of the troupe were Messrs J. Lewis (interlocutor), G. C. Harvey (tambourine), A. J. Tucker (bones) J. Howard, H. Jackson, J. Wood, E. Bills, T. Pearson, T. Hall T. Tomlinson, C. Barker, Masters R. Hall, Edwin Whittaker, Charles Rawson, Arthur Chappel, Albert Grant, Charles East and Willie Hall.

January 15, 1902

An important block of buildings is in process of erection in Barnbygate and Baldertongate, Newark, for Messrs T. Turner and Sons, of Imperial Buildings, Newark, and City Buildings, Nottingham.

The main block of buildings facing Bridge Street, having been leased to the London City and Midland Banking Co. Ltd, Messrs Dunn and Archibald Ramsden Ltd, Messrs.

Turner and Sons have been compelled to further develop their property to find accommodation for their extensive business.

The new frontage to Baldertongate will consist of six shops and a hall leading to a Public Hall in the rear. The frontage to Barnbygate will consist of eight shops.

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The many friends of Mr W. Rippon Brockton, Farndon, the doyen of the South Notts Hunt, heard with considerable concern of the nasty spill he had while out with Lord Harrington's Hounds at Elston Hall on Friday.

In taking a very stiff fence, Mr Brockton's horse blundered on landing. Mr Brockton fell heavily injuring his neck and back.

A cart was in the vicinity, and into this the veteran follower of the chase was placed and conveyed to his home at Farndon. Dr John was called in, and fortunately he found no bones had been broken.

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On Thursday last one of the largest balls held in Southwell for some time was given by Mr R. H. Warwick, Manor House Southwell, in the beautifully renovated Assembly Rooms, to celebrate his daughter's coming out.

A constant stream of carriages kept rolling up during the evening, and dancing was kept up till three o'clock to the strains of Mr Gayle's excellent band from Newark.

January 8 1902

The ball in aid of the funds of the Newark Hospital and Dispensary took place on Thursday night at the Town Hall, and was largely and influentially patronised.

The demands on the hospital have been such as to render additional income essential, and though there have been some notable and praiseworthy gifts during the year, among which should be mentioned the collection under the auspices of the Friendly Societies, and the gifts of £100 each from Mr Alderman Earp and Mr A. J. Bishop, there is still need for all the aid that a generous public can supply.

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What is undoubtedly one of the most popular functions of the year, and one of the prettiest, took place on Friday last when, in response to the invitation of the Mayor (Alderman Pratt) the Earl of Harrington's hounds met in Newark Market-place.

His Lordship was in attendance, being received by the Mayor at the Town Hall, where he viewed the meet from the balcony.

The hounds, a fine dog pack, arrived by a Great Northern train, and the Market-place was kept clear for them by the police, who discharged their duties with tact and courtesy.

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The New Year has been ushered in with heavy rainfall and great floods. The lowlands of Nottingham and Derbyshire have been under water for nearly a week, and the rains of Saturday again deluged the land.

On Sunday many in Newark went to the Castle terrace to view the semi-submerged country, and from the Muskham road a capital survey was obtained.

The water has been over the Kelham road, so that traffic between Newark and Southwell or Caunton has been via Muskham Road and Little Carlton.

January 1, 1902

The previous month has been an exceptionally trying one for the post office and sub-offices in the Newark area, owing to bad weather.

The pressure began on December 20, and at 8pm the number of parcels had so increased that a relief van was sent to the Midland station in order to ensure the whole mail being despatched at 8.25 as usual.

This had to be repeated every night until Christmas. One of the greatest difficulties for the postmen was the increase in the number of letter packets, owing to the cheap rates of four ounces for a penny.

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Mr Herbert Lenton, of the Rutland Arms Hotel, while out cycling last Thursday with his niece and a friend, suffered an accident. The road was frosty, and when the party was near to Stoke Park gates, Mr Lenton's machine shot completely from under him, he turned a somersault in the air, and fell with his ankle and foot doubled under him.

He sustained severe bruising, and was unable to move. Fortunately, a couple of carriages were close by, returning from a wedding at Syerston, and Mr Lenton was helped into one and taken home.

He is progressing favourably, and hopes soon to be about again, but he has had to cancel a performance at the Newark Minstrel Troupe on behalf of the hospital.

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His Grace the Duke of Newcastle has again generously sent a number of rabbits for Newark tenants and others, which were distributed on December 23 and for which the recipients desire to express their thanks.