September 29, 1954

Two young Americans, Dorothy Hilton from Wisconsin and Bob Armstrong of New Jersey, were among the large crowd at the Nottinghamshire Young Farmers' second annual county flannel dance at Newark Town Hall on Saturday.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

One of the wells that helped to supply Newark with drinking water during the Civil War sieges came briefly to light during the weekend.

But, like the Roman temple in London, it was on the site of building operations and so could not be preserved.

Workmen employed by Ernest Coleman Ltd discovered the well, which had been covered by a large slab of limestone while demolishing the ancient stables behind the Old Governor's house in Stodman Street, Newark.

They got in touch with the Borough Museum curator, Mr Arthur Smith, who in turn informed his assistant, Miss Freda Wissell, and Nottingham University adult education department's tutor in local history, Mr M. W. Barley. Together, they inspected the well and decided it would justify further investigation.

"It was an extremely good well, built of local lias limestone beautifully curved," said Mr Barley.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

Two pigs raised from the same Balderton litter took the first and reserve honours as best pigs at Collingham Show.

Mr A. Bird of Mount Pleasant Farm, Balderton, won the championship plaque for the second successive year with Hawton Champion Queen, a large white sow.

In second place was Mr J. Slater's Champion Queen 7th, an in-pig gilt bred from Mr Bird's herd.

September 22, 1954

An unusual sight among the old-world stalls of Newark Market Place last Wednesday, was a Rolls Royce Derwent jet engine.

Alderman J. A. Markwick, representing the Mayor of Newark, was shown over the gleaming 950lbs engine by Flight Lieutenant C. F. Valentine and Senior Technician J. Knowles, of Newton RAF station.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

Several northbound trains were delayed during Thursday night when sleepers on the tubular bridge at Newark were severely damaged by fire.

There was an outbreak at 10.15 pm, when Newark firemen were called. About four hours later another fire started 25 yards down the line.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

Newark District Education Committee was informed at its meeting on Thursday that the Mount Schools are to be renamed Newark Parish C. of E. Primary School and Newark Parish C. of E. Secondary School.

Mr N. E. Kay, education officer, said it appeared that the Mount senior school would qualify for Secondary Modern School holidays.

Ald. J. A. Markwick, chairman said he was inclined to think that it was a change of name only.

"The change of status is not yet," he said.

Miss B. M. Dibb said she did not find the new name an improvement on the original.

September 17, 1954

With only two weeks left before the motorists' red letter day, October 1, Newark drivers are at last responding to the advice of their garages and having two red reflectors fitted to the backs of their vehicles.

Six months ago, few drivers worried about the new legislation. Now, nearly 70% have made the alteration. Garage men will continue to watch for cars without double reflectors.

They can cope with a last minute rush from the forgetful or the car-proud. But the final problem may arise with an increased demand, for reflector stocks are already low. After October it is an offence not to have two red reflectors on a car.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

South Collingham Parish Council has asked Newark Rural District Council to support their protest against a new fire station being erected in the village before a sewerage scheme is introduced.

They feel that as the sewerage scheme is held up for financial reasons, a new fire station should not have priority.

Chairman of the Rural District Council, Mr. W. F. Bailey (North Collingham), pointed out that the money for the new fire station had already been provided by the county council and whatever happened it would be spent. The council agreed that nothing could be gained by protesting.

September 8, 1954

Football matches and fetes took a back seat on Saturday where 13 carnival bands were concerned for more than 200 high-stepping musicians and marchers visited Elm Avenue, Newark, to decide the champion band.

The Rangers band, from Derby were declared the winners after costumed performers had competed throughout the afternoon and into the dusk.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

Police mounted a 24-hour guard when an unexploded bomb was found by a workman pegging out a development site on the Hawtonville Estate, Newark, on Wednesday afternoon.

But the bomb turned out to be in fact the empty casing of a British thousand-pounder - possibly placed there for mine-detection training.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

The Christmas shopping rush is already well under way in Newark. Children do not know and parents probably do not realise but local shopkeepers are well aware that there are less than 100 shopping days to Christmas.

Preparing for the hectic winter weeks, toy dealers are building up their stocks. Orders for dolls, forts, rattles and ray guns have long been made.

Space kits with zip-up suits and dome helmets, bring a touch of the future. Small aeroplanes that launch flying saucers, are waiting to be put on show.

But one dealer said: "We can always rely on the old faithfuls. I guarantee this year space men will be outnumbered 50 to one by cowboys and Indians."
 

September 1, 1954

Although he became a fireman when he was 25, Horace Cree had never been called on to rescue anyone, but last Thursday, he saved a 13-years-old boy from drowning at Skegness.

Mr Cree, a sub-officer in Newark fire service who lives in Acacia Road, Balderton, was on holiday at Butlin's Skegness camp with his wife and two children.

The tide was coming in, the sea was rough and Mr Cree caught sight of three boys whom he sensed would soon be in danger.

He walked to the water's edge, and one of the boys called for help. Mr Cree plunged fully clothed into the sea.

Mr Cree has two mementoes of the occasion - a letter of appreciation from Butlins, and a butane gas cigarette lighter given to him by the boy's father, a Naval officer stationed in Germany.

o-o-o-O-o-o-o

A feature of Collingham's new secondary modern school, which opens next week, is the provision for what is now known as rural science.

The 150 boys and girls at the school will have their own rural science room, greenhouse, potting and tool sheds - and a large piece of ground which they can cultivate as a garden.

Collingham pupils will be able to study botany under ideal conditions, making their own experiments, and will be able to learn about chemistry by observing the effects of the chemicals on soil and plant life.