What was making the news in the Newark Advertiser in 1999, 1974 and 1924
The Advertiser has opened its archives to see what was making the news this week 25, 50 and 100 years ago.
25 years ago – May 7, 1999
ABOVE: Parents who went back to school to help their children’s reading skills were at the top of the class.
Certificates were presented to parents at the Oliver Quibell Infants’ School, Newark, after they completed a 20-week, one-day-a-week family literacy course.
• British Waterways has submitted a double planning application for its long-awaited £900,000 marina.
If the plans get the go-ahead the company says its marina would act as a new gateway for Newark from the River Trent.
The marina is planned for a partly washland site on the west bank of the Trent, north of Mather Road and opposite Northgate Brewery.
• Members of Newark Civic Trust are split over the future of one of the town’s best known buildings.
The idea of demolishing the disused Robin Hood Hotel to make way for a new building was put forward to the executive committee, but got a mixed reaction.
Some believe the 18th Century core of the former coaching inn, which contains many period features, is too important to be lost.
• No feathers were ruffled when the former World’s Strongest Man, Geoff Capes, paid a flying visit to Balderton.
Mr Capes’ figure – he stands 6ft 6ins – is a stark contrast to his favourite hobby – breeding tiny and colourful budgerigars.
He brought some of his birds to show members of Balderton Caged Bird Society at their open evening.
• The Newark on Water Festival was launched with the promise of a colourful three-day riverside carnival.
The festival is expected to attract more than 200 boats and thousands of visitors to Newark’s riverside.
50 years ago – May 11, 1974
ABOVE: Sixteen teams from East Midlands schools competed at the Carlton Forum Artificial Ski Slope for the Sports Council Cup.
After each skier had completed three runs Newark Magnus Grammar School A team tied for first place with Grove Comprehensive, Balderton.
• Steps are being taken to tighten up security at the former Hamilton and Bell block in Newark’s Cartergate after a fire in the building.
Police probing the cause of the blaze believe it must have been caused by vandals.
Over the past few weeks boards around the store have been kicked in and windows smashed.
• A packed and heated crowd, some of whom had travelled as far as 50 miles, leapt to its feet to greet the entrance of Harvey Smith as a professional wrestler at the Grove Sports Centre, Balderton.
The famous showjumper entered wearing riding breeches and a pink dressing gown with a V-sign embroidered on the back, and horseshoe decorated boots.
His opponent, Cocky Kaye, didn’t strike such a colourful figure but at two stone heavier, he was an impressive sight.
• About 50 children attended a party at Trebeck Hall for Southwell Minster Sunday School pupils.
The entertainer was Uncle Les. Before tea, he played games with the children and afterwards presented a conjuring act.
• The future of Bullpit Lane level crossing at Balderton is hanging in the balance while residents haggle over whether they want it open or closed to traffic.
Those living on the side of the crossing furthest from the main road fear if it is closed they will be cut off from local shops and services.
100 years ago – May 7, 1924
As a foreign communique would say, “the annual May Day celebrations of the Newark Division Labour Party passed off without a riot.”
Speakers included the prospective Labour candidate Coun S. Truman, and Mr Tim Mackley, of “Burn the Bible” notoriety were on their best behaviour and there was a marked absence of fireworks.
Rain interrupted the evening programme and after an adjournment a meeting was held in Market Place.
• William Bellamy Colland, of North Collingham, was fined 5s at the Newark County Police Court was allowing his horse and court to be unattended in the main street.
• An alarming incident occurred in Baldertongate, Newark, when a Jowett car caught fire, owing to the petrol tap leaking and the spirit dripping on to the exhaust pipe.
Fortunately, Pc Woods was promptly on scene and obtaining the chemical apparatus from Messrs Pratt and Gelsthorpe, the fire was quickly extinguished.
• At the Saracen’s Head Hotel, Southwell, two lots of valuable property were sold.
The first was a double-fronted dwelling house in Moor Lane, Southwell, which realised £520.
The second lot consisted of nine dwelling houses and a sales shop at the junction of Moor Lane and Westgate, which were sold for £1,015.
• The best wishes of the Newark football fraternity will be extended to Dennis of Newark Town, who has signed on for Huddersfield, and Streets who has signed for Blackpool.
• The Tolney Lane Baths opened on May 1 when the temperature of the water was 52%.
First bathers of the season were Misses Twells, Straw, D. Twells, Smith, and Taylor.
