Bygones: A look at what was making the news in the Newark Advertiser in 1922, 1972 and 1997
The Advertiser has again opened its archives to look at what was making the news this week 25, 50 and 100 years ago.
In 1997, the district was mourning the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, following her tragic death in Paris.
There was also freak weather being reported, both in 1997 and 1922, when whirlwinds ripped through the area.
25 years ago — September 5, 1997
Above: Driving instructors and pupils gave up their lessons to drum up support for the campaign to save Newark’s test centre.
Around 350 people signed a petition calling on the Driving Standards Agency to rethink its decision to close the centre on Bowbridge Road when the lease runs out.
Thousands of people across the area have spent the week mourning Diana, Princess of Wales, after her tragic death in Paris.
Churches across the Southwell diocese will remember her life with special services.
Flowers have been placed on the steps of Newark Town Hall every day and many people are signing a book of remembrance inside the building.
Most shops and businesses are expected to close for her funeral and sporting events have been cancelled.
Confused and distressed residents were moved at short notice when a nursing home closed suddenly.
Staff forgot their own anger and disappointment at losing their jobs at Beacon Heights nursing home and stayed on voluntarily to make sure the 12 residents were placed at other homes.
Shoppers gave a warm welcome to Waitrose when the new supermarket opened its doors for the first time.
Villagers told of their terror as they were trapped in their homes as a mini tornado wreaked havoc.
The freak weather lasted only a matter of minutes but left a trail of destruction in its wake at Cromwell.
Resident Mr Peter Childs said his front wall, carport and fencing were demolished in seconds.
A conservatory rood was blown off, trees were ripped out and flung in the air and pig pens came crashing down in his garden.
50 years ago — September 9, 1972
Above: There was no shortage of people anxious to win this large iced cake at the RAF Association garden party in the Friary Gardens, Newark.
Trying his luck is Andrew McAneney, 7, with the girls in charge of ticket sales Gillian Lenton, Stephanie Killingworth and Ann Braithwaite.
Newark Rural District Council do not think any of the Asians bring expelled from Uganda should be invited to come to the Newark area.
They feel there is already an acute shortage of jobs and housing in the area and an influx of Asians could only add to the problems.
Members of Southwell Rural District Council were surprised when the Rev Hugh Heywood, Priest in Charge of Upton, produced a plastic bag filled with cigarette packets, sweet papers and other litter.
It was one of three he had filled while cleaning up around 90 yards in the centre of Southwell.
The first hole-in-one at Newark Golf Club a week tomorrow will win a new £857 car.
The car, a Vauxhall Viva, is being offered by T. C. Harrison to mark the firm’s move to new premises in Northgate.
A 21-year-old apprentice plumber is at the centre of a dispute that almost brought Newark’s Ran-some Hoffmann Pollard plant to a standstill.
After the firm said they did not intend to offer as job to Roy Rigby, of Southwell, there was a walkout of about 30 tradesmen in the maintenance department.
The next day more than 200 men downed tools for a mid-morning meeting.
100 years ago — September 6, 1922
The first wireless receiving set for business purposes in Newark has just been installed on the premises of Mr H. Cook, watch and clock maker of Chain Lane.
Aerial time signals sent out from the French station, Eiffel Tower, are received daily at 10.25am and 11.44am.
A whirlwind of exceptional violence swept Newark and Winthorpe and did a tremendous amount of damage.
A dark cone-shaped mass appeared whirling in the sky and when beyond the Great Northern Railway line, it suddenly darted downwards and swept along the ground, whirling and twisting and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The whirlwind seems to have vented its full fury of a large oat field belonging to Mr G. A. Lacy.
Mr Salt has relinquished his head mastership of Southwell Church of England School.
Mr Salt came to take charge of the school immediately on finishing training and for 44 years has carried on his duties with conspicuous efficiency and success, maintaining his energy and interest in his work until the very end.
On the last day of the school year he was presented with a silver-mounted salad bowl by staff and pupils.
A flag day is to take place in Newark when Newarkers will be asked to buy a smile on behalf of the Waifs and Strays Society.
Despite the many calls upon of the generously disposed, it is hoped that in buying a smile many will add to the happiness of the little ones whom this society seeks to rescue from a life of want and misery.
