Bygones: What was making the news in the Newark Advertiser in 1997, 1972 and 1922
The Advertiser has opened it archives once again to look at what was in the news this week 25, 50 and 100 years ago.
Back in 1997, residents were campaigning for safety measures on Devon Road, Newark, and Coronation Street's Len Fairclough was judging Newark carnival's hotpants competition.
And 100 years ago, there were discussions about bringing an electricity supply to Newark and surrounding areas.
25 years ago —July 4, 1997
ABOVE: You are never too young to make a point — as Jake Hamer, 3, demonstrates.
Residents of Devon Road, Newark, were out in force to show concern about speeding traffic.
The area has been hard hit by freak weather conditions during one of the wettest Junes on record.
Torrential rain, thunder, lightning and even a tornado hit the region.
People in Braemer Road, Collingham, ran from their homes scream-ing as lightning struck.
It struck the telephone connection box, fusing the telephone and electrical connections of all 14 houses.
People ran out of their homes, many slightly burnt or in shock. Television and video sets were smoking, carpets were burned and wall fittings melted.
Southwell’s crumbling Thurgarton Workhouse could become a major tourist attraction after its purchase by the National Trust.
The trust has bought the Victorian workhouse on Upton Road for an undisclosed sum.
It has stood empty for the past decade. Grounds at the front of the building are badly overgrown with brambles. Much of the site has been used as a rubbish dump.
Newark’s newest fast food restaurant, McDonalds, has opened on the outskirts of Newark. It is the 777th McDonalds in the country.
It marks the end of a ten-year search for a suitable location in the Newark area.
A crumbling reminder of Newark’s industrial heritage cannot be demolished, the Department of the Environment has ruled.
A recommendation to refuse permission to demolish the Wharf Cafe has been agreed.
50 years ago — July 8, 1972
ABOVE: More than 3,000 people visited Newark Rugby Club carnival and helped to raise more than £500 for club funds.
The carnival atmosphere was maintained throughout with a wild west show, hot-pants contest, knock-out competition and a dance.
The show was opened by Len Fairclough, of television’s Coronation Street, who among his other duties, judged the hot-pants competition.
Mansfield Hosiery Co Ltd is to set up a factory in an empty garage on Beacon Hill Road, Newark.
It hopes to start production in August, eventually employing about 400.
Newark or its vicinity will have a lorrypark. The question now is: Where?
Newark will then become part of a national network of lorryparks where heavy goods drivers stay overnight.
A takeover bid for Newark Castle is in the offing.
Newark and District Tourist Board are to tell the town council: “If you won’t open the castle for tourists on Saturdays and Sundays, we are prepared to.”
A tourist board survey shows that more than 30 people out of 100 would be prepared to pay 10p to be shown around the castle.
Potterdyke, Lombard Street, Newark, was sold for £6,500 at a sale conducted by Edward Bailey and Son and the Clinton Arms Hotel.
Newark Town Council is to exercise its option to buy the Palace Theatre as an arts and leisure centre.
It was also decided to allocate £15,000 for adapting it.
100 years ago — July 5, 1922
An application by the Newark Borough Council for a Provisional Order to supply electricity to the borough and areas of the rural district was considered.
The chairman pointed out that no portion of the Southwell Union was included in the application. Kelham was omitted, and even the Trent and Midlands Ironworks, Messrs Stephenson and Sons and the Midland Ironworks, places where power and light would be used were not included.
In face of this, it seemed strange and incomprehensible that the Newark Rural District Council, an agricultural district with sparsely spread population, should be included.
The clerk said it might be on advantage for the rural district council to do it themselves at a future time.
There was a freshness of atmosphere associated with the first few hours after a summer storm and the beautiful old-world gardens of Balderton Hall, where a fete was held for St Giles’ Church, presented an animated scene.
The fine stretches of lawn provided excellent pitches for the bowling competitions, and other outdoor attractions, including tennis and skittles.
Farndon’s annual feast has been revived to considerably greater extent, for the big horses have put in an appearance.
There are also the usual darts, games, shooting ranges and attractions, dear to the heart of young folk.
Quite a number of Newarkers have made the journey the last two nights, adding to the general fun and merriment.
