Bygones: What was making the news in the Newark Advertiser in 1997, 1972 and 1922
The Advertiser has again opened its archives to see what was in the news this week 25, 50 and 100 years ago.
In 1997, the district was still grieving the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Fifty years ago, the winners of Newark's cleanest streets were revealed, and 100 years ago an escaped bull caused havoc in the town centre.
25 years ago — September 12, 1997
Above: Newark Hospice benefited by more than £200 from the third annual It’s A Knockout tournament held at the town’s Horse and Jockey pub.
Staff and regulars from Bass Taverns pubs took part over a 30ft assault course, in a tug-of-war, penalty shoot-out and a skittles challenge.
Pictured from The Grove’s Jackson team were (left to right) Andrew Clarke, Neil Paling, Jason Booth and Chris Daly.
Newark’s town wharf has the potential to become a waterside honeypot, according to a draft strategy on the area’s future.
It recommends that high quality cafés, pubs and eating places should be encouraged in buildings fronting the wharf to bring the area back to life.
Piles of flowers left on Newark Town Hall steps in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, were taken away.
A sackful of messages were collected from the floral tributes and these will be sent to Buckingham Palace along with a book of condolence, signed by more than 3,000 people.
As the prospect of Britain’s roads reaching deadlock becomes a possibility, new forms of transport are needed.
One such idea is a power-assisted bicycle currently being test-marketed from a Newark store.
Staples Cycles on Lombard Street, is one of the first stockists in the UK to take delivery of the new £1,000 Raleigh Select.
The battery-powered bicycle has a range of 15-20 miles. It has seven gears and the electric motor attached to the rear wheel operates when the rider exceeds 4mph and cuts out at 15mph.
50 years ago — September 16, 1972
Above: The Middlegate broom brigade made a clean sweep — and won it the title of the tidiest street in Newark town centre.
The town was run as part of the first Keep Newark Tidy Week.
Stodman Street and Bridge Street were second and third place was split between Baldertongate, Barnby-gate and Market Place.
It could be a dim Christmas in Newark this year.
Plans by the town’s tourist board for brightening up the streets with festive lights over the holiday look like falling through because of a lack of response from Newark traders.
Letters asking for financial contributions towards an estimated cost of £1,500 were sent out at the beginning of August — but so far only £400 has been pledged.
With a settlement in the building strike only hours away, a vanload of pickets from Nottingham moved into Newark in a bid to bring building work to a standstill.
The pickets had already closed a site for an old people’s home on Strawberry Hall Lane, and another one on London Road.
A new bingo hall opening at the Savoy Newark, to replace the one at the Palace, will be licensed.
Newark Borough magistrates granted a licence for drinks to be served to club members during permitted hours.
The Mayor of Newark has helped to pave the town centre with gold.
He laid a gold sovereign at the start of Newark Round Table’s money-raising project for the Palace appeal.
The plan was to surround Market Place with coins.
100 years ago — September 13, 1922
There was excitement and alarm in Castlegate and Stodman Street, Newark, when a young bullock brought into market took fright at the busy scene and bolted.
A hue and cry was soon raised but the beast, once loose, seemed intent upon a spree and for some time evaded his pursuers.
Finally, turning into Stodman Street, the animal was secured after having smashed the upper part of a glass door in the shop of Mr Green, motor engineer, by unceremoniously and inquisitively poking through his head.
What should prove to be a popular innovation will commence at the Palace Theatre in the shape of a ‘tea dance’.
A reserved room in the café will be cleared and dancing will take place from 4om to 5.30pm each day.
Admission, inclusive of refreshments, will be 1s.
For skill and daring, the act provided by the Two Le Bergs at The Kinema, Newark, will indeed be impossible to surpass.
As sensational gymnasts, they are right at the top and the ‘human top’ spin is of a particularly thrilling nature, and earned rounds of applause on Monday.
It cannot fail to prove a great attraction throughout the week.
The first show of the newly-formed Newark Great Northern Railwaymen’s Horticultural Society was held in the waiting room at the station, where there was a very creditable exhibition of produce.
The stationmaster, Mr J. Chandler, who is the society’s chairman, hopes to continue this exhibition annually among members of the station staff.
