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Scroll down for 100, 50, and 25 years ago this week
The week in history
1906 100 years ago
THE Gazette's rumour column reported on three cheapskate guests at a local pub.
A report read: “On Sunday afternoon three stylishly-attired young lady
cyclists alighted from their machines and entered the hotel entrance at the Oddfellows Arms. They walked into the commercial room and imperatively rang the bell. Upon the bar attendant answering the bell one of the clients simply ejaculated: ‘Water!'
“The attendant, upon taking in a tray containing a decanter freshly filled with water and three glasses, found the travellers comfortably reclining round the table. Shortly afterwards the outer door of the hotel was opened and then closed with a bang. The guests were then missing and alas, so was a tip for the waitress.
“The host thinks a constant stream of similar customers would enable him to retire - to the workhouse.”
AN ADVERT appeared for ACA Nolet's Aromatic Schnapps.
Priced at 3s 6d per large bottle, the advert claimed: “The frequency of
kidney and other complaints in men who habitually use whisky, even in moderation, would be decreased by an occasional change to Schnapps, because of the well known tendency of the juniper berry, which is frequently prescribed by physicians for kidney and other disorders.”
1956 50 years ago
A HEMEL Hempstead teacher, affectionately known as Miss Brockie, retired this week. The Gazette reported that after teaching in the town for more than 45 years, Emily Brocklehurst finally put down her chalk and mortarboard.
The report read: “When she was only two years' old her father died and her mother - in order to keep herself and her two daughters - came to Hemel Hempstead and bought Oakley Lodge School, Marlowes.”
It added: “Crisis for Miss Brockie came in 1930. First her mother died and then her sister. She decided to carry on.”
After so many years in education Miss Brockie had decided to leave the town and move nearer the sea
For more about the school, click here
REPORTS from employment exchanges indicated that employment levels were still at a high level throughout June.
Figures revealed that around 8,717 workers were unemployed in the eastern region representing only 0.7 per cent.
A report read: “Seasonal industries such as fruit and vegetable canning and the seasonal holiday trade are now very active and their demands for labour will reach a peak over the next few weeks.”
AROUND 4,000 workers at John Dickinsons were entertained at a mass get-together of the company at Shendish Manor.
A report read: “Despite persistent drizzle, about 4,000 people visited the firm's spacious grounds at Shendish, Apsley - and some came from as far away as Birmingham!”
1981 25 years ago
TENANTS of a set of Hemel Hempstead flats had their balconies
destroyed.
The Gazette reported: “Fourteen residential balconies are to be stripped from flats in Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, because of ‘improper maintenance'. The decision has brought heavy criticism of the New Towns Commission which says the balconies outside two blocks are beyond repair but too costly to replace.”
Some tenants complained that: “If they are dangerous it is because of a lack of planned maintenance.” However the commission stated: “The 20-year-old balconies do not conform to new building requirements and are substandard. The cost of repairing or replacing would be astronomical.”
PROTESTERS enlisted support to prevent ‘Bovingdon Tower' being built.
A report read “A petition containing 300 names was presented to local MP Mr Nick Lyell on Bovingdon Airfield last week. The protesters stood near to the site of the proposed ‘Bovingdon Tower' - a 50ft radio mast - to try to bring home to Mr Lyell the impact which they say the tower will have on nearby houses.” The residents claimed that the tower would be an eyesore and, sited so close to the road, dangerous. The petition was presented by Mr Brian Lawrence and was passed on to the Home Office Junior Minister Lord Belstead.
The Gazette added: “Mr Lyell was also presented with a number of protest letters.”
A 17-YEAR old took the title at Leverstock Green Lawn Tennis Club.
The Gazette reported: “Graham Fish, 17, is the youngest ever men's singles champion at the Leverstock Green Lawn Tennis Club.”
Graham beat Tim Hyde 6-4, 7-5 in the club's annual championships, proving a great success with some good standard play on view. The report added: “Ladies Champion is Janet Whyman, who beat Lesley Smith 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.”
THREE local villages claimed prizes in a competition. The report read: “Pride in their localities has brought local residents three winning placings for the Dacorum area in Hertfordshire's 1981 Best Kept Village competition.”
First place in the large villages section went to Potten End. Sarratt gained second place in the small villages section and Flaunden came third in the hamlet section, much to the residents' delight. | 