1907 100 years ago
There were some complaints this week about the bus service in Hemel Hempstead.
A report read: "The greatest boon to the townsfolk would be a motor 'bus service similar to that at Watford. The present horse 'buses are nearly alway
s crowded and oftentimes a gentleman has to get out and walk so as to make room for a lady passenger. If the larger buses were put on for the most important trains it would be better than the present arrangement. The accommodation provided in a one-horse bus for the 9.44am train is altogether insufficient."
An Advert in The Gazette called for local people to look at new opportunities in Canada.
It read: "The cry for unskilled labour greater than ever. Splendid opportunities for healthy men and women. Britain's nearest and greatest colony. 160 Acres free; Get your own farm; quit paying rent; happy homes; healthy bracing climate; under the old flag; cheap fares; comfortable and speedy travel."
It added: "Work is found on farms for experienced or inexperienced men, for domestic servants, for navvies, carters and all willing workers."
1957 50 years ago
Twelve witnesses attended the inquest of Diana Suttey, who was found strangled in "lonely" Green Lane, Leverstock Green in September 1956.
A report read: "After hearing evidence of 12 witnesses the jury returned a verdict of murder by some person or persons unknown."
Allen Clarke, the 14 year old boy who witnessed the dumping of the body, told the inquest he had been on a cycle ride when he saw a car parked on a grass verge about 70 yards from Brakespear Farm.
A twig snapped in the bushes and they saw a man's back.
Allen told the inquest: "He appeared to be throwing a coat over something. We went further down the road and pushed our bikes into the bushes. Then we retraced our steps and watched. He came out of the bushes, shut the car door went to the front and took out something round. He went back into the bushes, and came back with nothing. He then got in the car and drove off. We then went into the bushes and saw some legs. There were stockings on them and it looked like a tailor's dummy. We got a stick and poked it. Then we realised it was a body and went for a policeman."
Despite a massive police operation no one had yet been arrested for Mrs Suttey's murder.
A visiting Methodist minister has criticised Christians for the "atheistic manner" in which they pray. Rev B A R Morris of Regent Street Polytechnic said: "Much of our prayer goes unheard because we are perfect little atheists."
Addressing parishioners at Two Waters Methodist Church he added that people's attitude was selfish and many had no real faith.
1982 25 years ago
Gangs of youths hanging out in a playground in Boxmoor were making life "hell" for local residents.
The Gazette reported: "Gangs of shouting, spitting and swearing youths, occupying a children's playground for several hours a week, are making life a misery for a group of residents in Boxmoor."
One resident told The Gazette: "Life is going to be hell this summer unless some effective action is taken."
The report added: "The youths, who often link up with gangs from other parts of Hemel Hempstead, including Highfield, damage the play equipment, throw stones, fire air pistols at cans, kick footballs into gardens and swear, sometimes at the top of their voices. Meanwhile old folk living in nearby flats are scared to open their doors in the evenings. Some of the residents even have secret codes used by welcome visitors."
A petition signed by 32 residents had been presented to Dacorum District Council and was due to be discussed by councillors.
Some residents were calling for the locking up of the play area on the corner of Beechfield Road after 6pm and signs banning those over 14 being displayed. Other residents were calling for the play area to be closed down completely.
A Hemel Hempstead man was fined £50 this week for rigging a meter to keep his two children warm.
A report read: "A man who illegally reconnected his electricity supply so that his two young children would have heating and hot water appeared before Hemel Hempstead Magistrates this week. The man told the court that the electricity supply to his council-owned home in Hemel Hempstead was cut off when he could not pay the bill. But he needed hot water and heating for his two young children so he reconnected the supply."
The man was also ordered to pay £55.80 in compensation.
There was fierce competition at Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted this week as it held its annual music competition. Entries included everything from pop groups to clarinetists and all the winners took part in a special concert. Pictured are some of the young musicians.
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