1908 100 years ago
An inquest was held into the death of Herbert Higby, aged 17, who was killed when he was crushed between two train trucks at Tring Station. The accident happened when 27 goods wagons carrying coal were being detached from a train that had arrived from Nuneaton at 11.10am. A verdict of accidental death was returned by the jury.

A letter to the editor said the time is ripe for West Herts Infirmary to be renamed West Herts Hospital. The writer from Boxmoor said: "I think it would be for the benefit of the institution which I understand is very much in need of funds." He added: "The word 'infirmary' customary though it was at the date of the foundation of the institution, is now rapidly becoming obsolete as a descriptive name for a general hospital of this size."

A new era in the social life of the 'Borough of Hemel Hempstead' began with the formal opening of the Hemel Hempstead Institute, reconstituted from the old Mechanics' Institute. The new group also moved into new premises at the north end of the Market Square. The building included a reading room, billiard room, a card and games room and secretary's office.



1958 50 years ago
Berkhamsted was excitedly preparing for a visit from the Queen Mother. Her Majesty was due to visit Berkhamsted School and the Berkhamsted School for Girls. At the girls' school she was due to inspect the new south wing and unveil a tablet recording her visit. An appeal was made by the Chamber of Trade to its members whose premises lined the Royal route between the two schools to endeavour with the use of flowers, window-boxes and bunting to brighten the buildings and give a festive air to that part of the town.

There was a disappointing turnout for the open-air religious Civic Service held during the celebration marking 60 years of Hemel Hempstead having borough status. Organisers expected at least 250 members of 50 organisations in the town to attend the Diamond Jubilee event but only 100 arrived at the Market Place in Marlowes where the service was held. A sprinkling of passers-by were the only public participants in this 'highlight' of the year. Ferguson Morton, vice chairman of the Hemel Hempstead and District Licensed Victuallers' Association, who was present at the event, said: "I thought there would be several hundred or even a thousand people there. It speaks very badly for the future of this town if residents are not really interested in commemorating such an important occasion."

Winters were set to become warmer for West Herts Hospital nurses after it was agreed to install central heating in the Cheere House Nurses Home. The work was given the go ahead by The Group Hospital Management Committee at a cost of £3,500.



1983 25 years ago
A brave Hemel Hempstead sub-postmistress who sent an armed raider packing was rewarded with cash and a commendation. Ten months previously a robber with a pistol walked into the Post Office Stores in Glenview Road, Hammerfield, and demanded money. But Carole Bassett was having none of his nonsense and pushed him out through the door and told him not to be silly. She then called her husband Fred who ran out after the man and took down the number of his stolen getaway car. The Post Office recognised the couple's bravery, presenting Mrs Bassett with a £200 cheque, a purse with her initials in gold and a certificate commending her 'courageous and resourceful conduct'.

Hundreds of marchers from all over Britain arrived in Hemel Hempstead with the message that they want the right to work. The People's March for Jobs stopped in the town for five days before reaching its destination - a mass rally in London. In Hemel Hempstead they were greeted at a rather smaller rally on the Civic Centre forecourt in Marlowes. Members of the public stopped and applauded the marchers as they made their way from the industrial estate in Maylands Avenue to the town centre. At the rally they were welcomed by national figures, including Labour MP Reg Race and members of the local community.

Firefighters had a busy time throughout Dacorum when torrential rain took its toll, flooding homes and buildings throughout the district. Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead looked more like a paddy field than a play area and some children even took their clothes off as the weather warmed up and paddled in their new 'lake'. Nettleden was badly hit by flooding and firemen spent several hours pumping out water. Homes in Roman Way, Markyate, were also under water and at one point the water level reached two feet.