What was making the news in the Newark Advertiser in 1924, 1974 and 1999

The Advertiser has once again opened its archives to see what was making the news this week 25, 50 and 100 years ago.

25 years ago – July 23, 1999

ABOVE: : A record-breaking crowd of more than 8,000 watched the Newark Festival finale.

The three-hour free concert was headlined by former Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley and featured Newark band Little Me and glam-rockers Flairz.

• Pioneering conservationists have drawn up a blueprint for their second environmentally-friendly housing development.

The latest plans by the Hockerton Housing Project would see 12 semi-detached energy efficient homes built on acres of land next to Fiskerton railway station.

The location has been deliberately chosen for its proximity to bus and rail public transport routes and non-car users would be given priority to buy.

• Traders have raised less than half the hoped-for £8,000 towards Newark town centre security cameras.

Despite the poor response, work is going ahead to set up a system and 18 cameras are planned. A control room at Kelham Hall will be manned 24 hours a day by trained operators.

• A project to turn Elston Towers into a high-class health spa has been approved.

The scheme, which will create 54 jobs, was approved subject to minor design alterations at the Victorian folly.

• Newark’s latest pub opens on Wednesday after the £600,000 refit and refurbishment of a town centre building.

Watford-based pub chain J. D. Wetherspoon has converted the former Ritz video store in the Market Place.

• The rundown coronation shelter in Beaumond Gardens, Newark, could get a new lease of life as a bowls pavilion.

The shelter. which opened in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, has been a target for vandals over the past few years and as a result has been fenced off.

50 years ago – July 27, 1974

Due to the temporary closure of Newark Library, we are unable to produce a full 50 years ago section this week.

Here are images of Grove School’s fair at Balderton.

100 years ago – July 23, 1924

Since last Wednesday the serious outbreaks of the cattle disease on the Hawton and Orston side of Newark have continued to spread in an alarming degree. Up to Wednesday over 500 animals had been slaughtered in the immediate district

On Thursday 230 sheep at Mr. J. T. Farrow, Hawton were slaughtered. These sheep had been isolated some days before but were now found to have contracted Foot and Mouth disease.

On Friday 53 more animals were added to the number slaughtered. These were all on farms at Orston where the disease began amongst Messrs. W. T. Sharpe and Son's stock.

• The Southwell troop of Girl Guides had arranged an open-air fete and sale for Thursday last, but unfortunately rain spoilt the proceedings.

Well laden stalls were placed in the Trebeck Hall, the sale of which realised a substantial amount of money. The camp fires, drill, etc, on Lowe's Wong, had to be postponed.

Much interest was taken in the balloon race.

Rubber balloons were inflated with gas, a label attached with the sender's name, and a prize given to those whose balloon travelled the furthest. Owing to the damp conditions many of the did not survive the journey over the Minster town; others fell at Gonalston and Lowdham.

The Bishop of Southwell was an enthusiastic competitor, but his balloon only travelled into Westgate.

• Once again, through the great kindness of Colonel and Mrs Darwin, all the children of the village and scholars of Elston school were entertained at the Hall, on Saturday afternoon.

The weather was perfect and the races were tremendously enjoyed by a happy, eager to win crowd of youngsters.

Mrs John Darwin at the close presented the delighted winners with their prizes, and an expression gratitude and thanks to Colonel and Mrs Darwin. and to Mrs John Darwin for all their kindness and trouble was accorded by cheer after cheer.

The day will long live in the memory of the children.

• The pupils of the Newark Girls' High School participated in their annual swimming sports at the Tolney Lane Baths.

.Although the weather was dull the temperature of the water was 63 degrees, and some excellent swimming and close finishes were witnessed.