Back in the day: We delve into our archives to see what was going on 10 years ago, 25 years ago and 50 years ago this week
If you have any photos or memories you would like to share with us, please email us at newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk
10 years ago – July 17, 2014
Beach treat
A bumper crowd is expected at Newbury Racecourse for Party in the Paddock on Saturday – where The Beach Boys will perform after an action-packed day of racing.
Headlined by original band member Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, who joined in 1965, they will be joined on stage by John Cowsill, Tim Bonhomme, Randell Kirsch, Scott Totten and Christian Love.
The Beach Boys were one of the most successful bands of all time having sold over 100 million records around the world since forming in 1961 and their hits include Surfin USA and Fun Fun Fun.
Fine weather is expected and a fancy dress competition on the day will add some more fun to the day, while those judged to be wearing the best Hawaiian shirt or retro outfit will win a meet-and-greet with the band.
During the racing, Al Kazeem will be the star name on the track.
The popular three-time Group 1 winner is set to make his return in the Listed Doom Bar (Steventon) Stakes.
25 years ago – July 22, 1999
Kites in sight
There were kites galore in Thatcham last weekend for the annual Kennet Kite Festival.
About 3,000 people turned up to fly their colourful kites or simply watch the breathtaking aerial displays from competitors locally and all over the country, including London, Southampton and Bournemouth, at the event on the Henwick Worthy Sports field.
It is the third year the festival has been held in Thatcham and it is now attracting such a big reputation that next year’s might play host to a national competition.
The world kiting organisation Stunt Team and Competitive Kites (STACK) wants to hold one of the national heats at Henwick Worthy Sports next year.
“If we got the national competition that would be really big,” said organiser Mr Dave Tomlinson, from Kreative Kites in Northbrook Street, Newbury.
“It could be really major next year.”
The kites in this year’s competition ranged from the wild to the wacky and some of them, like the giant Frogman’s Legs, stretched 80 feet across the sky.
50 years ago – July 18, 1974
Farewell Dilys!
Tomorrow there will be a particularly poignant note at Newbury County Girls Grammar School’s end-of-term assembly.
For playing the school piano for the very last time will be Miss Dilys Williams who is retiring from teaching after 38 years.
She came to Newbury in 1950 and has been at the school as head of music for 24 years.
From her piano stool she has watched hundreds of girls pass through the school and in recent years has seen many of their daughters return to take their places in her music lessons.
“Now I am 60 I feel it is the time for me to go,” she told an NWN reporter a little wistfully.
Naturally she will be sad to say goodbye tomorrow to the school she has known for so many years, but she is looking forward with enthusiasm to her retirement.
She has seen great changes at Newbury Girls’ Grammar School over the years.
When she first came there were just 420 pupils compared with the 780 that are there today.
By leaving now she will never have the experience of teaching music in a custom-built classroom, for the new music block for the combined schools is not scheduled for completion until after next year.
“I did have a special block built for me (in a former job) in Sheffield, but it was bombed the day before I should have moved in,” she recalled with a smile.
