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
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10 years ago – July 10, 2014
Historic find
Evidence of Newbury’s prehistoric ancestors was unearthed in Victoria Park last week.
The rare finds include pieces of bone used as tools, as well as charcoal that indicates the presence of hunter gatherers from the Early Mesolithic period – between 10,000 and 13,000 years ago.
The artefacts were discovered by a team comprising members of Reading University, West Berkshire Council and Wessex Archaeology, including Phil Harding well-known for his appearances on the Channel 4 TV series Time Team, as part of a project to map historical sites across the country.
Principal archaeological scientist at Wessex Archaeology, Dr Catherine Barnett, said that the team came to Victoria Park as it was one of a few green spaces in Newbury where they could try and find sediment from the period.
She said: “Not only did the methodologies work but from one tiny hole, we’ve come straight down onto an early Mesolithic site.
“It’s chocca with human occupation material.
“As soon as we got down to it we were finding big lumps of charcoal, so we’re talking about burning things in situ, a lot of artefacts, and also extremely pleasant surprises.
“We’ve not only got bone but some worked bone and these are very rare.
“This is really a kind of special find and just to emphasise, this is a tiny little hole in one place and to come down onto is very exciting indeed.
“On a local level, we’re dealing with a proper archeological site.”
The activity generated a lot of interest among people in the park.
Newbury resident Emma Guite said: “I’m surprised that they found so much and it’s not as deep down as they expected it to be.
“You don’t realise there’s so much to be found on the doorstep.
“You expect it on the battle sites and at Shaw but not here.”
The finds followed an archeological survey of a ‘trench’ in the park last year, and the archeologists said they were lucky to discover the site.
Archeology officer at West Berkshire Council, Alex Godden, said that the data would be used in council policies, including planning, as well as letting people know about local heritage.
25 years ago – July 29, 1999
It’s not just a shop
Shoppers in Newbury are set to enjoy a new retail experience following the announcement this week that Marks and Spencer is to unveil a new look for the town’s store.
Newbury has been selected as one of the key sites to be transformed, using striking window and bold photographic displays.
The store manager, Spencer Grout, explained that recent major changes in Newbury led to the Northbrook Street store being one of only 100 to get the new look clothing departments.
He said: “I think it is fantastic news for the town.
“The Vodafone decision, the bypass and pedestrianisation, all have had a fantastic effect on sales and are the main reasons we have been identified as one of the key stores.”
Mr Grout said that the store would boast modern features including stripped wooden floors.
“The new look will be very American and up-to-date,” he said.
50 years ago – June 27, 1974
Return to Flers
The little Normandy town of Flers was hardly recognisable when two Newbury old soldiers who helped to liberate it from the Nazis 30 years ago saw it again this month.
When Mr Ted Clark of Stanley Road, Newbury, and Mr Joe Hull of Wash Common, stormed into the French town with the 11th armoured division it was almost a shambles.
Today, rebuilt and flourishing, Flers remembers the 1,000 men of the Division who fell in the cause of their freedom.
Just back from a weekend in the town for the unveiling of a permanent memorial to mark the liberation, Mr Clark told a NWN reporter ‘it was a most marvellous experience’.