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 – December 25, 2014

War relic found

The relatives of a soldier from Cold Ash who died in the First World War have been reunited with a piece of family history.

Frederick Arthur Withers was one of 32 men from the parish to be killed in the conflict and the stories of the men of the memorial were put on display at an exhibition arranged by the Cold Ash Parish Heritage Group in November.

Frederick was called up for service in 1916 and was assigned to the 21st Berkshire Horse Artillery.

The 21-year-old died on March 23, 1918, when the Germans attacked in overwhelming numbers and penetrated the Allied lines by up to 40 miles as part of the Ludendorff Offensive.

His medals, along with a letter, Christmas card and photograph, were sent to his parents in December 1916.

The items were displayed at the parish exhibition courtesy of his great niece, Maureen Harrow, but one item was missing.

Following the exhibition, a builder carrying out renovations at Cherry Cottage in Bucklebury Alley, where the young Frederick Withers grew up with his eight brothers and sisters, and later helped run the family cartage and wood-dealing business with his father, discovered the lost artefact.

He presented it to the coordinator of the exhibition.

Peter Seward, who identified it as a memorial plaque sent to the Withers family in commemoration of the loss of their son.

25 years ago – December 23, 1999

Tree dressing

The humble stick was the centre of attention at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre recently when visitors helped to celebrate its sixth annual Tree Dressing Day.

Visitors had the opportunity to join artists and craftsmen in decorating sticks in a wide variety of ways, and to make seasonal twig and leaf gifts to take home and give back to the trees in their own gardens, or to leave on the trees at the discovery centre.

Community artists dressed some of the larger trees around the centre with unusual decorations made by local children, and willow artist Claire Wilks put the finishing touches to a willow dome beside Thatcham Lake.

Tree Dressing Day, which is based on an English festive custom dating back to the time of Charles II, marked the end of National Tree Week.

50 years ago – December 28, 1974

Doggy delights

Christmas day in the dog house was celebrated in style by strays at Plumb Farm, the Hamstead Marshall Canine Defence League kennels.

Those who called in on the 25th found a party going on... thanks to the league’s mascot Czar and the generosity of one of his fans.

Since Plumb Farm opened in July as a home for unwanted and abandoned dogs Czar the borzoi foxhound cross has been in residence.

As the league’s official mascot, he spends much of his time travelling the country attending functions, but the boisterous VIP always comes home to Plumb Farm.

Of course he has made lots of friends on his journeyings... and it was one of these admirers who posted him a £5 note for Christmas.

Kennel manageress Mrs. Marjorie Alexander was delighted with the gift, and decided to throw a party on Czar’s behalf.

“I knew he would like to share it with the other dogs,” she told a NWN reporter.

So she spent the cash on a Christmas tree and crackers... and lots and lots of doggy choc drops.