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 – February 5, 2015
Daren’s Show role
The first chief executive of the Newbury and District Agricultural Society (NDAS) – the organisation behind the Royal County of Berkshire Show – has been appointed.
Filling the newly-created role is Daren Bowyer, who has a 26-year military career under his belt, including active service in the Gulf War, the Balkans and Afghanistan.
Most recently, he was director of the Royal Military Academy’s charity, The Sandhurst Trust.
Mr Bowyer said: “It’s a real privilege to be offered a role that involves leading such a large and diverse team – both the small, committed staff team at the showground, and the 400-plus volunteers, many of whom have been giving their time and energy to the society for decades.
“It’s like joining an extended but close-knit family and I am overwhelmed by the welcome I have received.
“One of the great strengths of the Royal County of Berkshire Show is that it remains, at heart, a top agricultural show, with a strong focus on farming.
“At the same time, it offers such a wealth of attractions that it represents a fabulous family day out.
“And, of course, it is located in the beautiful Berkshire countryside.
“The county has so much to offer and this is an ideal opportunity to showcase all that makes Berkshire great.”
25 years ago – March 2, 2000
Pressing forward
A push of the button set the enlarged presses rolling last night at Newspaper House, with a three-section redesign signalling a milestone in the 133-year history of the Newbury Weekly News.
The NWN has been printed in the town since February 6, 1867, thanks to the vision of its founders, Walter Blacket and TW Turner, who first ran the business from premises in Northbrook Street, Newbury.
The newspaper has come a long way since those early times, and today’s issue, using computerised production methods and a state-of the-art press, represents a landmark in the newspaper’s growth and development.
The NWN is not given to making changes just for the sake of it.
However, it is essential that the newspaper should move with the times, to keep pace with the demands of its readers and advertisers.
The publications are printed by a family company, proudly independent, owned and managed on a day-to-day basis by descendants of the founders.
The new developments have been made possible by a recent £800,000 printing press investment by the newspaper’s parent company, Blacket Turner and Co.
50 years ago – March 6, 1975
Jessica’s milestone
Mrs Jessica Lipscomb, of Crossways, Hermitage, celebrates her 100th birthday tomorrow.
She has lived in the village with her daughter, Mrs M Stekie, for more than 20 years and is a popular character.
Despite her advanced age, Mrs Lipscomb has retained all her faculties and still takes an active interest in village life.
She is a member of the Friendship Club and of the Women’s Social Club, and regularly attends the monthly meetings in the village hall.
She is also a founder-member of the Cold Ash Evergreens Club and much enjoys the events held in connection with their activities.
Mrs Lipscomb attends church regularly every Sunday and manages to follow the service without the aid of spectacles.
Born in Liverpool, she has travelled widely in this country, and has lived much of her life in London.
When asked if she could think of a reason for her long life, Mrs Lipscomb replied that her life had always been a happy one, adding “I have lived in six reigns and I think all the kind people whose love and friendship have made my long life full of interest and happiness, and I am grateful for all these lovely memories.”
