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 – May 6, 2015
Royal joy
“We are over the moon that it’s a girl. We are really happy and it’s just lovely for Kate. ”
That was just one of the comments from a resident in the Duchess of Cambridge’s home village of Bucklebury after they heard news of the safe arrival of the royal baby.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital, London, on Saturday morning and gave birth to a 8lbs 3oz girl – Charlotte Elizabeth Diana – at 8.34am.
There was no pink bunting lining the roads as Newbury Weekly News visited the Berkshire village on Saturday, but there was plenty of cheer from its residents.
One villager Chris Willett, who has lived in the area for 13 years, said: “It’s obviously great news.
“It’s excellent that they now have one of each.
“This is a lovely area and there was a flurry of activity here when Prince George was born.
“We will probably raise a glass as we are also celebrating the in-laws’ 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow.”
John Haley, the landlord of The Old Boot Inn in Stanford Dingley, which Kate and William have both visited, attended the royal wedding in 2011 and threw a party on Friday for both his 60th birthday and to usher in the second baby.
He said following the birth: “It’s great news. Everybody is really buzzing now.
“I’m so happy it’s a girl. Kate had a boy the first time so everyone is very happy for her and for the family.”
25 years ago – May 4, 2000
Villages go online
Two West Berkshire villages are turning to the internet to increase residents’ interest and understanding about all aspects of village life.
Quaint images of village life in Speen and Stockcross may never be the same again as the parish council and the school are trying to promote going ‘on-line’ for villagers.
Only a handful of parishioners attended the annual assembly of Speen Parish Council in April, but now it is hoped that the internet will help drag the meetings into the 21st century and enable more people to keep in touch.
50 years ago – May 8, 1975
Just champion!
Thatcham Town tottered on the brink of a second frustrating defeat in four days on Saturday night at home to Bicester Town.
But showing magnificent qualities after despairing about ever getting a goal they scored not just once but twice in a hectic, tense and absorbing last six minutes to become the new Rothmans Hellenic League Premier Division champions.
Scenes of wild excitement followed the winning goal in the last minute among players who have shown admirable restraint and character during what became a formality of winning the title.
Tiny Martin Hunt, the scoring hero, was raised skywards as if in thanksgiving by all but goalkeeper Charlie Palmer who felt it safer to stay where he was in case Bicester surprised him again.
The congratulating went on when the final whistle sounded and a guard of honour to the dressing rooms formed for the players who were clapped off by Bicester and back-slapped by supporters and officials.
The celebrations continued in the dressing rooms with club secretary Reg Taylor providing the champagne.
