100 years ago

August 18, 1900

Stratford: THE new steam fire engine, purchased by Stratford Town council, was given a trial on Thursday in the grounds of the Memorial Theatre. The engine is capable of throwing 400 gallons of water and everyone who witnessed the operation was well pleased.

75 years ago

August 22, 1925

Marston Sicca: AT a meeting of Marston Sicca Rural Council, the sanitary surveyor stated that he inspected a ditch at Long Marston which took the drainage from the old police station cottage and the Rectory. It was piped up to within 100 yards of the brook, and then became an open ditch. He had located a defect in the pipe. The Chairman expressed the opinion that some years ago this drain was connected with the sewer, which took the drainage from some other dwellings. Mr Hodges did not agree with the Chairman, who decided that he would like further information.

50 years ago

August 19, 1950

Stratford: WILLIAM Shakespeare came to Stratford on Monday. William Shakespeare Kay, the Australian bowler that is. Mr Shakespeare was over here with the Australian Bowling team as part of a British tour, and he said that his father could quote the Bard "till the sheep came home".

25 years ago

August 21, 1975

Stratford: A MEMBER of Stratford District Council has been warned by electors that opposition to the controversial Wednesday market at Wellesbourne will be fatal to her chances of re-election. Mrs Mary Edwards, an independent, told members this after making a strong objection to planning consent for the market, which was opened five months ago.