100 years ago

The foundation stone of the new St Michael's and All Angels' Church, Sunnyside, Berkhamsted church was laid on Saturday, July 25, 1908 and recorded in the Gazette of the day.

The very attractive flint-built church replaced what was known as the Iron Church.

That building was subsequently used as a church hall for many years.

From the August 1, 1908 edition we learn that St Peter's Band headed a procession of choristers from Sunnyside and Northchurch from the Iron Church (Sunnyside was originally part of the Northchurch detached parish) singing the processional hymn Onward Christian Soldiers.

The Church Lads Brigade formed a Guard of Honour at the entrance to the building site and a flourish of cornets greeted Mrs WF Cooper on her arrival.

The Cooper family and the Cooper sheep-dip company feature strongly in Berkhamsted history.

Prayers were taken by the Rev RH Cattell and lessons read by the Rev GH Siddans.

Mrs Cooper laid the foundation stone and the Rev A Johnson, a former Rector of Berkhamsted, gave the address.

The church is currently planning to celebrate its 100 years and Mrs Ros Partridge , the archivist of Sunnyside Church, is gathering material for a centenary exhibition.

If anyone has any relevant items, photographs or other memorabilia she can be contacted on 01442 864464.


50 years ago

Sixty years of marriage was what Mr and Mrs DA Osborn, who lived at Kitsbury Road, Berkhamsted, were celebrating 50 years ago.

David Arthur Osborn and Louisa Florence Maggie Wright married at Hampstead Baptist Chapel on August 3, 1898 and claimed to have spent many happy years together, so it is not surprising that they rejoiced on their diamond wedding anniversary.

People could have been put in danger by the game played by eight boys at the railway in Hemel Hempstead.

The boys were witnessed throwing gravel and other material on the railway, which was not only pointless but potentially harmful.

Six of the eight boys, aged eight to 13, pleaded guilty to the crime, whereas the other two refused to.

One said that they were simply trainspotting at Roughdown Road Bridge, saw what happened and went over to the scene, but he claimed he had nothing to do with the incident.

He was cleared but the other seven were fined 5s and made to pay 4s in compensation.

Five decades ago, the chairman of the Children's Committee of Hertfordshire County Council gave up her position.

Mrs V Martin Smith was chairman for 10 years after the committee began, but decided it was time to give the position up and let someone else have the challenge.

The new chairman was named as Lady Rosamund Gibbs, who had previously watched Smith's role closely, and felt guided and influenced by her work with the children who came into care.


25 years ago

A domestic helper cared for a pensioner by repeatedly stealing off him.
The widowed pensioner, who lived in Highfield, had called police after his goods were stolen.

A number of things were taken including jewellery belonging to his late wife and a £300 gold bracelet.

It was thought that £875 worth of the man's property was taken. At first the woman pleaded not guilty in front of Hemel Hempstead magistrates.

However, she eventually admitted taking items valued up to £480, and later returned what she had left of his things. She was sentenced to two years probation.

IT was a sad day for children in Victoria School in Berkhamsted when two of their favourite teachers left.

Mr David Mattinson, deputy headteacher for four years, had previously introduced clubs and games for the students, making him popular in the community.

Also, Mrs Diana Wicker retired after 17 years of being in charge of the nursery unit.

She was presented with a Teasmade and a cheque.

Mr Mattinson was presented with a Black and Decker workmate and a cheque by Rev Roger Davis, who was the rector of Berkhamsted and chairman of the school governors.

Bennetts End hospital was staggered to find their funds increased by a very unlikely source: The Chiltern section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club.

Forty four bikers took part in a 50 mile bike ride, that started and ended in Waterhouse Street carpark, in Hemel Hempstead.

They raised £75 which was handed to Mr Don Dean, the chairman of Parents and Friends of Bennetts End Hospital.

The cheque was presented by Motorcycle Club chairman, Mr Mike Vangucci.