Laurie Buxton dies

Distinguished boxer and well-known local businessman Mr Laurie Buxton has died, aged 75. One of four boxing brothers, “Tiger” Buxton recorded 60 first-round knockouts and listed fight legends Joe Louis and Rocky Graziano among his circle of friends when he lived and boxed in the United States. He also had an illustrious military career and was a founder member of Watford North Rotary Club.

[August 1, 1997]

Beer on line with prices in capital

A pint of beer costs more in Watford than any other place in the country except the capital, according to Camra’s latest statistics. The group’s annual survey of drink prices shows on average a pint of real ale costs £1.79 – the same as London. Camra committee member Mr Tony Smith said: “We are victims of our own success, because Watford is increasingly viewed as the place to go.”

[August 1, 1997]

Village’s totem triumph

Villagers braved bad weather on Saturday to attend the presentation of the best-kept village competition. More than 40 people turned out to watch the unveiling of the impressive totem pole outside All Saints Church, Kings Langley. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mr Henry Buxton hailed the event a memorable occasion. He said: “It is an absolute triumph. Villagers should feel justly proud about what they have achieved. You have a lovely village with a glorious common and church and have worked very hard to maintain its beauty.”

[August 1, 1997]

Community stunned by arson attack

Fire swept through a Watford church hall on Monday just 10 months after a massive fundraising campaign to re-roof the church. The community, which spent two years raising almost £100,000 for a new roof at 107-year-old Christ Church in St Albans Road, is devastated. 70 per cent of the small hall was severely damaged by the flames. Firefighters arrived on the scene after a call at 11.20pm and worked through the night to prevent the blaze spreading to the nearby church. Firemen said the blaze was under investigation by forensic experts, who have confirmed they believed it was started deliberately.

[August 8, 1997]

Barbara’s starring role

Eastenders star Barbara Windsor brought a warm East End welcome with her to Watford when she officially opened the relaunched Watford Market in Charter Place on Saturday. Crowds gathered outside the market place to see the actress, who celebrated her 60th birthday on Monday, declare the market open.

[August 8, 1997]

Watford Springs to reopen partially

Troubled Watford Springs will partially reopen on Monday – a month after it was closed because of a serious electrical fault. But Watford Council, which owns the £11.5million leisure pool on Lower High Street, has admitted the flumes will remain shut until the end of September. The news comes as a bitter disappointment to the thousands of children who visit the state-of-the-art pool every week.

[August 15, 1997]

Water-wise Watford FC donate cash

A £500 donation from Three Valleys Water was a welcome birthday present for the Peace Hospice this week. When Graham Taylor made the presentation it was exactly one year after the hospice moved into the newly refurbished Peace Memorial building in Watford. Three Valleys Water made the donation to Watford FC earlier this year in its “Greencare” initiative which is presented to organisations that embrace water conservation. The club nominated the hospice to receive the award and presented the £500 cheque this week.

[August 22, 1997]

What was happening in the world in August 1997?

• Between 40 and 76 villagers are killed in the Oued El-Had and Mezouara massacre in Algeria (August 3)

• Jeanne Calment, the oldest person ever, dies at the age of 122 years and 164 days in France (August 4)

• William Ryan Holt and Michael Mischler are arrested for breaking into Elle MacPherson’s Los Angeles home (August 4)

• Microsoft announces it will invest $150million in Apple Computer Inc (August 6)

• Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind of the World Trade Centre bombing, goes on trial (August 5)

• South Park’s first ever episode is aired (August 13)

• A group of people are stuck upside down on a ride in a Belgian amusement park for 90 minutes (August 28)

• Princess Diana is taken to a hospital after a car accident in the Pont de l’Alma road tunnel in Paris. She is pronounced dead at 3am (August 31)