Back in the early 1960s, the Watford Observer regularly ran a column called “The things they say” in which the paper published the wise, witty or (quite often) bizarre and downright idiotic things said by various people in high office.

Here, for your amusement, are a few of the interesting things said back in January and February 1961.

“I have never been in a council chamber with such comfortable chairs. They are made for reclining and how any work is done here is beyond my comprehension.”

Rev H.L. Hughes (from Dr Barnardo headquarters) addressing voluntary workers of Dr Barnardo Homes at Watford Town Hall

“Burns was an extraordinary Scotsman. To begin with, he stayed in Scotland.”

Gilbert Longden, MP for South West Herts

“My wife said to me: ‘Your only qualification for making a speech is that your fag at school has just been made Archbishop of Canterbury’.”

J.H. Spilman (vice-chairman of governors) at the annual meeting and prize distribution of South-West Herts College of Further Education

“As one who is still a faithful and permanent supporter of Watford Football Club, the Mayor is not likely to be deterred by anything.”

S. Worley in a tribute to Alderman E.H. Harrowell at a Watford dinner

“He has been appointed to do a Civil Defence job which does not exist.”

Councillor F.R. Wilson at a meeting of Watford Rural District Council

“Watford papers are a model of journalism as it should be, with reports giving a fair summing up of the situation.”

Watford MP F.W. Farey-Jones at the local Conservative Association annual meeting

“If the MP for Watford is lost for a word, it is not because he cannot find one, but because he’s afraid to use it.”

S. Worley (again!)

“It does require effort to leave a warm bed in the early morning, or a comfortable chair and a cosy fire in front of the TV to go to a church service in cold, dismal weather. But it is a form of self-denial more of us might attempt.”

Rev Ronald W. Martin, Vicar of Langleybury, writing on Lent in the parish magazine

Watford Observer: Tarbuck

Comic Jimmy Tarbuck makes the “jackpot” draw at the Watford v Liverpool FA Cup Third Round clash on January 28, 1967.

Tarbuck, according to the piece in the following week’s Watford Observer, flew in specially from Barbados for the match – but had divided loyalties – although born in Liverpool, at the time he lived in Chorleywood.

Incidentally, the game ended 0-0 but Watford lost the Anfield replay a few days later 1-3.

[From the Watford Observer of February 3, 1967]

MORE ONLINE TOMORROW

These stories formed part of the Nostalgia column first published in the Watford Observer on January 24, 2014. The next Nostalgia column can be found in this week’s Watford Observer (dated January 31, 2014 and available in newsagents now, priced just 90p) or read online here from 4pm on Thursday.

If you have anything to add – or would like to tell us anything you think our readers may enjoy about Watford’s history – we are always pleased to hear from you. Contact Nostalgia, by clicking here watfordnostalgia@london.newsquest.co.uk