Curiosity has been aroused in Berkhamsted this week by the appearance of the words “I can’t come out tonight” chalked in large letters across the pavement of a side street. Wouldn’t it be quicker to telephone?

[From the Watford Observer of May 13, 1938]

Advertisement. Appearing at the Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead, at 8pm on Sunday, May 7: David Bowie plus Lee Riders. Lighting by Optikinetics. Licensed bar and buffet. Tickets: 75p.

[From the Watford Observer of May 5, 1972

It was in a certain part of our trenches in France that an enemy mine was expected to be blown up, and this particular part was occupied only by patrols. It was to one of these that the officer in charge handed a whistle, saying: “We expect a mine to be exploded any minute and I want you, when you see or feel any signs of it exploding, to blow this whistle!”

“Yes,” replied Tommy. “But, beg pardon, sir. Shall I blow it when I’m going up or coming down?”

[From the Boys’ Own Paper for June, quoted in the Watford Observer of May 29, 1920]

Sarratt took on a rodeo-goonish air when wheelbarrows went hurtling from pub to pub, one man riding, one pushing and another running alongside. Then they would stop, drink a pint of beer and all change places. Off they would go again. Thirty-six energetic competitors spent their Monday trundling wheelbarrow and team-mates around the village. And, at the end of it all, Sarratt Cricket Club got their Tim Dunne, Dick Vasey and Jeff Downer into first place. Collections during the race and the Morris dancing raised £20 for Christian Aid.

[From the Watford Observer of May 19, 1972]

When two women appeared at Watford Second Court yesterday, a solicitor apologised because they were not wearing hats. Turning to the women, Captain V.A. Lawford asked: “Don’t you wear hats?” “No,” they replied. “Then the case will be put back until you have found something with which to cover your heads,” remarked Captain Lawford.

Later they appeared with handkerchiefs on their heads and the bench then proceeded to hear the case.

[From the Watford Observer of May 26, 1939]

Mr Colin Taylor presided at a public meeting in the Corn Exchange, Watford, on Wednesday evening, in favour of the Sunday closing of public houses.

Mr H. Kingham moved: “That this meeting believes it to be absolutely necessary for the welfare of the people of England that the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday should be prohibited. Surely if they could have Sunday closing for Scotland, Ireland and Wales, where it was a great success, there was room for it in England. It was most necessary when a Parliamentary election came round that they should vote for the candidate who would, regardless of politics, support the closing of public houses on Sunday and other temperance reforms.”

[From the Watford Observer of May 31, 1902]

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