The rescue, under thrilling circumstances, of a little boy from drowning in the Grand Junction Canal is reported from Boxmoor.

On Friday evening, Jack Riddell, aged two years, who resides with his parents in Two Waters Road, fell into the canal near Balderson’s Bridge, and in all probability would have been drowned but for the prompt and brave measures taken by Thomas Hoar, a young man residing at Cotterells, Hemel Hempstead.

Hoar was with two companions in a rowing boat on the canal about 30 yards from the spot where the child fell in, and, as soon as he saw the boy’s predicament, he plunged fully dressed into the water, swam to the boy and brought him safely to the bank.

By this time the boy was unconscious but was restored by means of artificial respiration.

Hoar, who was very modest about his achievement, which had undoubtedly been the means of saving a life, was accommodated at Riddell’s house while one of his friends went to his home to procure for him a change of clothing. Steps are being taken to publicly recognise Hoar’s gallantry.

[From the Watford Observer of July 10, 1926]

A £15 bank note from Rickmansworth Bank, dated 12th March 1820, was offered to the Public Library Committee by the chairman (Mr F J B Hemming) at their meeting on Friday.

The note was accepted with thanks and it was decided to frame it for exhibition.

[From the Watford Observer of July 16, 1927]

A small well-built figure wearing sunglasses waited nervously inside St Oswald’s Church on Saturday as outside a large crowd gathered for the opening of their fete.

That figure, none other than the celebrated actor and comedian, Peter Sellers, confided to an Observer reporter: “I have never felt so scared in my life”.

The Vicar, the Rev D R Read, introduced Mr Sellers to the waiting crowd. “If you have seen my latest film. I am surprised you want to come and look at me,” he cracked. Then, in an aside, he said: “If anybody has Miss Loren’s jewels please give them back. Try the treasure hunt you may even find them there – or even find Miss Loren!”

After declaring the fete open, Mr Sellers signed autographs, posed for press photographs and quietly slipped off to his chauffeur-driven £5,000 powder blue Cadillac standing in Baldwins Lane. As he left, he whispered to the Vicar: “I hope I did not louse it up”.

[From the Watford Observer of July 1, 1960]

An extra cheese ration for chimney sweeps was urged at an Amersham food control committee meeting recently.

[From the Watford Observer of July 26, 1946]