Firefighters and school pupils
Welcome to Remember When, our weekly delve into the Advertiser archives to see what was making headlines 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 years ago this week. You can also take a look into the past by visiting our online archives at baylismediaarchive.co.uk
1977: Maidenhead’s firefighters showed what it is like behind the scenes as they held an open day at their new £376,000 headquarters off the Forlease Road roundabout.
Crews performed firefighting displays, simulated a traffic accident and demonstrated their use of turntable ladders, tenders and hydraulic platforms.
1982: The town went back in time with an Elizabethan-style street market in Reform Road.
There were more than 40 stalls, selling everything from herbs and sweetmeats to lace and pottery.
Stallholders added to the atmosphere, dressing in authentic period costume.
1982: Jazz music wafting lazily down the Thames heralded the arrival of the first craft in the 400 River Romp boat parade.
And as The Belle, complete with jazz band on board, plied its way downstream past the High Steward’s Barge, it was greeted with cheering and waves from the crowds gathering at Bridge Gardens.
The 1894 steamer headed the largest parade of boats seen on the Maidenhead stretch of the Thames since the Jubilee river pageant five years before.
The event, which also featured a raft race and a tug-of-war at
Guards Club Island, was part of Maidenhead’s 400th anniversary celebrations.
1992: Lucky pupils at Alwyn Infants School started a new school year with a new school.
Excited youngsters returned to find a spacious new building with a glass-canopied roof, in great contrast to Alwyn’s former home in Fielding Road, which was built in 1907.
Headteacher Maureen Blake said she wanted the new school, off Ashcroft Road, to have a ‘welcoming feel’.
1992: Lloyds Bank marked 150 years in the same building with a refurbishment.
In 1842, 45 High Street was converted into banking premises for Stephens, Blandy and Coy, which was later absorbed by Lloyds Bank. The bank remains in the building to this day.
1992: Cookham Regatta made for a fun day out at Marsh Meadow – despite the rain.
The event, which was opened by actor Tim Brooke-Taylor, featured drama as two dragon boats crashed mid course, sending helmsman Gerwyn Jones of the Ogo Pogo team into the water.
Nevertheless, the team managed to finish the race.
1997: Maidenhead fell silent as the nation said goodbye to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Town centre streets were empty and shops closed their doors as a mark of respect during the Princess’ funeral.
The town fair fell silent on what should have been one of its busiest days, while special prayers took place at places of worship across the area.