THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Masonic bodies in Forfarshire have hitherto done excellent service in raising funds on behalf of the Red Cross and the Masonic carnival and sports meeting, promoted by Lodge Albert (No 448) which was held at Camperdown estate (Beech Strip), Lochee ranks as one of the best efforts they have made yet. The gathering was full of interesting and original features and from start to finish was highly successful. Enormous crowds turned out to the meeting and the roads around were congested.

50 years ago

Colin Bland, the South African Test cricketer, was flying back to Africa last night after he had been refused permission to enter Britain on a Rhodesian passport. Mr Bland, who is 30, is a Rhodesian. He was to have played in a series of matches in this country. He arrived from Salisbury early yesterday, was detained by immigration men and told he could not come in. But he was allowed to stay the night in London at Walfdorf Hotel. Mr Bland said he was “bitterly disappointed.”

25 years ago

A 30-year-old unemployed man was charged last night with the murder of Rachel Nickell (23) on Wimbledon Common, south London, last year. Scotland Yards said Colin Francis Stagg was arrested at 5.30am yesterday at his home in Ibsley Gardens on the Alton estate in Roehampton, London. He will appear before Wimbledon magistrtates this morning. Rachel’s body was discovered on July 15 last year on the common where she had been walking her dog with her son.

One year ago

Raith Rovers’ new owner wants to transform Stark’s Park into a community hub. John Sim, the CEO of a global accountancy firm, was already a board member with the Fife club and he is the majority shareholder in the company which owns the stadium. Now, after agreement was reached whereby Stark’s Park Properties will have the controlling interest in the club as a whole, Sim plans to broaden the use of Raith’s home ground. An artificial surface is being considered.