THE Herald takes a look at stories from our archives.

HARVEST thanksgiving services were held at the Congregational Church, which was most prettily adorned with flowers and foliage, besides and abundance of grapes and other fruits. A loaf, illustrative of the Bible narrative of the five loaves and two fishes, occupied a conspicuous place on the communion table.

LONDON was again the objective for the annual outing of the Sidmouth Slate Club, and it is pleasing to record the event was a great success. Twenty-four hours round the clock represents a considerable demand on one’s energy and enthusiasm, but from all accounts, the unanimous opinion of those taking part was that the expenditure of of effort had been repaid with interest. Highlights included Kew gardens, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.

50 YEARS AGO

DOGGED by bad weather throughout, this year’s carnival proved a spectacular success in its evening procession on Thursday when despite the pouring rain, nearly 30 tableaux toured the principal streets of the town headed by the Carnival Queen and her attendants and Sidmouth Town Silver Band. Exeter Girls Training Corps Band and Sidmouth Boys’ Brigade Band also took part in the procession, which reflected nothing but an exceptionally high degree of credit to all concerned.

THE Clerk to Sidmouth Urban District Council has received a cheque for 100 guineas to be devoted to helping unfortunate folk who suffered though the recent floods entering their homes and causing destruction. The gift was sent “with heartfelt sympathy from a well-wisher staying at the Riviera Hotel.”

25 YEARS AGO

FOUR teachers at Sidmouth College walked out on Wednesday afternoon, the first time selective strike action has been taken at the school since the pay dispute started in March. Further action is now planned, with the National Union of Teachers threatening to call out its members for half-day strikes.

SIDMOUTH Police are to clamp down on cyclists who ride at night without lights. A spokesman said: “There are a lot of people riding around at night without any lights at all. They just don’t realise the problems they cause.

“Now that the nights are drawing in, we will be stopping cyclists, checking their machines and reporting them where we think it’s appropriate.”