The Herald takes a look at what was making the headlines 75, 50 and 25 years ago.

75 years ago

BY the generosity of Mrs Fuller-Maitland, an Alaskan Crab tree was last week planted at Sidmouth Senior School to commemorate the Royal Jubilee of 1935. The ceremony was watched by pupils and performed by the headmaster, assisted by Mr H Imes, of The Crescent.

THE 17th anniversary of the Armstice was marked here on Monday by the usual combined service of Remembrance at the Memorial Cross in the parish churchyard. The service was of a markedly expressive character and one befitting the solemn occasion.

50 years ago

AT its meeting on October 25, Sidmouth Urban District Council’s Manor Estates committee recommended the council be informed that in the committee’s view the Manor Pavilion was unsuitable, both as to its siting and the facilities it offers, to cater for the growing needs of the town and that serious consideration be given to the provision of a new building in a more suitable position.

SIDMOUTH Urban District Council’s finance committee members have been considering the present accommodation at the council offices in relation to existing and possible future requirements and were unanimously of the opinion that additional accommodation was urgently needed but should be of a temporary nature only.

25 years ago

SIDMOUTH Swimming Society received a boost this week with news that �10,000 has been set aside for a feasibility study into the pool project. But it will be another three years before the money is released, for East Devon District Council’s amenities committee has put the sum into its capital programme for the 1988-89 financial year. Nevertheless, it is welcomed by the swimming society. Press officer Simon Pollentine said: “We are very, very delighted.”

THE dreary weather this summer failed to deter visitors to Sidmouth, according to the takings in the two main car parks. Sidmouth was the only town along East Devon’s coast to show an increase in car park income. Up to the end of October, �31,985 had been fed into the pay and display machines at the Ham car parks, compared with �29,793 in 1984. Takings at the Manor Road car park were slightly down at �20, 506 compared with �20,639 in 1984, but the overall total was �52,491, as against �50,432 last year.