Trolleys on Magdalen Road
There is growing excitement in the town as months of work on the Co-op extension nears completion. However, there are concerns about image-conscious trolley-dashers risking life and limb on Magdalen Road.
It is expected that the newly renovated store will carry products never before sold in the town and that Tesco, Sainsbury and Waitrose shoppers may be tempted in to sample the new goods. Whilst in the past an occasional desperate purchase in the Co-op was acceptable, the large scale shop requiring a trolley was never an attractive option.
It is reported that Middle class shoppers are struggling to recall their divvy numbers and practising their trolley-dash skills to avoid being seen by friends and neighbours.
Meanwhile, the Co-op has closed its other operation on the High Street, formerly Alldays. Late night shoppers presumably will have to rely on the Beer Barrel.
One rumour has it that if Tesco fail in their planning application they may end up buying the Co-op. Surely not!
18th September 2004
Two heads leave town
Two significant retirements occurred this year that will mean a great deal to parents and children in the town. Both headteachers from the Community Primary and St Mary's concluded their careers this summer.
Mrs Jenny Auber was headteacher of the CP for 14 years and during that time she has overseen major building works, introduced disabled features, the creation of a nursery and above all, overseen the teaching of hundreds of the town's children. She has been succeeded by her deputy Gary Pilkington.
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| Mrs Holt chatting to parents at St Mary's Summer Fete 2002 |
St Mary's headteacher, Stephanie Holt, retired after 7 years as head of the schools. She also oversaw many building projects and physical improvements to the school but her legacy will be impact she made on many young lives. The new headteacher is Alison Herbert.
1st August 2004
Allotment thefts - hot potatoes
Not perhaps the crime of the century but the EADT carried a report that for the second year running Allotment holders on Gallows Hill have had huge quantities of potatoes stolen.
In two incidents over 100kgs of potatoes have been stolen. In one instance this amounted to 180 plants.
8th July 2004