THE outlook was wet, but certainly not dull when teachers from Brackley's Magdalen College School found themselves in the stocks in February 1987.
Enterprising sixth-formers charged fellow pupils 10p for a chance the throw wet sponges at the five brave teachers who had volunteered for 'Aunt Sally' duty all in aid of the school's Rag Week.
The brave volunteers, Anne Berrington, Chris Issac, Bob Hopkin, Robin Hammonds and Kate Driver, were watched by amused colleagues who had escaped - at least for that year!
The previous year the school's Rag Week raised around £900 for local charities. Beneficiaries for 1987 were Leukaemia Research, Brackley Cottage Hospital, the RSPCC's Child Help Line and the Helen House Hospice.
Also in 1987:
- ...BIDS for the old Winslow Station site failed to reach the ambitious £600,000 reserve price tag at a London auction. With only two prospective purchasers in the running the whole lot was withdrawn at £480,000.
- ...A NEW bus service which will take shoppers from Winslow to Milton Keynes begins today, Friday.
- ...HER Royal Highness Princess Alice is to open Towcester St John Ambulance Brigade's new Islington Road HQ on March 21.
100 YEARS AGO
- OUT of 111 applicants for the vacant offices of surveyor and sanitary inspector to the Buckingham Rural District Council, the committee selected eight - four for each position - and of these seven attended last Saturday's meeting for the final selection.
- THE gale was severe in Buckingham and the district on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday night the hurricane of wind was accompanied with blinding snow and sleet. We have not heard of any serious damage.
- THE Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, of which Lord Roberts is president, has decided to inaugurate a roll of national marksmen which will be placed at the disposal of the War Office for use in case of need.
50 YEARS AGO
- LIKE many more Army Depots in the country, the local Central Ammunition Depot at Tingewick Camp will close on the 31st March. So gradual and smooth has been the run down that many local people have been unaware of the closing of this large centre of employment.
- A "MECHANICAL COW" or automatic milk vendor has been installed in Bletchley's main shopping thoroughfare. The vendor is a 6ft tall, blue-painted metal box which can contain 210 half-pint cartons of refrigerated milk. By placing sixpence into a slot the consumer gets a carton of the ice-cold milk in a dairy fresh condition at any time night or day.
- DOGS of 140 exhibitors made up a record of 550 entries and the services of five judges were needed to make the awards at Northampton and district Canine Society's annual limited show held in the Drill Hall, Northampton.
25 YEARS AGO
- THE roller skating craze hit Winslow on Sunday when Rollerama' came to town. In a successful all day event, a portable skating floor was laid down in Winslow Public Hall, and while the novices tried to find their feet, the experts zoomed around showing off their proficiency on wheels.
- BUCKINGHAM'S Red Cross Day Care Unit was one year old last week and VIPs and the old folk who benefit from the Unit, celebrated the special anniversary. The Day Care Centre is now proudly situated in a beautiful, purpose built and well-equipped building in Verney Close.
- BREAKFAST with TV personalities David Frost and Anna Ford was the once-in-a-lifetime treat for Westbury couple Richard and Anne Hughes when they were interviewed live on ITV show "Good Morning Britain".
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