What was making the news in the Newark Advertiser in 1923, 1973 and 1998?

The Advertiser has opened its archives to look what was making the news this week 25, 50 and 100 years ago.

How much of it do you remember?

25 years ago ­— January 9, 1998

ABOVE: Extra classes planned by a dance instructor have fallen foul of councillors who heard there had been many noise complaints from neighbours.

Residents of Baldertongate, Newark, say they already suffer a din from a regular dance class held in St Mary’s Rooms.

Instructor Miss Jayne Ross applied for permission to hold extra aerobic and fitness classes, but was turned down.

The latest craze of youngsters keeping cyberpets has been criticised by the Bishop of Southwell, the Right Rev Patrick Harris.

The bishop said he was not a killjoy but was concerned the new craze was going too far.

He warned the electronic pets could become a substitute for real relationships.

Youngsters have become obsessed by the £10 toys, having to feed, exercise and seek veterinary treatment for them when required by pressing buttons, otherwise they sicken and die.

Newark Diamond Cable viewers will soon be able to watch the latest films months ahead of normal terrestrial and satellite TV schedules.

The new movie on-demand service, called Front Row, is the first of its kind to be provided by the cable industry for its subscribers.

A mystery buyer has been found for St Augustine’s Church in Newton Street, Newark.

Planning permission exists for the 110-year-old church to be converted for residential use.

When closure of the church was announced five years ago there was strong local opposition, although there are only about 12 regular worshippers.

50 years ago ­— January 13, 1973

ABOVE: Jokes and ice-cream were the perfect recipe for a successful party for the 400 youngsters who attended RHP’s annual party.

They drank more than 30 gallons of orange juice and ate 1,500 assorted cakes.

The youngest applicant on a shortlist of eight was chosen as the first director of the Palace Arts and Leisure Centre.

Jane Davis, 26, beat seven men to the £12,388-a-year job.

Her task is to create an arts and leisure centre for the 70,000 people in the Newark area in a building that was first a cinema, soon became a theatre and cinema and has lately been a bingo hall.

Newark Castle Cycling Club celebrated its 25th year with a silver jubilee dinner at the Robin Hood Hotel.

More than 160 guests, including visitors from clubs and cycling organisations from all over the Midlands, attended.

Employees of Alec W. Adam, tailors of Lombard Street, Newark, and their wives attended the firm’s annual party at the Bowling Green Hotel. More than 120 people were present.

Calling all cats of 22 years and over. Box, a grey tabby, whose owners are Mr and Mrs Jack East, of Lime Grove, Newark, is having a party for his 22nd birthday.

Party eats will include feline delicacies such as liver, fish and catmeat.

Members of Newark Inner Wheel held a knit-in to mark the world-wide Inner Wheel Day.

Needles clicked all day with the result of two blankets and a shawl for old and needy people.

100 years ago ­— January 10, 1923

There was a brilliant company at the Newark Hospital Ball ­— the premier social event of the local season ­— at the town hall.

Haunting music provoked hearty dancing and a festive atmosphere permeated the company.

The dance frocks of the ladies and the pink coats and military scarlet of the gentlemen contributed to a revolving whirl of colour.

The supper menu consisted of mayonnaise of lobster, turkey, game pie, ham, and ox tongue, winter salad, hot mutton, trifle, meringues and pineapple sundae.

At an enthusiastic meeting at the Palace Café it was unanimously to form a Newark and District Motor Cycle Club.

Members will not be called upon to ride their machines through rock-strewn gulleys or water splashes, and midnight runs would be barred.

Reliability trials, speed, hill climbs and sporting events would be the extent of their programme.

Once more that ever-popular function, the Mayor’s Children’s Ball, took place and a more brilliant spectacle would be difficult to find.

Over 20 guests, radiantly happy, attired in all manner of dresses thronged the ballroom and there was merry laughter as school friends met.

There is one Newarker at least who has kept up his morning dip at Tolney Lane’s concrete shores, despite the winter weather.

Mr Sam Taylor, instructor at the Corporation Baths, has not missed a dip for a year and nine months.

The recent floods were no deterrent and no matter how low the temperature falls, cold holds no fear for him.