SNJ reporter Sam Evans takes a look back through the decades at some Stroud nostalgia.

1967

AN 18-year-old woman from Chalford was sent to Hong Kong as part of her duty in the Royal Army Corps.

Anne Ursell of Rose Cottage was to work as a switchboard operator to the royal signals for two years.

She was educated at Manor school in Eastcombe and was a keen sportswoman.

Before joining the Army in October 2016 she worked in the stores department at Elbesee Products.

AN empty church in Stonehouse was mysteriously set ablaze.

The Congregational Church had been due for demolition but workman were required far less than first thought.

Firemen were rushed to the scene and thanks to their efforts no damage was done to any surrounding properties.

1977

THE tramp of Wellington boots up and down Stonehouse High Street marked the staging of the annual welly walk.

Forty-Seven teams of five, tied together at the ankle with string had to stagger into five pubs along the town’s one and a quarter mile main street.

All members of each team had to drink a pint at every establishment they entered, women were allowed halves.

The crowd watching was estimated to have reached 1000 people and £1200 was eventually raised for the Standish Hospital League of Friends.

JOE Lewis administrator of the Gloucestershire County Scout Headquarters at Cranham was awarded one of the movement’s top forms of recognition, the Silver Acorn.

Mr Lewis who had been in the scouts for 46 years told the SNJ that the award had been given for outstanding services to the movement.

As barer of such an award Mr Lewis attended National annual Scout parade on St George’s Day.

1987
PLANS were unveiled to bring 70 species of monkey to Rodborough Fort.

The owners planned to spend over £100,000 on the nine-acres of land to build an aviary, improve facilities for campers and caravan users and turn the fort into a popular tourist attraction.

Owner, James Davidson said: “Restoration of the ancient chapel is almost complete and it will be back in use after 70 years.

POLICE were looking for a man who was seen running around naked near Rodborough Fort.

The man was described as being 5ft 10 of medium build, with dark hair.

Police believe the man approached a woman who was sitting on a bench.
A spokesperson said: “No assault took place and the man then ran off.”
 

1997
A TELEVISION series based on Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd began filming in Stroud.

The television company Granada filmed four one-hour episodes which were shown the following year.

Paloma Baeza starred in the show alongside Johnathan Firth and Nathaniel Parker.

Local auditions were also held at Stroud Subscription Rooms.
It is believed over 500 extras from around the Five Valleys were used, one of whom was aged just seven.
 

2007
A 17-YEAR-old from Nailsworth received two awards for his dedication to the Scouts.

Ashley Cooke was awarded The Gloucestershire Young Person of the Year award for Leadership and later received Nailsworth Town Council’s Youth Award.

Ashley was a young leader in the Nailsworth Scouts, organising a range of activities including camps and events for cubs.