On this week: December 22-29, 1999 in Clenchwarton, Downham Market, Hunstanton, King’s Lynn, Sandringham and Watlington
In our weekly feature, we go back through the pages of the Lynn News 25 years go…
Millennium fever is set to grip this week as West Norfolk prepares for the biggest night of the century. Beacons will be lit up around the borough as communities get together to celebrate the dawn of a new millennium. And one lucky Clenchwarton couple, John and Eileen Brason, will be seeing in the new year with the Queen and the rich and famous at London’s Millennium Dome. About to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, Mr Brason responded to a Daily Mirror competition asking who should open the capital’s new landmark. His reply: “My wife, for putting up with me all this time” proved to be a winner.
Kind-hearted Lynn News readers inundated the RSPCA with offers to take in dozens of homeless animals following a special feature in the newspaper. Nearly 50 animals had been highlighted and within a few days just five dogs, one cat and three gerbils were still in need of a new home. On the first day of the appeal, West Norfolk RSPCA branch homing co-ordinator Penny Skate, took 70 phone calls about the animals and nearly the same again the following day.
Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital is failing to meet Government waiting time targets for breast cancer patients, new figures show. It now has the worst record in the eastern region. An NHS executive report states that between July and September just 57 per cent of women with suspected breast cancer were seen within the target of two weeks after referral from their GPs. This is well below the average performance in the eastern region, with nine out of the area’s other 18 NHS trusts recording 100 per cent figures. Hospital officials point out that new measures introduced since the report was published has seen the QEH figure increase to more than 90 per cent.
Vandals have ruined community efforts to mark Christmas in Watlington by ripping down fairy lights and stealing the transformer to illuminate them on the village tree. When the 160 lights were pulled down the guy ropes holding the 20ft tree in place were also loosened – and it was left lying on its side in the village’s proposed Millennium Green, a field in the middle of the village. The parish council is so fed up with the vandalism there are no plans to put the tree back up again.
Shoppers in Lynn have been hitting the stores with extra festive enthusiasm this year, according to the town’s traders. Although some people had left it late to get their Christmas shopping done, trade overall in December had been at its busiest for several years. Mr Steve Young, store manager at Debenhams in the High Street, said the rush had started late, but sales of cosmetics had been particularly high, adding: “It has been better than last year and that was exceptional.”
Free internet access will be on offer when Downham’s new library opens on Friday, January 14. The new facility, which is much bigger than the existing library in Bridge Street, is part of the £1.8 million development called the Priory Centre, in Priory Road. The building also features West Norfolk Council offices, a College of West Anglia learning centre, Tourist Information Centre and a Citizen’s Advice Bureau. An era ended last week when the old library opened its doors for the last time in 53 years.
Prince William delighted well-wishers at Sandringham when he greeted them with a smile on Boxing Day – after missing the traditional church visit on Christmas morning because he was feeling unwell. Looking rather pale and obviously putting a brave face on things, the young prince was asked how he felt, and replied: “I am feeling a lot better today, thank you,” as he made his way to the carol service at Sandringham church.
Sixty-seven swimmers in fancy dress took the plunge at Hunstanton on Christmas Day morning in bright winter sunshine, watched and cheered on by a group of well over 2,000 onlookers. The wind was keen and strong as the icy waters advanced over the sand as the intrepid swimmers marched through the crowds. Organisers Hunstanton Round Table were delighted with another record entry for their annual charity swim.
