Motorists sweltered on Sunday as roadworks closed Hart Street in Henley causing massive tailbacks on all the entry roads into the town. Drivers had to sweat it out as traffic queues stretched as far as Hurley coming in over Henley Bridge, back to Tesco on the Reading Road and all along the Fair Mile. Traffic warden Helen Anderson described the scene as ‘absolute chaos’ as residents and visitors attempted to negotiate their way around Henley.

There were angry scenes at Henley Town Hall on Tuesday when over 100 people packed into the council chamber to protest against pedestrianisation. Residents and traders rallied at a special meeting of the town council after leaflets had been posted around town advertising an open meeting. Jeers of disapproval rang round the chamber at a motion to introduce public consultation three months into the trial traffic scheme.

With temperatures in the 80s, this year’s Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta was always going to be a sun-drenched family day of fun — and so it proved. A large number of high quality entrants, from first timers to veterans, meant the regatta proved a huge success. The crowd was treated to some spectacular racing, including two dead heats and plenty of close finishes.

Mr. J. W. Read, baker and confectioner of Greys Road, Henley, has been appointed one of the judges in the confectionary section at the Bakers’ and Confectioners’ Exhibition in the Royal Agricultural Hall. Mr. Read has been a great competitor at this exhibition, and has taken all the honours it is possible for a competitor to take. Altogether he can pride himself upon possessing about 200 medals and diplomas.

An eleven-year-old lad named Albert Warner fell into the weir at Marsh Lock on Wednesday morning. Fortunately a very strong swimmer was close at hand. Attracted by the children’s cries, lock-keeper Mr. Tame rushed across the gates. After managing to get the boy on to his back he struck out and swam about 30 feet to the weir angle iron. He was thoroughly exhausted, but was relieved of his burden by two gentlemen who were staying at the lock house.

A serious outbreak of fire occurred in Henley on Tuesday and damage was done to the extent of several thousands of pounds. The fire occurred in Friday Street, which connects the riverside with the post office in Reading Road, on premises belonging to Messrs. J. Putman and Sons, rope, tent and tarpaulin manufacturers.

Strong opposition to the proposed closure of Henley War Memorial Hospital has been expressed by residents in the town council’s questionnaire. The results reveal an overwhelming 82 per cent want to see the hospital kept open, while just 15 per cent support the closure proposals put forward by the West Berkshire Heath Authority. Only 23 people expressed no opinion.

Town councillors have called for improvements in the way the river rescue service is run after concern about the number of recent accidents in the Thames. The mayor, John Pruckner, said the rescue service, run by volunteers on Sundays and Bank Holidays, would probably do a better job if they operated a radio-linked foot patrol along the bank instead of patrolling in a boat.

The garden at The Cherry Tree, Stoke Row, was filled with ‘bikers’ on Saturday afternoon — but landlord Ken Stallwood wasn’t about to throw them off the premises. For all the leather-clad men and women were vintage and post-vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who were celebrating the 20th anniversary of the local branch of the Velocette Owners’ Club. Members are regulars at the pub, and have held their twice-monthly meetings there for the past ten years.