50 years ago

FROM December 31, shops and business premises in Henley will only be permitted to use electricity, with a few exceptions, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Already this week most shops have had to rely on gas and oil lamps. The announcement this week that businesses will be able to generate their own power has eased the problem slightly.

The Henley to Twyford railway line was blocked for about two hours on Monday when one of the rear coaches of a train caught fire. As the 8.11am Henley to Paddington train pulled into Wargrave station flames were noticed and the fire brigade was called. Passengers at the back of the train were transferred to the forward carriages and continued their journey.

The Post Office must be sorry indeed to lose a man like Dick Rixon, who retired on Monday. Not only did he serve for 36 years but he also enjoyed his job. Dick, 60, who lives at South Weston, near Watlington, spent most of his working life with the Henley office, which was where he was presented with the Imperial Service Medal for his years of service.