50 years ago

POLICE are still hunting for the man they believe started four farm fires near Henley, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage on Monday night and early Tuesday morning. As firemen from Berkshire and Oxfordshire battled with the blazes at Sonning, Dunsden and Binfield Heath, roadblocks were set up, but the firebug managed to escape. Police estimate the total destruction at more than £100,000.

There was triple cause for satisfaction at Henley Town and Visitors’ Regatta on Saturday last — firstly, good fortune with the weather; secondly, the appearance of a number of crews and scullers from Australia and New Zealand; and thirdly, the great success of the home club Henley RC, in winning four events.