100 Years Ago April 4, 1908 A MEETING to explain the Territorial Forces Act was held in the Redesdale Hall, Moreton, on Friday evening by Major H M Spencer. He said he had been ordered by his Colonel to come to Moreton and do his best to explain the new act and he hoped that they would listen to him. He was afraid at one time because of the proposals, which had to be made in connection with "I" Co, but he hoped it was settled at headquarters and the best thing to do was to make a good job of it. Anyhow, Moreton men had the chance given them of joining the forces, so they would not complain. He explained under the new arrangements"I" Co, Stow and Moreton, would be amalgamated with "K" Co, Campden, with headquarters at Campden.

75 Years Ago April 1, 1933 AT about 1.30pm on Tuesday, a motor lorry with a trailer attached was proceeding down the Bourton road towards Blockley when something went wrong with the braking system and the lorry got out of control. This happened at about the entrance to Hailstone Farm before the worst part of the hill was encountered. The lorry rapidly gained speed and when the driver came to the right hand turn leading to Lower Street he found he was unable to negotiate it and decided to run straight down towards Mill House. Road repairing operations were in hand there and a steam roller was immediately round the sharp bend. The lorry driver successfully passed two horses and carts but was unable to pass the steam roller and a collision occurred. The near side of the lorry was damaged and the trailer turned over and smashed, fortunately, however, without injury to either the driver or his mate.

30 Years Ago April 6, 1978 Stow Parish Council is opposed to the building of five police houses with garages opposite the front of Ashton House for elderly people. Ashton House was built as a result of the old Eastview Hospital at Stow being demolished and the site cleared. The new home occupies only part of the site, the rest being open space next to Union Street. It is here that the police houses will go. The parish council chairman, Mr D D Bailey, told the annual parish meeting that the houses would be two-storied and he felt the site was the wrong place for tall buildings. There would also be noise and traffic activity due to the houses being occupied by the police. The clerk, Mr L J Coyle, said that a "holding" protest had already been lodged by the council with the district council, describing the proposed Ashton House development as "totally unsuitable."