LOOKING back on some of the stories the Gazette has reported through the years...

November 1966

DISCUSSIONS took place over the possible enlargement of Dursley’s temporary Castle Farm car park to accept more vehicles.

The town rural district council finance and general purposes committee agreed to pay the county council a nominal rent of £1 a year to regularise the use of the Castle Farm area as a car park.

The RDC said it wanted to make more effective use of the two and three quarter acres of land for car parking, of which at the time only a three-quarter acre space was being used.

Engineer and surveyor to the RDC, Mr H Dimery, suggested using a bulldozer to level and clear the area to allow more space for parking.

November 1976

AN APPEAL went out for Thornbury residents to save their Community Association building, known as The Chantry.

Every householder in the town was circulated with an appeal from the association calling for donations and help to save the 400-year-old building.

Earlier in the year, work was finished on repairs to chimneys and other improvements both inside and out. But while while this was being done, it was discovered that The Chantry building was riddled with dry rot.

Total costs of the repairs would be just under £23,000, though it was hoped the money would come from various national and local authorities, still leaving a shortfall of around £12,000.

November 1986

AN INVITATION was sent out to every home in Cromhall and Tytherington asking entire families to turn out for a pair of historic photographs to be taken.

The first photograph, to be taken from the tower of St Andrew’s Church, Cromhall, would feature the whole village, while the second, from atop the St James’ Church tower, would have everyone from Tytherington present.

“I just hope everyone will turn up come rain or shine,” said the Rev Chris Lee, who organised the event. “It will be a one-off historical event.

Meanwhile, police and firefighters in Avon issued a warning to residents to “never be flash with fireworks” ahead of fireworks night.

Chief constable Ron Broome and chief fire officer Frank Wilton said they would be hoping for a happy and safe bonfire night for all members of the public.

In a joint statement, they reminded everyone of their legal and safety requirements, which included it being illegal to sell fireworks to someone under the age of 16.