Top Bracknell stories from January 1989

In January 1989, a cast of 70 set the scene for Hurst Lodge School’s Christmas production of Oliver by Lionel Bart, which was presented at Cordes Hall, Sunninghill, during the last week of term.

Polished and presented with obvious joy and enthusiasm, the production was described by the “ecstatic” audience as Hurst Lodge’s “best ever” show.

It was directed by Jenny Brown.

In the same month, the Quince Players’ annual pantomime of Sleeping Beauty also received rave reviews.

Featuring a cast of more than 30, it ran at Cordes Hall, Sunninghill, and was directed by Lin Blakley, wife of Alan Blakeley – who was a member of the Tremeloes group.

All proceeds from the show were donated to local charities.

In other news, Sunningdale schoolgirl Clarissa Young beat the rest of Berkshire to win the first prize in a top essay competition.

Miss Young, then aged 15, of Charters School, won the Berkshire prize for the Glanville Ball essay competition, organised by the Royal British Legion.

Entrants were encouraged to research the history of the RBL and write about it in an essay.

Miss Young’s entry won her a £20 gift voucher and a place in the national competition.

The News also reported in January that Christmas cheer came early to the residents of Bracknell Heathlands Old People’s Home when staff from BT’s mobile communications centre in the town visited the residents bearing the gift of free phone calls.

The residents were allowed to call anyone in the world on the latest handheld and in-car telephones.

They used the opportunity to send season’s greetings to friends and family in various parts of the world.

Finally, a petrified pet cat was rescued after two days of being stuck in a pine tree in Forest Park, Bracknell.

The feline, named Niggy, stayed in the swaying treetop for 48 hours, with her panicked owners calling the RSPCA, which then contacted Bracknell Fire and Rescue Service.

They called over a turntable ladder from Reading to rescue the terrified animal.