The stories making the headlines on May 4 1936

Car in Flames at Usk

Two passengers in a sports car experienced a thrill in Twyn Square, Usk at about 11.30 at night. The car was driven by a woman from Cinderford who had been a member of a mannequin party who had given a demonstration at Cwm. The car was stopped in Twyn Square for the purpose of waiting for the remainder of the party, who were following in other cars, when it burst into flames. PS A Bowkett, and PC J Jones secured extinguishers, and with the assistance of Mr G G Clench, Castle Garage and Mr Williams, Captain of Usk Fire Brigade, soon mastered the fire. The car was extensively damaged. Both passengers escaped injury.

Exciting final at Chepstow

A large crowds witnessed the final at Chepstow of the J H Watts Challenge Cup between the Chepstow Engineering Works and Aberdare Depot of the Red and White Services.

A keen game ended in a 2-0 victory for Aberdare, who owed a good deal to their goalkeeper. The teams were well-matched, and the game was full of incident. Excitement often ran high as attacks were launched the Chepstow combination, hardly as well balanced as Aberdare, lacked finish and scoring power. B Morgan gave the visitors an early lead, and the result remained in the balance up to within five minutes of the end, when Aberdare broke away down the centre and D Lewis found himself in a good position to head into the net to clinch the issue. Later, the teams were entertained to supper, and at the public dance afterwards the cup and medals were presented by Mr J H Watts who congratulated the finalists upon their sporting display.

New Altar and Cross in Church

The Lord Bishop of Monmouth dedicated in Gobion Church at Llanvihangel Gobion, a new altar, cross, candlesticks and altar rails at Evensong in the presence of a fill congregation of parishioners and visitors. The altar, shelf and rails were after the design of MR R L Edmunds , the Diocesan Surveyor, and executed through Mr W Jackson of Goytre. The cross and candlesticks were hand-made by Mr Gravell, of the Central Forge, Burry Port, to a design submitted by the Rural Industries Bureau, and are of wrought iron finished armour bright. Mr Budgen, of the Monmouthshire Rural Community Council arranged for their design and execution. The general effect of the altar and ornaments is in keeping with the severe simplicity of the sturdy walls and grey stone of the centuries old church. Traditionally built as the church was. By blacksmiths the oak and, iron of the new additions is in tone with the spirit of its foundation.

Abergavenny Postal Staff

During the past 12 months the motor drivers of Abergavenny postal staff have driven 130,000 miles under all conditions and have not in any way been involved in an accident. Their skilful and careful driving was recognised when they were presented with diplomas of the National Safety First Association by the Mayor of Abergavenny (Lieutenant-Colonel) J G Bishop at the Head Post Office, Abergavenny.

Monmouth River Front

At a meeting of the Monmouth Chamber of Trade Councillor Howard Bowen said it would be a great improvement if the Promenade could be carried on above Wye Bridge and the Boat House. The President (Mr H W Shilback) said it would be an improvement to have a way down from Wye Bridge to the Boat House. Councillor Bowen said the approach to the Boat House was not attractive for visitors. Alderman Ballinger said that to ask the Monmouth Corporation now to commit themselves to any big scheme would not be wise. He added: “We have now more on our hand than we can deal with. You will be well advised to let ambitious schemes of that nature lie on the table.”

The Mayor said the owners of the fields above the Boat House objected to the Corporation placing seats there.

Alderman Ballinger: “And without the owners permission the whole scheme fails.”

The Mayor said a new by pass road was pending and that would bring the remainder of Granville Street under that scheme.

Alderman Ballinger said the proposed improvement scheme would be unwise pending some final decision of the by-pass road. The Mayor said the by-pass road would help their improvement scheme. He said that at present the Corporation could consider improvement from the end of the Boat House to the end of the Corporation property. About £200 could be well spent there. Alderman Ballinger said the scheme so far as the Corporation property was concerned, might be carried out. It was understood that the question of improving the Corporation property above the Boat House would be considered, and that further steps would be taken to obtain that permission of the owners of the fields to place seats there.