December 12, 1969.

BOX: Older folk of Box Hill area will not have to worry this Sunday about their dinner – one is being laid on for them. They will also be sure of a Christmas prelude – turkey and all the other embellishments. As soon as the bar closes at the Quarrymans Arms at 2pm landlord Bob Hancock and customers will prepare tables and chairs in front of a blazing log fire. The guests will be about 20 elderly residents. Those unable to be present will have food hampers delivered to their homes, and these total 15. Australian-born landlady Mrs Hancock and friends will prepare the dinner, which begins at 3.30pm. Mr Hancock says: “We thought it would be a good idea to give the older folk a bit of Christmas cheer. The reason for the holding of the dinner late on Sunday afternoon is because it would be rather awkward during licensing hours.” Money was raised from a harvest festival service. Among the guests will be Mrs Nellie Wilkins, who is 90, and 87-year-old Mr Sid Dancey.

December 15, 1989.

SOUTHWICK: Expansive plans for the new four-star hotel, golf course and leisure complex on farmland at Southwick are under way and the impressive new facilities could be in use in just over two years. Europa Hotels and Leisure Group say that the 150-bedroomed hotel, Europa Trowbridge, will be able to cater for 250 people in its function room and provide additional conference facilities. Guests, golfers and customers at the adjoining leisure area will be able to enjoy a first-class restaurant and coffee shop at the hotel. It will have something for everybody – the golfer, swimmer, recreation enthusiast, hotel weekender or business man. Health and fitness suites are planned and so are catering and bar facilities. The all-weather pitch will accommodate soccer, hockey and other suitable sports. The council plans to spend £6.5m on the complex and that does not include the land. An opening date of January 1992 has been suggested for the hotel and leisure complex.

December 17, 2004.

WILTSHIRE: Councils covering north and west Wiltshire have received more than £250,000 to boost waste reduction and increase recycling. The Government grants are part of £260m allocated nationally to help local authorities plan recycling activity over the next three years without putting extra pressure on council tax. The waste performance and efficiency grant has allocated £40,981 to North Wiltshire District Council, £39,164 to West Wiltshire District Council and £196,736 to Wiltshire County Council. Environment minister Elliot Morley said: “We need to cut the amount of waste we dump in the ground and increase recycling and re-use of materials. The role of local authorities in reducing waste and reducing landfill is vital.”