NOSTALGIA: Looking back 10, 25, 50 years ago (published Gazette, Thursday, January 28)

10 YEARS AGO: Thursday, January 26, 2006

A dramatic vision for the future of Amble harbour area including a magnet visitor attraction has been revealed. The Fisherman’s Wharf concept features the possibility of an art tower as a key feature within a courtyard style development including cafes and shops. The mixed use scheme could include cultural activity and entertainment, food and beverage outlets, speciality shopping, office accommodation, beach-based activity and facilities to support the fishing industry. This vision has been brought together by Amble Development Trust with backing from partners Northumberland Strategic Partnership and One NorthEast. They are seeking to produce an ambitious long-term development plan for the waterfront area of the town.

25 YEARS AGO: Friday, February 1, 1991

A famous Alnwick cocktail appears to be losing its roots because of a shortage of one of the ingredients in its home town. The Percy Special, a favourite drink of the Percy Hunt, is a combination of whisky and Cherry Heering but a scarcity of the cherry liquor in Alnwick means that the special tipple could disappear from the town. Even the Percy family themselves have had to look elsewhere to buy a bottle. The butler at Alnwick Castle recently placed an order with an off-licence at Wooler only to be told that they were temporarily sold out. Mr Don Claxton, huntsman for the Percy Hunt, confirmed that people are having to buy a bottle and keep the tradition going. “I don’t drink it myself but some do and they reckon it’s got to be this Heering or it doesn’t taste the same.” he said.

50 YEARS AGO: Friday, January 28, 1966

An experimental one-way traffic scheme aimed at cutting out summertime congestion in the town may be operating in Alnwick in July. The areas chosen for the scheme are Bailiffgate, Narrowgate as far as Greenwell Lane for southbound traffic. And from the junction of Windsor Gardens, along Dispensary Street, Northumberland Street, to Bailiffgate for northbound traffic. The plan, approved by eight votes to five at Tuesday night’s Urban Council meeting, follows discussions between council representative, police, Northumberland’s planners and the county surveyor’s department. Coun ST Pickup, who voted against the proposals, warned of the possible dangers resulting from the increased traffic flow, pinpointing Clayport Street in particular.