TAKE a trip down memory lane with the stories that hit the headlines 100, 50 and 25 years ago in the Northwich Guardian.

100 years ago

MID Cheshire residents were being reassured that there would be no shortage of tea.

The amount of tea coming into wartime Britain had greatly improved by the end of summer following a poor May, but residents were reminded to continue rationing their tea intake.

The Ministry of Food said: “Owing to the difficulty of providing tonnage, the shipments of India and Ceylan tea in May was comparatively small, but there was a marked improvement in June, and the shipments in July were well above normal requirements.

“Adequate imports are expected during succeeding months. The food controller has called for a return of supplies in the country, but it is already known that these are considerable.

“Although there is no present cause for alarm concerning supplies, the food controller would urge that it is most desirable that all possible economy be exercised in the use of tea, as in the case of all foodstuffs.”

50 years ago

A RUDHEATH man was prosecuted by magistrates after undertaking an off-duty policeman on the Northwich bypass.

The 23-year-old told Northwich magistrates that the Manchester officer ‘seemed to be smirking and braking to stop me from getting past’ before shaking his fist at the defendant when he did pass.

He claimed his action had not been dangerous because the officer should have moved from the outside lane to the inside lane and allowed him to pass, but was found guilty of dangerous driving and fined £25.

25 years ago

SHOCKED relatives watched as two Northwich men had a miraculous escape when a helicopter crashed into 11,000 volt power lines.

They ran to the crash, helping to drag the men free, seconds before it burst into flames in Well Lane, Little Stretton.

Farmer John Darbyshire told how he witnessed the helicopter hitting the power lines ‘like an elastic band’.

He said: “When they first hit the deck we thought they had no chance.”

The pair were taken to Warrington District General Hospital along with relatives suffering from shock, but the pilot was reported to be already preparing for his next helicopter ride.

Meanwhile, heartless thieves took clothes, cash and goods from Weaverham Army Cadets worth more than £3,794.

After forcing their way through wire meshing and shutters the crooks broke a ground floor window to get into the building.