Back in the day: We delve into our archives to see what was going on 10 years ago, 25 years ago and 50 years ago this week

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10 years ago – April 9, 2015

Camel capers

Where else, except Lambourn’s Betfair Open Day, would you see legendary jockey AP McCoy struggling to stay atop a camel thundering down the gallops?

The racing hero was nearly unseated when his mount promptly sat down at the starting line before changing its mind, jumping to its feet and nearly unseating its famous rider in the process.

Camel racing was just one of the many attractions that drew around 10,000 racing fans to Lambourn’s big day out on Good Friday.

Newbury MP Richard Benyon said: “I come each year with my family and it’s always nice to see people from all over the country come to meet their heroes ... even if most of them are four legged.”

For many, it was a chance to meet AP McCoy, a man regarded as the greatest ever jump jockey, who announced his impending retirement this year.

He told the Newbury Weekly News: “This won’t be my last year here. I’ll certainly be coming back. I’m local to Lambourn, so I’m not going anywhere.”

In the morning, visitors toured the yards of Lambourn Valley ’s top trainers, including Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows. He said: “We had great crowds, a great turnout – and great fun.”

50 years ago – April 10, 1975

Rats running riot

Rats are now over-running the derelict plot of land at Aintree Close it was claimed at Greenham Parish Council last week.

The plot was to be used for a shop on the new estate, but it has lain empty since the original builders went out of business.

Some time ago the parish council wrote to Newbury District Council complaining that it was being used as a tip for garden refuse refuse and rubbish and asked if the council could clear and use it as a play area until the shop could be built.

But last last week members heard that the district council were not prepared to clear up the site.

It was agreed that the district should be told that the derelict site was over-run with rats and at the same time the new owner should be urged to turn the site into a play area for local children.