January began with a disastrous fire at a house in Water Street in which local character George Fry unfortunately lost his life. The fire began in the early morning and the fire brigade remained all day until it was eventually damped down in the late afternoon. Damage is extensive and the building remains boarded up. The building was at one time used as the "Crystal Swimming Baths".

The crumbling wall fronting the old Rectory on Kingshill Road has at last begun to be repaired. This wall, known as the Golden Wall, due to the original high cost of construction is having a significant amount of stonework replaced. Previous to this there was an abortive attempt to shield pedestrians from the damaged areas with a 6 foot high wire mesh fence but this proved unworkable.

The new library nears completion, books are going on the shelves and the opening day has been set for February 6th.