In 1975, Newmarket saw major developments with the opening of the £13 million bypass and Rookery shopping centre, aimed at easing traffic and boosting local commerce.
Newmarket Journal Headlines from 1975
As the New Year begins, it is a chance to look back 50 years at stories that made headlines in the Newmarket Journal in 1975.
Major Developments in Newmarket
1975 was a landmark year with the opening of the Rookery shopping centre in March. In July, the new £13 million Newmarket bypass opened. The Journal reported that this bypass would divert six out of seven vehicles from the High Street, easing what was called the worst bottleneck in East Anglia.
Art and Culture
Earlier in the year, a wall sculpture called The Lunging Rein, created by sculptor Geoffrey Wickham, was announced for the new Budgen’s supermarket overlooking the market square.
Notable Events
On March 11, Terry Wogan and former British heavyweight boxing champion Henry Cooper were special guests at the opening of The Rookery. This shopping centre included a flagship supermarket and a new pub, The Prohibition, styled after the 1920s.
Local Business and Celebrations
Phil McCoy, landlord of The George and Dragon at Snailwell, kept his wine and spirit prices at pre-Budget levels. Staff at Playfords celebrated the firm’s 50th anniversary. CI Caravans moved its caravan-making operation to its Brickfields factory from The Pines in Fordham Road.
Protests and Community Actions
In May, stable lads protested at the start of the town’s Guineas meeting. They requested a £4.70 pay rise on their basic wage of £23.50. On 2,000 Guineas day, they staged a sit-down protest before marching up the historic course.
Sports and Education
The Mildenhall Fen Tigers Speedway team began their National League programme against Scunthorpe Saints in front of a crowd of 5,000. On May 12, 180 children started at the new £125,000 All Saints Primary School, which opened later that year.
Community Developments
In autumn 1975, the £180,000 New Astley Club opened in Fred Archer Way. It replaced the original Astley Institute and quickly gained 600 members. The first club warden was Ron Wallwork, a Commonwealth gold medalist.
Business Changes
Terry Foreman purchased the Bedford Lodge Hotel and planned to run it with his family. Newly-licensed trainer Luca Cumani moved his first 25 horses into Bedford House stables.
Company Milestones
Newmarket Transistors marked 21 years in the town in 1975. The factory, located on Exning Road, employed around 180 people and had been extended twice since its opening.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Opening of Rookery Shopping Centre | March 1975 | Included a new pub and supermarket. |
| Newmarket Bypass Opens | July 1975 | Cost £13 million, aimed to reduce traffic. |
| Prohibition Pub Opens | March 11, 1975 | Opened by Terry Wogan and Henry Cooper. |
| All Saints Primary School Opens | May 12, 1975 | Cost £125,000, 180 children enrolled. |
| New Astley Club Opens | Autumn 1975 | Cost £180,000, 600 members. |
| Newmarket Transistors Anniversary | 1975 | Celebrated 21 years in the town. |
