Published: Friday, 9th May, 2008 16:00
Out with the old, in with the news
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PRESS GANG: Peter Lawrence, the Observer’s previous owner and his wife Brenda
Pic by: PAUL JOHNS
THE very first front page of The Observer has taken centre stage at a new exhibition.
The newspaper was at the heart of celebrations to mark our 125th anniversary at Slough Museum on Tuesday.
Terry Luff, grandson of Charles Luff who was the first owner of the Observer, stumbled across the edition printed on May 5 1883 in a draw, still in good condition.
Mr Luff, who lives in Flackwell Heath, said: “It is a family heirloom but we thought it would be better to have it on display for other people to appreciate as well. We were very happy to make this donation, and it is wonderful to see so many people enjoy it.”
The newspaper – which featured a story about the British Orphan Asylum in Mackenzie Park, Slough – has been encased in a special £300 frame to ensure it is not damaged by air and light.
Community leaders and friends of the paper poured into the museum in Slough High Street to celebrate the birthday. Royal Borough mayor, Cllr Leo Walters, said: “It is a great milestone for the Observer. The paper is a wonderful contributor locally.”
Slough Mayor’s Cllr Rashad Butt said: “The newspaper does a wonderful job.
“It’s great that it’s 125 years – I can’t believe it.”
Visitors had the chance to gaze through popular stories which made it into the newspaper during 1961.
Slough Cllr Christine Small said: “It’s been lovely looking back through old articles because I actually remember the stories when they first came out, as I was 15. The Observer was the place to go if you wanted local news then, and that’s still very much the case now.”
The Observer’s director of operations, Amanda Gee, donated £650 to the museum during the celebrations. The exhibition will go into the museum’s permanent exhibition area in June. For more information call 01753 526422.
For a birthday special edition see this week's Observer
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