From the Rugby Advertiser archives - March 5, 2020 edition

March 6 , 1920

The majority of the female employees of Mssrs Swain and van den Arend, cigar manufacturers of Rugby ceased work at midday on Saturday on the question of forcing the non-unionists in the factory to join the Cigar Makers Union.

We understand a deputation representing the union members interviewed Mr van den Arend and asked him to use his influence with the other employees; in other words to make them join the union or to discharge them.

He considered this to be a question to be considered by each person individually, especially as many non-unionists had worked for him for many years.

March 5 , 1970

Schools and shops closed, road and rail links were brought to a standstill, villages were cut off and many people failed to get to work as Rugby and district was engulfed by Wednesday’s severe blizzard.

Cars and lorries were abandoned all over the town, most main roads were impassable for several hours and some angry motorists were quick to accuse the local authorities of not being prepared, despite every available gritting lorry sent out, together with everything they could fix a snowplough on to.

March 2 , 1995

Schools could have been saved from savage budget cuts if the county dipped into its £7 million reserves, it has been revealed.

Opposition parties wanted to draw on the council’s cash in the bank to help out the schools where some will have to sack teachers to balance the books. But the ruling Labour group claims its opponents are simply seeking to snatch headlines and win themselves support. They expect an even tougher budget next year and drawing on balances would still mean the money having to be paid back.