Welcome to That Was The Year That Was, a review of an eventful 2015, as compiled by MICK HOWES and MARK BOGGIS. In the eighth part, we look back at some of the stories making the headlines in The Journal last August.
Success for inaugural festival – Lowestoft's first ever Summer Festival created a platform on which it can build to become a firm fixture on the town's calendar, organisers said.
The event was a great success, with the street velodrome in the town centre proving popular and more than 200 entrants signed up for Parade on the Prom. A sandcastle record attempt and sandcastle competition also provided entertainment.
Homes flooded – The clean-up continued after residents experienced flooding 'devastation' in Aldwyck Way, Lowestoft, with waist-high water bursting through flood defences and into their homes.
But their despair soon turned to anger as neighbours recalled how they had raised concerns about flooding before – but that nothing had been done because a number of agencies could not agree who should resolve the problem. Further meetings were later held to look at how the homes devastated by floods could be better protected in the future, with the council producing a draft report.
Lowestoft Players funding boost – There was a buzz of excitement when the Lowestoft Players were awarded £71,000 of funding to make changes and improvements to the Players Theatre in Battery Green Road. The money meant they were able to carry out major upgrades to the stage and auditorium light and sound system, improve disabled facilities, replace some windows and doors, improve the theatre's energy efficiency and expand backstage facilities.
Debate over fish market – In a sign of the changing face of the industry in Lowestoft, plans were revealed that would move the historic fish market from its prime location to one of six newly-proposed sites on the port.
The move could allow the town to benefit from a £50billion investment into the East of England energy sector, potentially creating valuable new jobs. But while local fish merchants were sympathetic to the proposals they wanted to remain where they were and started a petition.
Rugby World Cup visits East Coast – Lowestoft and Yarmouth rugby supporters got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get within touching distance of the sport's most sought-after trophies when the World Cup came to Lowestoft.
The club was chosen as one of the stopping points on the 100-day trophy tour.
Soggy Bank Holiday Gala – Despite being hit by downpours, about 1,000 hardy folk still turned up to enjoy an action packed programme of activities and displays at Lowestoft Lion's Gala Day at Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad. The poor weather did force the cancellation of Lowestoft's only public firework display of the year at the charity event.
Museum celebrates – Lowestoft Museum in Broad House, Oulton Broad described as a 'hidden jewel' in Lowestoft celebrated its 30th anniversary in style. Hundreds of people attended as a ceremonial cake was cut and young and old posed for pictures at the guestbook, which was signed by the Queen and Prince Philip at the opening in 1985.
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