If the world the Herald reported on in March 1935 was compared to a weather forecast, it could be sunny intervals with cloud later.

Reports about Alton Urban Council, Headley Cricket Club and the St Andrew’s Farnham tower fund appeal jostle alongside pieces about Germany re-arming and conscripting soldiers.

But amid the looming darkness is light, with a rum bunch of characters appearing before a highly-distinguished bench at Farnham Police Court.

The sub-headlines raise a smile: Drunk on Methylated Spirits! Accident Caused by Straying Cow! Seaman on Pavement! (Oo-er).

The latter refers to Joseph Wright, who admitted to being “drunk and incapable” on Union Road. He was carried to the police station (remember that?) after being found lying unconscious on the pavement while travelling from Gravesend to Guernsey via Farnham and Poole.

He told the bench he used methylated spirits to “make tea” and promised to leave Farnham without delay before getting a ticking off and being discharged.

Edward North also found himself in the dock for allowing three cows to stray onto Waverley Lane. Proving it was a different time, a cyclist who collided into one of the cows picked himself up and drove the bovine intruders back into the field before notifying the police.

The cyclist ended with a broken lamp and a bruised leg, while Mr North concluded the cow had “come off best” before being fined 5s.

Finally, young soldiers Charles Waller and John Charles Wray pleaded guilty to stealing a £1 bike from a Heath End man during a walk from Portsmouth to Farnborough.

The actions of the pair, who admitted to being “foolish”, meant the owner couldn’t get to work at the Farnham Gas and Electricity Company. They were ordered to pay 15s between themselves and told to be on their best behaviour for 12 months. Different times.