Northampton as it used to be: 16 pictures of people making the headlines 20 years ago

By David Summers

Published 3rd Feb 2026, 13:42 BST

From retiring nursing staff to the opening of a new all-weather school sports pitch, these are some of the people making the headlines 20 years ago.

All of the photographs were taken by the Chronicle & Echo in February 2006 – are there any faces that you recognise?

Tina Pollard, senior nurse at the neo natal unit at Northampton General Hospital, retiring after 19 years. Pictured: Sharon Howard, Ester Dias, Jane Coles, Tina Pollard and Joy Margetts, staff from NGH, at Tina's leaving party.

1. Looking Back 20 Years Ago Special

Tina Pollard, senior nurse at the neo natal unit at Northampton General Hospital, retiring after 19 years. Pictured: Sharon Howard, Ester Dias, Jane Coles, Tina Pollard and Joy Margetts, staff from NGH, at Tina's leaving party. Photo: Sharon Lucey

Pupils from Northampton High School putting on a production of the Wizard Of Oz. Pictured: Victoria Sye, 17, as the good witch, Hannah Burt, 17, as the tin man, Lisa Dunkley, 13, as Dorothy, Hannah Wilkins, 17, as the lion, Alice Commins, 14, as Dorothy (understudy) Ruth Chute-Manning, 17, as the scarecrow and Kat Furner, 15, as the wicked witch.

2. Looking Back 20 Years Ago Special

Pupils from Northampton High School putting on a production of the Wizard Of Oz. Pictured: Victoria Sye, 17, as the good witch, Hannah Burt, 17, as the tin man, Lisa Dunkley, 13, as Dorothy, Hannah Wilkins, 17, as the lion, Alice Commins, 14, as Dorothy (understudy) Ruth Chute-Manning, 17, as the scarecrow and Kat Furner, 15, as the wicked witch. Photo: Sharon Lucey

University of Northampton students receiving awards from the Friends of Occupational Therapy. Pictured: Beryl Warren, secretary of the Friends of Occupational Therapy Education in Northampton, Claire Beech, student, receiving an award for excellence in academic achievement, Bonnie Woods, student, receiving bursary award to attend College of Occupational Therapists National Conference, Ian Roberts, student, receiving an award for excellence in practice education and Annie Turner, professional lead in Occupational therapy.

3. Looking Back 20 Years Ago Special

University of Northampton students receiving awards from the Friends of Occupational Therapy. Pictured: Beryl Warren, secretary of the Friends of Occupational Therapy Education in Northampton, Claire Beech, student, receiving an award for excellence in academic achievement, Bonnie Woods, student, receiving bursary award to attend College of Occupational Therapists National Conference, Ian Roberts, student, receiving an award for excellence in practice education and Annie Turner, professional lead in Occupational therapy. Photo: Sharon Lucey

The Saint's Grant Seely opening up new floodlit pitch at Northampton School For Boys. School County Cup Game was played straight after.

4. Looking Back 20 Years Ago Special

The Saint's Grant Seely opening up new floodlit pitch at Northampton School For Boys. School County Cup Game was played straight after. Photo: Kelly Barnes