SWINDON

1952: Marlborough stationmaster Mr J Barnaby, interviewed by the Adver, lamented that many people, especially in the Swindon area, believed Savernake Forest remained closed to the public, even though it had only been closed during the war years. He hoped a new generation of visitors would get to know the forest and make it as popular a destination as it had been previously.

1952: The annual exhibition by adult classes of Swindon Education Committee was held at Clarence Street School. The Mayor of Swindon, Alderman A Leonard, visited with the Mayoress to perforn the official opening. He praised the quality of the pieces on show, which included embroidery, leather work and woodwork.

1962: The Wiltshire Playing Fields Association hoped for more support from some of the big companies headquartered in Swindon. The organisation’s annual meeting in Chippenham heard that none of the firms in question had offered financial backing. Members resolved to try to drum up more interest.

1962: A first performance of three new songs by classical composer Kenneth Herbert was the highlight of a meeting of the Arts Centre of Swindon Music Club. They were sung by soprano Enid Hogden, and an appreciative audience of about 100 also heard works by Hindemith, Copland and Dowland.

1972: The Wootton Bassett swimming pool fund was expected to be boosted by about £50 following a sponsored swim at the the Swindon Baths in Milton Road. For three hours a succession of swimmers took part in the event, for which an individual maximum time of 30 minutes was allowed. Two adults and 16 children took part, and one 15-year-old managed 34 lengths.

1972: The Adver received a letter from a Derbyshire woman, Mrs C Goldman, who was full of praise for Swindon. She wrote: “My family and I have just spent a few days in Swindon and what a lovely little spot it is. Your Queen’s Park is one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots I have ever seen, the Lakeside also. It’s possible to go shopping, visit the new theatre and then in a few minutes’ drive get on to the open Downs.We think Swindon has everything and are looking forward to another visit.”

THE WORLD

1860: The first world title fight took place near Farnborough, Hants, when Tom Sayers took on American John Heenan. After 37 rounds - two hours and 27 minutes - the match was declared a draw.

1937: A British attendance record at a football match was set when 149,547 people watched Scotland v England at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

1956: Premium Bonds were launched by Chancellor Harold Macmillan.

1960: American rock star Eddie Cochran died in a car crash near Chippenham while on tour with Gene Vincent.

1961: An attempt by Cuban exiles and US forces to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, and overthrow Castro’s Communist regime, was repulsed.

1984: PC Yvonne Fletcher was shot dead outside the Libyan People’s Bureau in central London. She had been policing a small demonstration outside the embassy.

2013: Margaret Thatcher’s funeral was held at St Paul’s Cathedral.

2017: Prince Harry was praised for helping change attitudes after revealing he sought counselling to come to terms with the death of his mother.

BIRTHDAYS

Henry Kelly, DJ and game show host, 72; Jan Hammer, composer, 70; Olivia Hussey, actress, 67; Pete Shelley, singer/guitarist (Buzzcocks), 63; Nick Hornby, writer, 61; Sean Bean, actor, 59; Muttiah Muralitharan, former cricketer, 46; Victoria Beckham, singer, fashion designer, businesswoman, 44; Rooney Mara, actress, 33.