Monday November 30

1948: Swindon Education Committee received a letter from the Ministry of Education approving the final plans for the new Headlands Secondary Grammar School, and they have sanctioned the expenditure.

1958: In view of the progress being made on the building of the Princess Margaret Hospital, the letterbox at the junction of Bath Road and Goddard Avenue will be moved nearer the hospital.

1979: 66-year-old sub post master, Eric Loveridge, fought off an armed raider and is now to get a bravery award. Eric was threatened with a bullet to the brain when a hooded raider tried to hold up Stratton St Margaret sub post office. Hero Eric stormed in, landing a strong punch to the raider's stomach making him drop the gun and run. Eric will be presented with his award in London by Denis Roberts the managing director of Posts for Britain.

Tuesday December 1

1948: Labour's May Queen Jean Denny will appear with Mr T Reid, MP for Swindon, when he opens Swindon Labour Party Christmas Fair at East Street Co-op Hall along with her maids of honour.

1958: The day he discovered Swindon-born film star, Diana Dors, was described by Jack Watson, the radio and TV star, when he opened a Conservative bazaar in Chippenham. He said that when he was in the Navy he was asked to judge a beauty contest. He picked out a girl and said: "One day she will be a star.'' That girl was Swindon's Diana Fluck, who went on to become Diana Dors.

1979: The first ever wedding to be held in the Swindon Council Chamber was between Charlene Hunt and Barry Kay both of Walcot. The chamber has seen many battles and confrontations but while the register office is being repaired it takes on a complete change as the backdrop for weddings.

Wednesday December 2

1948: The Dental Clinic at the National Health Centre in Swindon may be compelled to close because the Ministry of Health will not agree to the salaries for three dentists, recommended by Wiltshire National Executive Council, it was reported at a meeting of the Executive Council.

1958: Villagers of Wroughton unanimously decided at a public meeting to buy the Ellendune Hall for use by the village organisations. The present owners of the hall, Wroughton Entertainments Co Ltd, fixed a price of £1,450.

1979: Acting may be thirsty work, but performers at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre have to stay dry after a long night's show. They can not have a refreshing tipple - despite the theatre's bar facilities - because of licensing laws. Swindon magistrates turned down an application by the Wyvern Theatre and Arts Club for a general extension of drinking hours. Charles Savage, artistic director, said: "It's tough on the actors as the plays finish after 10pm.''

Thursday December 3

1948: Swindon British Rail works engineers - who in spheres of locomotive rolling stock development have pioneered the way for other Regions to follow - have now brought into being, a new type of insulated fish van, in which fish can be transported under the best conditions.

1958: Swindon Council agreed that the room on the ground floor of the house at Coate should be made available as a museum dedicated to the Swindon writer Richard Jefferies. It should be administered by the museum's committee. Exhibits were to be provided for the museum by the Richard Jefferies Society.

1979: Customers of the Swindon Motorcycle Dispatch Service are in for a surprise. Soon their deliveries will be made on a Star Wars-type superbike. Jim Knox, 30, who runs the service, has just become the proud owner of an all British 850cc Quasar. The bike hit the headlines when TT ace Phil Read borrowed it to take a trip to Buckingham Palace to pick up his MBE.

Friday December 4

1948: Patrons of the Regent Cinema in Swindon will this year have an opportunity of bringing a little of the Christmas spirit in to local hospitals and institutions. A Christmas tree,18ft high, has been given to the cinema by one of the town's florists, and it stands in the foyer awaiting visitors to adorn it with presents, which will then be distributed to hospital on Christmas Eve.

1958: The safe driving of 40 Swindon Corporate Employees and former employees, was recognised when the mayor Ald F J King presented road safety awards at a social evening at the Town Hall.

1979: Swindon Town take on the might of first division Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Football League Cup at Highbury tonight. Thousands of supporters will make the trek up the motorway to cheer on the team.

Saturday December 5

1948: Swindon GWR Male VOice Choir, conducted by George Morse, will give a concert in Chippenham which will be broadcast by the West Regional programme. Pianist Joan Baker will also be playing on the same programme.

1958: There were nearly 300 dancers at the final heat of a novices' quickstep contest at the Locarno Ballroom, Swindon. Through to the final are Ann Smith and Derek Wright, Iris Baldwin and A Andrews. The dancing was to The Christopher Paul 14 band and judging was by Len Cole.

1979: The tiny Wiltshire hamlet of Sevenhampton near Highworth is fighting a tremendous battle to save its 100 year old church. The 40 adults from Sevenhampton have raised more than £4,000 to keep open St James' Church and make sure the first phase of the restoration goes ahead.