SWINDON

1952: Mr William Parker of Angel Hotel in Purton was presented with a barometer by patrons of the pub as his leaving gift before sailing for Rhodesia. Mr Parker was a collector of tropical fish and beer labels. Mrs Parker was born in Cape Town so would be returning to her own continent when Mr Parker took up his new position of manufacturing agent.

1962: Mr and Mrs HRH Peters and their 17-year-old son have docked in England for a four months holiday. The couple left Swindon for a new life in Australia eight years previously. Mr Peters had worked as an accountant in the British Rail Services Depot in Drove Road. He was well known in table tennis circles playing for the British Rail Staff Association Division One team.

1972: Three students from the Swindon area were to attempt to break the world record for the longest Monopoly game. The students were Nigel Freeth, of Colebrook Road, Swindon, Eamonn O’Connor of Stratton St Margaret and Peter Barratt of the Mall, Old Town. They all attended the Bristol Polytechnic. The Guinness Book of Records longest Monopoly play record to beat stood at 86 hours.

BIRTHDAYS Peter Fonda, actor, 78; Howard Jones, singer, 63; Helena Sukova, former tennis player, 53; Melinda Messenger, TV presenter, 47; Kelly Macdonald, actress, 42; Gareth Barry, footballer, 37; Emily Blunt, actress, 35; Dakota Fanning, actress, 24.