SWINDON sweltered this week in 1976, as the country basked in the greatest heatwave since reliable records began.

This was a boon to people organising outdoor events such as carnivals and Scout rallies, as well as those involved in Swindon’s burgeoning public arts scene, who were able to push on without fear of rain intervening.

Indoor events included a trade fair in Swindon at which many modern technological marvels were on show.

These included telephones with buttons where most telephones had only a rotary dial.