Tag: 1960s

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1963

Social History 1963 #61

Saturday 14 December 1963

A rush-hour train, packed with commuters, crashed yesterday. The train left Liverpool Street, London at 5.29 pm for Gidea Park, Essex, but as it pulled out of the station, the last coach ran off the rails. A woman was killed, thirty-four people were injured, and another girl was trapped in the coach. Police, firemen and medical teams worked for two hours to free the girl. Their efforts were successful and the girl was taken to the London Hospital on Whitechapel Road.

The Beatles are going to court. They are seeking damages for alleged libel and injurious falsehood from two Blackpool companies for misuse of their name.

The film studios at Shepperton, Middlesex will close down tonight for four months. There are no bookings until April. One hundred and eighty men have been made redundant.

Police in Birmingham are on the hunt for Joey the monkey. Joey escaped from his owner, Mr Basil Morgan. He leapt in and out of houses, startled women and evaded the men who chased him. He also leapt through a window and stole 70 year old Mrs Rosina Studley’s dinner. Escaping over the rooftops, Joey was still free last night.

“We girls started a ‘Sneeze Box’ in our work room at the beginning of the year. We put a penny into the box every time we sneezed and after 2,736 sneezes have collected £11 8s for your Christmas Appeal.” – Nine Sneezers, Richmond, Surrey.

The Football Association may close Goodison Park after continuous trouble at Everton’s home games. The latest incident involved stones being thrown at Chelsea manager Tommy Docherty. Meanwhile, Arsenal are to lay a £10,000 “electric blanket” beneath the turf at Highbury so that, should we get snow like last winter, the pitch will remain playable.

Snow fell in Sussex, Kent, Bedfordshire and Hampshire yesterday, the coldest day since February 25.

Television highlights: Dr Who – science fiction series – The Firemaker. The Avengers – Don’t Look Behind You. That Was The Week That Was.

Radio highlights: Record Roundabout. Memory and Imagination.

Weather: snow and sleet, cold. Outlook – sleet. 3c, 37f.

Sunday 15 December 1963

The Home Secretary has refused to reprieve Dennis John Whitty, 22, and Russell Pascoe, 23. The men murdered Cornish farmer William Rowe, 64. Whitty will hang at Winchester and Pascoe at Bristol.

It was Shiver Saturday throughout Britain yesterday with snow and ice reported over most of the country. In London the temperature fell to zero for the first time this winter. The heaviest snowfalls were in Kent and Sussex. Icy roads are making driving dangerous and motorists have been urged to take extra care.

Alfred Hitchcock’s favourite plot: you are in a vast, echoing assembly car plant, walking slowly beside a chassis as it takes shape. You follow it as it grows, piece by piece, towards completion. And then, as the finished car rolls off the line, a door swings open and a body falls out. “All I have to do is explain how it happened and I have a helluva story,” Mr Hitchcock said.

Kathy Kirby has been voted Britain’s number one girl singer in a pop magazine national poll, ahead of Cleo Laine, Shirley Bassey and Dusty Springfield.

“This year, some children are asking for colour television sets,” said Father Christmas at Selfridges. 

“I wonder how many children had nightmares after watching Dr Who? If this tale of suspense and horror was shown in the cinema, I’m sure it would receive an “X” certificate.” – T Anderson, Exeter.

Football Results: First Division – Fulham 2 Everton 2, Liverpool 1 Blackburn 2, Manchester United 3 Sheffield Wednesday 1, Spurs 2 Stoke 1, West Ham 2 Chelsea 2, Wolves 2 Arsenal 2. Top three – Blackburn, Spurs, Arsenal.

Television highlights: Sunday Night from the Prince of Wales with Gerry and the Pacemakers. Play – A Local Boy with Jack Hedley. Play – The Swindler with Ronald Lewis.

Radio highlights: Join in and Swing. The Reith Lectures.

Weather: cold but mainly dry with sunny spells. Outlook – heavy snow showers.

Monday 16 December 1963

Women who live in Folkestone, Kent have been accused of being too snooty to work at a factory. The accusation comes from Mr J H Miller, the owner of a knitwear factory. He was offering jobs for 270 women, but only 130 applied. Mr Miller will now open a plant in Glenrothes, Scotland.

For twenty minutes last night planes could not land at Manchester Airport. Cows had wandered onto the runway, where they quietly munched away. Farm hands, police and airport officials chased the cows. Eventually, the cows were rounded up and the planes landed safely.

“Blaming women drivers for problems on the roads is wrong. The real trouble is caused by “weekend drivers” who keep their cars as status symbols.” – J G, Gainsborough, Lincs.

“Don’t keep your van doors unlocked in Clacton. I made this mistake and discovered that everything – Christmas presents, cakes, puddings and groceries had been stolen. It is not a friendly place.” – P Wilson, Newhaven, Sussex.

Personal Advertisements: “Ern, come home for Christmas,” – Love, Doris. “Yvonne, please come home for Christmas,” – Mum.

For three years Dave Clark, leader of the Dave Clark Five – London’s answer to the Mersey sound – resisted offers to turn professional. But now he’s accepted a £50,000 contract. The group will tour nationwide in March.

Football: Everton, who have been in trouble this season because of their fans’ misbehaviour, have accused Fulham’s fans of throwing objects at their players. Derek Temple, Everton’s left winger, claimed that a Fulham fan used a catapult to attack him during the 2 – 2 draw at Craven Cottage.

Television highlights: Come Dancing – Central London v East Midlands. Play of the Week – The Teachers starring Judi Dench and Peter Sallis. Discovering Japanese Art.

Radio highlights: Those Record Years – 1933. Requests. 

Weather: rain or sleet showers. Outlook – mainly dry. 5c, 41f.

Tuesday 17 December 1963

By eight votes to six the council at Paignton, Devon voted to ban bikinis from bowling greens because the bikinis make it difficult for the serious player to keep his eye on the ball. Councillor George Cornelins said, “It’s distracting to bowlers when a stout female wears shorts or a bikini which amplifies outstanding features of the body.”

Every year in Britain, one-tenth of the population moves to a new address. To keep track of this trend a mini census, covering a tenth of the population, will be conducted in 1966. This census is required to help local authorities with their planning.

Britain’s car production this year is expected to reach a record total of 1,600,000 vehicles. This compares with the previous record of 1,400,000 set in 1960 and 1,249,000 last year. Home sales have rocketed to 1,000,000.

After thirteen stormy years, the Tomato and Cucumber Marketing Board has been disbanded. Growers voted against it by 1,190 to 637. Critics claim the Board was ineffective because of too much bureaucracy.

Will we have a White Christmas? Experts at the Meteorological Office will not say yes with any certainty, but believe that it is reasonable to expect some falls of snow.

Only a Super League of sixteen teams can save soccer. Two-thirds of league clubs pay out more in wages than they take through the turnstiles. This is not sustainable. The idea of a Super League including Scottish clubs has been dismissed because the idea “has too many snags”. 

Television highlights: Tonight in Person – Nina and Frederik. Fascinating Facts with Lance Percival. Watch With Mother – the Woodentops. 

Radio highlights: Shakespeare’s Rhetoric. Have a Go!

Weather: cold with showers of sleet or rain. Outlook – showers. 6c, 43f.

Wednesday 18 December 1963

Questions will be asked in Parliament about why a £15,000 train robbery was kept secret. And why didn’t the Post Office ask the police to take any action? The theft occurred nine weeks ago from a train travelling from Haverfordwest to London. Labour MPs want to know why no public statement was made about the robbery.

Research has shown that the wearing of a seat belt in a car can reduce slight accidents by half and serious ones by four-fifths. However, a large proportion of drivers don’t use them. And, at the moment, there are no plans to make seat belts compulsory.

The Queen’s Christmas message will not be broadcast by Granada TV. Granada is the only ITV company that does not broadcast the National Anthem each evening. Instead of the Queen’s Christmas message, Granada will broadcast an old film, Storm Over the Nile. The Queen’s Christmas message was recorded in sound only this year because she is expecting her fourth child early next year.

This year, three people certified dead were found to be alive. The Earl of Arran will raise the matter of being buried alive in the House of Lords.

Britain is to have more new towns – but they should be smoke-free. Instead of coal fires, local councils should now give financial help to the development of homes with electric, gas and oil heating.

Auburn-haired actress Jane Asher is dating Beatle Paul McCartney. Jane’s mother said, “There is nothing unusual about them being together. They see quite a lot of each other. I wouldn’t say there was anything extraordinary-special about their friendship. Paul is one of Jane’s many friends.” Paul and Jane denied that they were planning to marry.

Television highlights: I Hear the Blues with Memphis Slim and guests. Here and Now – a coal-mining village. What Next in Lighting? – discussion.

Radio highlights: The Dispossessed. Population and Society.

Weather: sleet or snow showers. Outlook – snow at times. 3c, 37f.

Thursday 19 December 1963

Transport Minister Ernest Marples warned motorists not to drink and drive. He was hammering home the point that most Christmas accidents are caused by drink. Last year, 147 people were killed and 1,709 seriously injured during the six days of the holidays.

Scotland Yard issued a warning to bank managers, postmasters and others who carry the keys of business premises. The warning follows the kidnapping of sub-postmaster Eric Christopher in Willesden last night. Four men used his keys to grab £1,275 in cash and postal orders. They released Mr Christopher unhurt.

Agony Aunt: Judy writes, “My husband told me off because I served red wine with chicken instead of white when friends came to dinner. He said I showed him up. Did I?” Jane Adams’ reply, “Your husband is talking nonsense. Serve what pleases you or your guests.”

Jane Adams writes, “Recently, I implied that the perfect husband did not exist. I have received scores of letters from women claiming that they have the perfect husband. Let us raise our Christmas glasses to these happy wives – and their husbands!”

“When my three-year old cousin arrived in Southampton from South Africa last Friday, it started snowing. He had never seen snow before, so he said to his mother, ‘Look, mummy, it’s raining ice cream!’.” – Keith Goldane, Maidstone, Kent.

The Mersey Sound of the Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers drowned out all competition in the Top Ten of 1963. The final line up gives the Beatles three of first four places in the all-star Top Ten. Also in the Top Ten: Cliff Richard, the Shadows, Frank Ifield, and Jet Harris and Tony Mehan.

Television highlights: Buddy Greco Entertains. Sports Review of 1963 Featuring the Sportsview Personality of the Year. Gallery – political review of 1963.

Radio highlights: The Man Who Was Sherlock Holmes. Of Birds and Beasts – Madrigals.

Weather: snow showers, sunny intervals, cold. Outlook – similar. 2c, 35f.

Friday 20 December 1963

Your Christmas turkey has started a war in the High Street. Fine Fare, the supermarket chain, are now offering turkeys at 3s 9d a pound – with the firm’s pink trading stamps. Their announcement is a slap in the face for Sainsbury’s, the anti-stamp firm. Sainsbury’s are selling oven-ready birds for 3s 10d a pound, their lowest price since the end of the war.

Despite the cheaper turkeys, this looks like being the costliest Christmas of all time. That is the verdict of the Bank of England. Britons have a record £2,598,000,000 worth of banknotes in their pockets – £145,000,000 more than a year ago.

A gang of safe blowers raided Walton Jail in Liverpool, yesterday. They blew a safe thinking that there was £10,000 inside – double wages for the 300 prison officers. However, the wages were in a different safe. 

Twenty-two SS men are due to stand trial in Frankfurt tomorrow accused of helping to murder millions of men, women and children. About 250 witnesses will testify. There is no death sentence in West Germany, so if the men are found guilty it will probably mean life imprisonment and death behind bars.

Mrs R L of Leeds writes, “Outside my front door, carol singers gave a lovely rendition of We Three Kings. I opened the door and found three lads with Beatles haircuts, drainpipe trousers and elastic-sided high-heeled boots!”

West Bromwich Albion players plunged their club into another sensation yesterday when nineteen players refused to train in shorts in the freezing cold. The players walked out of the training ground when told that they could not wear tracksuit trousers. Skipper Don Howe said, “No other club in the country forces its players to train in shorts in this cold.”

Paper sacks will replace dustbins in all of Bedford’s 20,000 homes the town council decided last night.

Television highlights: Ready, Steady, Go! with Dusty Springfield. Roving Report – winter in Norway. Hobbies Club.

Radio highlights: A Good Man Feelin’ Bad – blues records. Late Victorian Christmas.

Weather: cold with long sunny periods. Outlook – similar with severe frost at night. 2c, 36f.

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Categories
1963

Social History 1963 #44

Sunday 18 August 1963

Police are hoping that people throughout Britain will go on a massive treasure hunt today. They feel sure that the train gang have hidden some of their loot in woods and fields. If someone finds £100,000 they will receive £10,000 reward. Meanwhile, after a tip-off, teams of Flying Squad officers are searching the Chiswick-Isleworth area for the gang’s headquarters.

Australia wants 45,000 Britons, tradesmen as well as professional people, in the next twelve months. Prospects for migrants look good – the Australian government have announced tax concessions and big housing plans.

Strait-laced laws restricting entertainment on a Sunday look like remaining in place for some years to come. A committee looking into the matter is making extremely slow progress. The seven men and one woman on the committee hope to report next spring.

Three months ago the Hollies were earning £2 a night in the Manchester area. Tonight, they are cruising down the River Thames from Margate on a jazz junket. Their fee – £200, their usual wages these days. Also listen out for the Hollies’ new disc, Searchin’, which should go spinning into the charts.

Football: Charity Shield. Everton gave Manchester United a footballing lesson and emerged 4 – 0 winners. Everton opened the scoring on 37 minutes and their defence remained untroubled throughout the match. Attendance – 50,000.

Television highlights: Lorna Doone – part ten. Play – Living Image. Summer Spectacular with Robert Morley.

Radio highlights: In Pursuit of Neptune. Top Twenty.

Weather: sunshine and showers.

Monday 19 August 1963

Scotland Yard detectives hunting for the £2,600,000 train gang believe they have found the headquarters where the great ambush was planned. The house is in West London, but the address is being kept secret. The detectives found twelve chairs, cigarette butts, tins, bottles, glasses and teacups.

Police are encouraging people to go out and find the £2,400,000 that is still missing. Police want to receive reports of any big spending, especially in fivers, and any strangers seen in the countryside. Some of the gang are likely to be mingling with seaside holidaymakers.

There is still two weeks to go in the Daily Mirror Treasure Hunt. Treasure chests and medallions by the hundred have been buried in the sands by Mirror Pirates at leading holiday resorts. Keep an eye open too for the Mirror Girl. There’s a £50 prize for the holidaymaker who can guess her age, height and weight.

Footballers from Lincoln City, Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe Town and Sheffield Wednesday have been named in association with an investigation into match fixing. However, currently there is no plan to further investigate these allegations.

Snow fell on the Pyrenees yesterday, a fortnight earlier than usual.

Personal advertisements: Ronnie, come home quickly – telephone George. Rube, phone Farnboro 1390, Wednesday, 8pm.

Television highlights: Outlook Europe – Germany. Genius in Barcelona – Picasso and Gaudi. A Journey Through Wales.

Radio highlights: In a Sentimental Mood. Desert Island Discs – Graham Hill.

Weather: sunny intervals. Outlook – changeable. 20c, 68f.

Tuesday 20 August 1963

Mr Bernard Rixon, owner of “Banknote Farm”, the train robbers’ hideout, plans to open the building to the public – at 5s a look. He said, “I want to get whatever I can out of it. I’ve had a very unfortunate time trying to sell it.” Meanwhile, detectives believe the stolen loot from the train robbery is still in Britain.

The BBC will extend its current closedown from 11.15pm until midnight. BBC studio productions are restricted by the Postmaster General to 50 broadcast hours a week. The daytime programmes for women will be scrapped to allow the evening viewing to be extended. A new science fiction serial, to run for a year, will be screened at peak-viewing time.

A gang got away with £13,000 after spending eighteen hours to cut through a six-inch steel strongroom door. The raid took place in Sheerness, Kent. Evidence suggests that the gang camped on the premises and ate meals while they worked.

Five people were injured in a car accident at Mirfield, Yorkshire. Satan, a crocodile, and Peter, a monkey, were also involved in the accident. Peter went to hospital, but was not detained. Satan continued his journey to the mountain zoo at Colwyn Bay.

At 2s 3d each, wooden parquet panels are now available. They interlock and do not require nails or glue. A flooring specialist who makes the panels said, “More than one woman has succeeded in laying the floor herself.”

Television highlights: Chips With Everything – scenes from the Arnold Wesker play. Compact – serial. No Hiding Place.

Radio highlights: The Canterbury Tales. The Beggar Student.

Weather: sunny periods, showers. Outlook – similar. 17c, 63f.

Wednesday 21 August 1963

Detectives hunting the £2,600,000 train robbers are now looking for an attractive woman, aged between 30 and 40, who played a big part in the planning of the raid. She is a natural brunette, but often wears a blonde wig. The woman is known to detectives, and Scotland Yard hope to locate her in the next 48 hours.

Here’s what the robbers left behind at Banknote Farm: 100 tins of food – baked beans, corned beef, tomato soup, pork luncheon meat – condensed milk, tea, sugar, coffee, sleeping bags, a first aid kit, eating utensils, and 17 packets of Ozo toilet paper. The police also found a tea strainer, which makes them believe that a woman was involved.

Following a tip-off, police have pounced on a caravan at Dorking. Scientific and fingerprint experts have searched the caravan thoroughly. Detective-Superintendent Malcolm Fewtrell, head of Bucks CID said, “We have found something in the caravan that convinces us that it is connected with the mail train robbery.”

Brunette Sally Alford, one of three girl tv announcers banned from reading the news because they distracted viewers, was back last night – reading the news. A male announcer is ill and has been sent to bed, and other announcers are on holiday, so Sally has been recalled. Sally said, “I will do my best not to distract the viewers. I’ll wear a quiet beige suit and simple hairstyle.”

Five long-serving prisoners at Nottingham jail joined a session of cricket coaching. During the coaching, they scurried through a hole in the wire fence, ran into a nearby housing estate and, it’s believed, escaped in a blue Austin Cambridge car.

Television highlights: Sportsview – preview of the Fifth Test Match, England v West Indies, and the forthcoming football season. Fascinating Facts. Here and Now – a man, his dog and his village.

Radio highlights: The Changing Face of Soccer. Topical Tunes.

Weather: sunny spells, showers. Outlook – Cool, rain at times. 19c, 66f.

Thursday 22 August 1963

Another £30,000 of the stolen train loot turned up yesterday. The money – in fivers – was found hidden in the panelling of an empty caravan in Box Hill, Surrey. The caravan site’s owner reported that a woman was with the man who bought the caravan. She had a six-month-old baby girl and a poodle. The woman was attractive with short dark hair. She wore a brown jumper and tight blue slacks. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 clues have been found at “Banknote Farm”, the robbers’ roost.

Four of London’s most hardened criminals are top-of-the-list suspects in the Great Train Robbery hunt. The four men have been missing from their usual West End haunts for two weeks. Two are brothers, a third is a safe-breaker and the fourth just came out of prison. 

Meat condemned months ago by food inspectors has found its way into butchers’ shops in Surrey, Kent, East Anglia, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. More than 6,000 cartons of condemned meat were made into sausages and pies. A spokesman said that butchers involved in this practice had not committed an offence.

Mrs Erika Finger of St John’s Wood, London is suing the owner of a restaurant in Nice. During a mock bull fight, she was attacked by a cow. Mrs Finger said, “They prodded the cow with sticks. It got mad and charged through the restaurant. Everyone started to run, but I was trapped. The cow tossed me, but there wasn’t enough room, so it kicked me. My husband dragged me away and the cow escaped.” The cow was recaptured three days later.

Exhibitions: Thrale’s Japanese Ex-Prisoner of War story presented by War on Want at St Paul’s Churchyard.

Sam Cooke’s updated version of Frankie and Johnny mentions a famous British car, which means it’s likely to receive a BBC ban.

Television highlights: Rag, Tag and Bobtail. Boxing from Liverpool. Don’t Say a Word – mime game with Sheila Hancock and Clive Dunn.

Radio highlights: Swinging UK. World of Song.

Weather: cloudy with rain and drizzle. Outlook – little change. 18c, 64f.

Friday 23 August 1963

Just before midnight last night dozens of teams of detectives in London and the Home Counties were given special stand-by orders. They were told: move in on all train robbery suspects. Police are also looking for a young woman named Sheree who has a six-month-old baby and a poodle called Gigi. The woman was recently seen in Dunfermline, Fife.

A cricket match at Alexandra Park, Wood Green was stopped yesterday when twelve sticks of gelignite were found in a nearby river. The players sheltered behind the pavilion while army experts exploded the gelignite. Then the players resumed their game.

Manufacturers are producing double beds with separate mattresses, zipped together. One of the mattresses will have a built-in board. The design has developed to aid double-bed devotees, one of whom has a slipped disc.

Bad debts have soared since high street betting shops opened. A study found that £1,000,000,000 is gambled on horse racing each year and that the total Britons spend annually on betting is equal to 65% of the country’s defence budget.

The Automobile Association dealt with 1,422 breakdowns on the M1 during July.

In the Fifth Test Match at the Oval, the West Indies dismissed England for 275 with Charlie Griffith taking 6 for 71. Did Griffith bowl too many bumpers? Umpire Syd Buller thought so because he had a word with captain Frank Worrell. Tony Lock was dismissed when he dropped his bat on to his wicket while trying to avoid a bouncer. Now, England’s bowlers must show some offensive spirt. 

Television highlights: Bowls – Amateur National Championship from Mortlake. Ivor the Engine. Ready, Steady, Go! with the Rolling Stones and Hayley Mills.

Radio highlights: Arthur Haynes Show. The Organisation of Crime – an investigation.

Weather: mainly dry with sunny periods. Outlook – cloudy with rain. 21c, 70f.

Saturday 24 August 1963

Scotland Yard detectives are on the lookout for a racing driver – Roy John James, aka The Weasel. Detectives believe that Weasel James can help them with their inquiries into the Great Train Robbery. Meanwhile, Yard men raided 61 houses, warehouses and factories in London. They are also looking for a blonde woman, her baby and her poodle, Gigi.

Great Train Robbery slang: poppy = money, ricket = mistake, blagger = a thief, nark = an informer, stoppo driver = getaway driver, blag = to rob.

The Edinburgh Festival is in danger because of a lack of cash support. In the seventeen years that the Festival has been going it has never showed a penny profit. Last year’s loss was £115,000. Yet, Edinburgh is packed with tourists. Hotels and restaurants are full. An estimated £3,000,000 is made in trade, but only £18,000 of that money is donated to the Festival fund.

The Conservatives, worried about their prospects at the next General Election, may call in the help of a fantastic brain machine. The machine will predict the public’s reaction to any situation – provided it is fed the right information. Other parties have been offered the machine, but they haven’t showed any interest.

Agony Aunt: “When I kiss my boyfriend, should I keep my eyes open, or shut them?” Jane Adams’ reply, “Depends on whether you like what you see.”

Fifth Test, the Oval. The West Indies have thrown this match away. In reply to England’s 275 they were 165 for 3. But they closed on 231 for 8. England are now favourites to level the series. Conrad Hunte top-scored with 80, while the wickets included two run outs.

Television highlights: Grandstand. Francis Durbridge Presents. Dick Emery Show.

Radio highlights: Saturday Club. Play – The King of Soho.

Weather: showers. Outlook – continuing changeable. 19c, 66f.

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Categories
1963

Social History 1963 #43

Sunday 11 August 1963

Is justice being served in Britain, or is there something nasty in the woodshed? Is the legal system protecting the privileged? In the Stephen Ward case, why were three key witnesses – Lord Astor, Douglas Fairbanks and John Profumo not called? There is a sense of jiggery-pokery to protect the privileged. A fairer system is needed now.

Plans to help the housewife with the cost of her weekly shopping have caused major disagreement in the Cabinet. Some want to abolish price-fixing, a system that allows big firms to take legal action against shopkeepers if they lower their prices. However, senior Tory ministers and experts are in favour of the current system, and against shopping price cuts.

A lorry found abandoned in Nottinghamshire might offer a clue to the Great Train Robbery. Local detectives believe there is a connection. However, Buckingham CID, who are investigating the robbery, said, “There’s nothing in it for us.”

Scientists at a laboratory in Leatherhead, Surrey are searching for the Perfect Sausage. Seventy scientists are employed to look into all types of food. Another example is the Problem of the Pips. Housewives like to see pips in raspberry jam because it reassures them that the jam was made from real fruit. However, the pips disintegrate in the boiling process. Also, the scientists are trying to discover if peeled potatoes can be prevented from turning brown when left out of water.

Church bells at Gotham, Notts will remain silent today because two swarms of bees have nested in the 70 foot high church steeple.

Television highlights: Robin Hood – The Charm Pedler. Sooty. Fireball XL5.

Radio highlights: Meanwhile Back at the Parthenon. Who Do Men Say That I Am?

Weather: cloudy at first, but sunny later.

Monday 12 August 1963

The £252,500 treasure train haul may be hidden within twenty miles of the ambush spot. The robber-gang might be hiding there too. Those are the theories being followed by Scotland Yard. Hundreds of phone calls have been made received by the police following the offer of a £260,000 reward. Meanwhile, detectives are checking all the buildings around Sears Crossing. There is a suspicion that the gang might be hiding in a barn or cottage.

Passengers and spectators who order meals and snacks at airports will not be called “luv” by the staff anymore. The friendly word has been blacklisted by the big catering firm Forte’s. From now on, staff must address their customers as “sir” or “madam”.

St Ives, Cornwall, the seaside town that wants to freeze-out beatniks faces a new-style counter-attack – friendliness, lots of friendliness. A beatnik spokesman said, “We’ve established a headquarters in the woods above the town. We will create no disturbance. We will do the same as other people do. The real root of this anti-beatnik business is that we don’t scatter our money around like confetti. If we did, we’d be as welcome as the flowers in May.”

Music: prediction spot – Freddie and the Dreamers will soon be top tenwards with I’m Telling You Now. Pet Clark has a new disc – Let Me Tell You. And mums will lend a an ear to Ken Dodd going serious with Still.

Tower crane erectors and lorry drivers – only first class men talking pride in themselves and their work need apply for these top-rated jobs with exceptional conditions: Record Tower Cranes, NW10.

Television highlights: Blue Peter. Tonight – series return with Cliff Michelmore. Points of View with Robert Robinson.

Radio highlights: Melody on the Move. Letter From America.

Weather: sunny spells, showers. Outlook – similar. 20c, 68f.

Tuesday 13 August 1963

The Flying Squad are receiving more than 30 phone calls an hour as they seek the mail train robbers. Also, it’s been revealed that over half of the missing £2,554,000 was in notes that can be traced. 

Eire’s CID passed on vital information to Scotland Yard about the mail train gang. The Irish police believe that three Dublin crooks were involved in the robbery. A pair of police handcuffs, presumably lost, were used in the raid.

Ma Gasking has received five offers to buy her Ringlestone Inn. Ma is now receiving fan mail of over 100 letters a day. Will she sell? “I’m not saying,” she said. If she does sell, Ma insists that the 17th century pub must retain its character with oil lamps and not electricity, and water drawn from a pump.

In a match between Lancashire League club Darwen and a Commonwealth XI, West Indies fast bowler Roy Gilchrist, playing as a guest for Darwen, bowled a “bumper”, which hit Australian professional Lou Laza on the glove. Laza then hit Gilchrist with his bat. Gilchrist replied by hitting Laza with a stump. Later, the two men shook hands and had a drink.

Lord Gladwyn says that the English are the most class-conscious and snobbish nation in the world. Not the Scots, Welsh or Irish – they do not fall into this category – but for the English snobbishness is their besetting sin. He believes that class barriers should be broken down and the government should become involved in a united Western Europe.

Thieves who broke into a factory in Camden Town found no money. Instead, they stole £1-worth of the firm’s products – peanuts.

Television highlights: Comedy Playhouse – Impasse with Bernard Cribbins and Leslie Phillips. Smugglers’ Cove. How to Enjoy Jazz Without Really Trying.

Radio highlights: Sing Us the Old Songs. Family Favourites.

Weather: bright intervals. Outlook – cool, some rain. 18c, 64f.

Wednesday 14 August 1963

‘The Squealer’ gave Scotland Yard ten names. An informer, a snout in criminal slang, told the police that the railway robbers had used a remote Buckinghamshire farmhouse as their hideout, Leatherslade Farm. The police swooped on the farmhouse and discovered that the robbers had fled in a hurry.

The locals are now speaking out about their suspicions. Postman Bill Claridge said, “I was surprised to see no movement in the farmhouse. I thought the ‘new owners’ had not moved in.” John Alfred Marvis, a cattle herdsman said, “I noticed a strange man in a car coming and going in the village and driving to and from the farm.”

Police are now taking Leatherslade Farm ‘to pieces’, searching for clues. Scotland Yard have practically transferred the Yard to the farm site. For the first time, the whole of the forensic laboratory staff – the Yard’s scientists – have moved to the scene of the hunt, together with fingerprint men and photographers.

Secret plans are being drawn up by the council in Chudleigh, Devon to thwart teenagers who are using phone boxes to comb their hair, paint their faces, and meet their boyfriends. There have been reports of “shocking behaviour”. A police spokesman said, “If we are called in, we shall act immediately.”

A sculpture of a nude man apparently trying to do the Twist was unveiled in Eastbourne. A year ago, town councillors invited sculptors to submit designs, and this was the only one submitted. The sculpture was created by bearded Bernard Davis of Hayward’s Heath, Sussex. His figure is called Idiene. 

Television highlights: International Athletics – England v Italy. Stars and Garters with George Melly. Zero One – air security series.

Radio highlights: Yes, It’s Great Yarmouth. Play – Big Bertha.

Weather: sunny intervals and scattered showers. Outlook – little change. 20c, 68f.

Thursday 15 August 1963

In their search for the mail train robbers, the police have found a clue – a loaf of bread. They are looking to track the man from “Banknote Farm” who bought the bread at a local store. Meanwhile, the police are continuing to search the farm for more clues.

A boy in Oakley, near “Banknote Farm”, collects car numbers. He has shown his notebook, which contains 47 numbers recently recorded, to the police. Ace detectives, Tom Butler and Peter Vibart – the “Terrible Twins” are also on the case. They are among the most successful detectives Scotland Yard has ever known.

A survey classifies 1,700,000 old people as lonely. Of these, 400,000 are “very lonely”. The loneliest people of all are those no longer visited by their children – the lack of visits makes them feel unwanted.

Accidents, poisonings and violence send more people to hospital than any other cause. The next largest cause is tuberculosis. Men stay in hospital, on average, nineteen days, women eighteen days. Of 1,400,000 major operations, twenty-six percent were for stomach troubles.

Seven of the discs in this week’s top ten are British – two are American, the other Japanese. Nineteen of the top thirty are British. The main reason – the current crazy for beat music. Of the top fifty, twenty-five are beat songs. Britain is getting into the beat groove, and I think that groove is going to stay with us for some time.

Television highlights: It’s My Opinion – people from Port Talbot air their views. Pinky and Perky. True Adventure – the search for the brown walrus.

Radio highlights: Star Parade – Hank and Hannah. All Together – community singing.

Weather: showers, cool. Outlook – drier, warmer. 20c, 68f.

Friday 16 August 1963

A Bournemouth woman is in hiding after tipping-off the police about the train robbers. She is frightened that other members of the gang might try to reach her. Police hurriedly drove her away to a secret location.

In their search for the mail train robbers, the police have put a blackout on their next moves. However, it is clear they are poised for big developments. Five people have been arrested, including two women. The police also found £100,000 in two £50,000 bundles.

Henry John Burnett, 21, was hanged at Aberdeen Prison yesterday for the shotgun killing of a merchant seaman. It was the first execution in the city for more than a century.

A breadline menu for the unemployed: Breakfast – stewed fruit; egg, bread and tea – 3s 2d. Dinner – cold meat left over from Sunday, or hotpot, or shepherd’s pie, potatoes and vegetables; blancmange – 2s 3d. Tea – macaroni cheese, bread and tea – 2s 6d. Supper – bread, jam and tea – 1s 3d.

Three footballers – Keith Williams and Esmond Million of Bristol Rovers, and Brian Phillips of Mansfield, have been banned for life after accepting bribes to fix the result of the Bradford v Bristol Rovers game, played on 20 April. “Other matters” regarding corruption in football are being investigated.

Agony Aunt: Question – should a wife be suspicious if her husband arrives home reeking of perfume? Jane Adams’ reply – not if he works in a perfume factory.

Television highlights: The Marriage Lines – new comedy series with Richard Briers and Prunella Scales. Ready, Steady, Go! – pop show. Tales of the Riverbank.

Radio highlights: Golden Treasury of Music and Song. Non Stop Pop.

Weather: rain. Outlook – sunny periods. 17c, 63f.

Saturday 17 August 1963

Navy ships are keeping a look-out for a motor-yacht, which might be carrying a part of the Great Train Robbery loot. Meanwhile, £100,900 of the haul has been found abandoned in a Surrey wood. The official total for the amount stolen – £2,631,784. Of that amount, police have recovered £243,107. 

The police are working on the theory that members of the train robbery gang have bought cheap cars and are storing these cars, along with the loot, in lock-up garages. Detectives believe that the big share-out among the gang took place on Sunday, before they fled their hideout at Leatherslade Farm.

The Chief Constable of Exeter said that all weekend-drivers should take a refresher course because they are not as safe as motorists who drive all the year round.

Meat prices have rocketed again with pork the only meat selling at a steady price. Potatoes and salad items are plentiful while herrings offer the best deal on fish. Crab meat is now available in cartons – ideal for picnics.

Miss Hannah Ede of Helham Green is 105 today.

Harlequins RFC will break with tradition and play their first evening mid-week match at Twickenham. Their opponents will be Italian club Roma.

Television highlights: Summer Grandstand featuring the second half of the Charity Shield match, Everton v Manchester United. Juke Box Jury with Carol Ann Ford. Eric Sykes. 

Radio highlights: A Century of Soccer. Geoffrey Chaucer – talk.

Weather: showers and sunny spells. Outlook – similar. 16c, 61f.

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Categories
1963

Social History 1963 #39

Sunday 14 July 1963

A mystery woman holding a screwdriver has been caught trying to get into Buckingham Palace. The woman asked to sign the visitors’ book inside the Privy Purse Door. Three questions remain unanswered: Who was the woman? What did she really want? And where is she now?

Soon, there may be small telephones that we can carry about. Not only will you be able to ring from anywhere, you will also be able to see the person you are talking with. The big question is – will this new technology diminish loneliness or increase it?

The postman’s knock or ring is to finish. The Post Office plan to amend regulations so that the knock will only be used when mail cannot be pushed through the letterbox.

Ice cream vans in Gorleston, Norfolk will have quieter chimes in future. The residents have complained that the current chimes are too noisy.

Book of the Week: Sword at Sunset by Rosemary Sutcliff. It’s historical. It’s massive. It’s about King Arthur. It will supply your weekend reading until Christmas! And you won’t regret it.

Maureen Evans from Cardiff is one of the few singers who can convince the BBC that the classics can be put into pop form without offending long-haired music lovers. Check out Like I Do and Tomorrow is Another Day, classically influenced tunes that are sure to be hits in Discville.

Television highlights: Fireball XL5. The Roy Castle Show. This Nation Tomorrow.

Radio highlights: Your Hundred Best Tunes. In Search of the Truth.

Weather: bright, then cloudy with rain.

Monday 15 July 1963

A wife obtained a divorce on the grounds of cruelty after her husband insisted that she should tickle his feet for hour after hour. When the wife refused, the husband rigged up a machine with a milk bottle and an umbrella to tickle his feet, but it did not work. The judge said the tickling was harmless in itself, but because it was causing the wife distress he found in her favour.

Tattoos are back in favour, but they can be expensive, so Mr Ron Austin of Peterborough, Northants has started a service with a difference – tattoos on hire purchase. Any tattoo over five bob can be paid for at half-a-crown a week. 

In Barnsley, Yorkshire a 41 year old coal miner put his false teeth on a conveyer belt and started to eat his sandwiches. The belt accidentally reversed – whisking his false teeth away. He’s been told that he must pay £5 for a replacement set.

A storm blew up last night after Dr Alex Comfort gave a talk about the Facts of Life on BBC television. After the programme, forty-four viewers phoned the BBC to complain that Sunday evening was the wrong time for such a programme. Four viewers phoned in to praise the programme.

Found in the foundations of an old building – a bottle embedded in the concrete containing a copy of the Daily Mirror dated 31 July 1908.

Personal advertisement: Elaine, you’re needed – JNW.

Television highlights: Hiss v Hi-Fi – a look at records and record machines. County Cricket – Lancashire v Sussex. Pit Your Wits – quiz with Kenneth Kendall.

Radio highlights: Concert Hour. Improve Your German.

Weather: cloudy, rain, bright spells. Outlook – unsettled. 19c, 67f.

15 July 1963 Postscript


Tuesday 16 July 1963

New York stripper Dior Angel (pictured) insists that she will marry British baronet Sir Charles Musgrave even if “she has to use her father’s shotgun”. Sir Charles advertised for a wife, Dior replied, but Sir Charles said she was not his type. However, Miss Angel is not taking no for an answer. She said, “Please refer to me as the future Lady Musgrave. The wedding will be no later than Christmas. I intend to take a plane to England and find Sir Charles.”

A carpet racket has been smashed by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Door-to-door salesmen have been selling cheap, shoddy carpets marked with the Institute’s seal of guarantee. But the seals were forgeries. Now the Institute has withdrawn all its seals. A spokesman said, “Our problem now is to find a seal that is impossible to copy.”

A parcel containing equipment from a rocket fired at Woomera, Australia turned up at Stockport, Cheshire today. The parcel, missing for a month, was addressed to Jodrell Bank, Cheshire.

Three people are to be prosecuted for football league match fixing. Inquiries started two months ago after Bristol Rovers drew 2 – 2 at Bradford. It’s alleged that some of the players involved were bribed to “fix” the match.

Advertisement: women, get more out of life – become a catering manager.

Television highlights: Commander Cousteau – The House Under the Sea. The Sky at Night. Here and Now – an opera school.

Radio highlights: Marching and Waltzing. Pop Go the Beatles.

Weather: sunny spells, showers. Outlook – bright with scattered showers. 20c, 68f.

Wednesday 17 July 1963

Paul McCartney, a member of the Beatles singing group, was fined £17 for speeding and for failing to produce a driving licence. He explained that he put his foot down when he and the three other members of the band were chased by fans. Mr Brian Epstein, who manages the Beatles, said, “I will ask them to travel by coach on future tours.”

The number of known drug addicts in Britain has risen again. Last year’s total was 532. The previous year’s total was 470. The addicts listed do not include opium or hemp. The number of women listed – 270. The number of men – 262.

There is no longer any overcrowding in Slough, Buckinghamshire – the local council has abolished it. In future, crowded houses will be referred to as “multiple occupation”. 

As soon as a woman becomes pregnant she should keep a daily diary of everything she does for three months. This advice comes from the British Medical Association. She should record any medicines taken, what she had for breakfast, and everything else, including whether she watched BBC or ITV.

Mr Ricardo Zzyzz has lost his position of last place in the Los Angeles telephone book. He has been replaced by the ZZZZZ Wake Up Service.

Letters: Listening to the cricket commentary, I heard the commentator say that one of our bowlers had two short legs. Are such personal remarks really called for?

Television highlights: Taxi! with Sid James. Cricket – MCC Australia XI v The Rest from Lord’s. The City – documentary about London.

Radio highlights: Enchanted Evenings. Date With a Disc.

Weather: rain at times. Outlook – changeable. 20c, 68f.

Thursday 18 July 1963

Action against the “Faceless Men” behind inhuman property rackets was demanded in Parliament last night. Intimidation of tenants, as practised by the dead “slum emperor” Peter Rachman, friend of Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice-Davies, is still going on. Tenants are being evicted and beaten up by these thugs. Labour has demanded immediate action. A spokesman for the Tory Government said they would look into the matter and see if “sharper teeth” were needed to strengthen the law.

Petula Clark’s performance on the ABC television programme Lucky Stars was wiped clean when an engineer pressed a wrong button. From Paris, where she is recording another programme, Miss Clark said, “I’m not upset. I think the whole thing is rather funny.”

Every morning, wise women do this – they drink a glass of hot water because it helps keep sluggishness at bay. And for an extra boost they add Juno Junipah Health Salts. Juno Junipah – specially recommended and formulated for women.

Agony Aunt: Alf writes, “My girlfriend’s mother is already going fat at forty. Will my girlfriend go the same way?” Jane Adams’ reply, “There is some truth in the saying that to look into a girlfriend’s future you should take a look at her mother, but your attitude towards your girlfriend will ultimately determine whether or not she goes to seed.”

A man in uniform walked into a Hammersmith post office and walked out with a bag of mail. Staff later discovered that he was bogus. The police are hunting him.

Music: “This is Merseybeat” is a throbbing long-player featuring nine different Liverpool groups. This week’s number one – Confessin’ by Frank Ifield. New entries – Walkin’ Tall by Adam Faith and I’ll Cut Your Tail Off by John Leyton.

Television highlights: The Gondoliers – Canadian production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic. Try Out Your French. Glamour ‘63.

Radio highlights: Lunchtime Prom. Music From Scarborough.

Weather: sunny spells and showers. Outlook – continuing changeable. 20c, 68f.

Friday 19 July 1963

“There’s a cheetah on the prowl.” Or maybe it’s a leopard. More than 200 troops, police and dogs went on safari through four and a half miles of parkland at Shooters Hill, near Woolwich, SE18, yesterday. The jungle cat scare began when a long-distance lorry driver thought he saw a leopard leaping from the road into a park. Four policemen also spotted a “large golden animal” on the loose. The animal might have leapt from a boat on the Thames. Trackers are following footprints and large hams have been placed around the search area.

Is the bird you fancy suitable to be your wife? This clothing guide will help you decide. If she’s mad about frills and petticoats and nipped-in waists, she’s feminine, but potentially fussy. If she likes beatnik clothes – jeans and sloppy sweaters – she’s telling the world that she’s big, brave and non-conformist. If she’s neat and tailored, she’s self-reliant and practical, and maybe a little prudish. If she’s mad about tight pants and mannish shirts – surprise, surprise – she’s very feminine. If she wears tight, short skirts she’s saying, “Here are the goods – any offers?” As for the sexiest women of all, they choose dark and sombre colours. 

Anthony Burcher flew with the RAF’s 617 Squadron on the famous Dambusters raid. His plane was shot down and he was the only member of the crew to survive. He was beaten up by the Gestapo, but told them nothing. But yesterday Burcher was sentenced to two years in prison for conspiring to defraud a hire purchase company. The fraud mainly involved juke boxes and vending machines.

A full scale inquiry is ongoing into the suspicion that Relko, winner of this year’s Derby, was doped-up to win. A 5 -1 favourite, Relko won the Derby by six lengths to collect £35,338 in prize money. However, a well-known bookmaker said there was nothing suspicious on the markets to suggest that Relko had been doped-up.

Television highlights: Adventure – Journey to Patagonia. International Film Season – The Knife, a Dutch film. Space Patrol.

Radio highlights: Non Stop Pop. As Others See Us.

Weather: cloudy with rain and drizzle. Outlook – unsettled. 19c, 66f.

Saturday 20 July 1963

The country’s Billy Bunters are being encouraged to change their diet. Out – cream buns and donuts. In – crisp breads, fruit locust beans, nuts and celery. The new diet will benefit the nation’s teeth too.

A new sensation shook the horse racing world last night. It was alleged that Tudor Treasure, 100 – 7 second favourite, was pepped up with dope to win the Victoria Cup at Ascot in May. Tests after the race indicated that he had received a stimulant.

London’s serious crime figures increased by nine percent last year. The number of serious offences reached a record 214,120, up from 196,854 in 1961. For the first time there were more than 1,000 hold-ups. A disturbing trend is that gang members, and not just their leaders, are carrying handguns.

Sylvia Willerton of Peterborough, Northants devised a love test between her husband and her lodger. She awarded points for kindness, good behaviour and cookery. The lodger won so Mrs Sylvia Willerton, mother of nine, is now Mrs Sylvia Watson.

Angry Motorist writes, “Car park charges are becoming preposterously high. Are all drivers considered to be millionaires?”

It seems as though the knee-revealing era might be nearing its end. Hemlines are creeping down in London. However, we will have to wait until the Paris fashion shows next month to see what skirt lengths will be this season.

Television highlights: Juke Box Jury with Joan Sims and Kenneth Williams. First Night of the Proms. Motor Racing from Silverstone.

Radio highlights: Recent Record Releases. Sports Service including sailing and rifle shooting.

Weather: sunny spells. Outlook – mainly dry and sunny. 21c, 70f.

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Categories
1963

Social History 1963 #34

Sunday 16 June 1963

Fun facts: the world’s population is 3,110 millions – nearly half as large as 1932. Cod make grunting noises. Seventy-two artificial satellites and space probes were launched in 1962. The average strength of beer is at its highest since the early years of WW2. 

Stylish t-shirts are the latest hit for casual weekend wear. They come in white or black only and have a lion, ship or saxophone stamped on the chest and back. These items are being imported from St Tropez where many zippy holiday fashions start.

Pollo-necks, sleeveless dresses and denim are in. And for your headscarf why not try the Cleopatra style – the motoring snood. 

Disc censors are taking a greater interest in smutty lyrics. We’ve had How Do You Do It, Please Please Me, and I Like It. The latest disc to fall under the spotlight – Some Do, Some Don’t, Some Will, Some Won’t by the Lorne Gibson Trio.

Lesley Duncan has been a chambermaid, pantry maid, shop assistant and waitress. Now with twelve songs published and her first single, I Want a Steady Guy, making waves in discville, she will be adding singer and songwriter to her job titles.

Personal advertisements: Past 40, old, run down? Women, try Orstrax Tonic Tables for vim and vigour. Jane, arrive tonight from Rome with Cesare (I got the part!) – Sylvia.

Television highlights: Robin Hood – The Flying Sorcerer. Le Mans – Raymond Baxter reports. Lorna Doone – part one.

Radio highlights: Guitar Recital. Top Twenty.

Weather: sunny spells. Outlook – cooler. 17c, 63f.

Monday 17 June 1963

“Shades” is the hep word for sunglasses. And it’s being used more frequently as the cult of the large dark sunglasses grows. These cool kingsize shades are popular all over the Western world. Prescription dark-tinted glasses are in. A psychologist said, “It’s all part of the dominant woman mood.”

The gift stamp war is growing. Gift stamps are now being traded in grocers, garages, greengrocers, furniture shops, tobacconists and even footwear stores. According to a report, by 1965 at least a tenth of trading in Britain will be covered by gift stamps.

HMS Ursa, the navy’s most with-it frigate, will be fitted with a commercial taped-music system. The crew will have the pick of 4,000 tunes ranging from pops to light classics. The ship is set for a tour of duty in the Caribbean.

Tory official Jim Salt said that the rumours linking Christine Keeler with a member of the Royal Family were, “Absurd and getting out of hand. The Prime Minister must deny them.”

Strawberry pickers urgently wanted from 1st July to 20th July. Ideal for holidaymakers and students. Enjoyable working holiday assured. 

Television highlights: Paris International Air Show. Spain in September with Johnny Morris. Points of View with Robert Robinson.

Radio highlights: Cricket Scoreboard. Miss Dangerfield and the Irresistible Nightingale.

Weather: cloudy with drizzle. Outlook – rather cool. 17c, 63f.

Tuesday 18 June 1963

If it’s too hot in your home top London interior designer John Siddeley suggests that you should, “Take down the curtains and sit around stark naked.” Alternatively, you could paint your walls blue – a cool colour – and put an extractor fan in the window.

There are 8,500,000 telephones in Britain and very few of them are coloured. But since April, when the GPO lifted the 30s luxury charge on colour, and all new phones cost £1, three new colour phones have been sold for every four new black ones. The favourite colours are white, grey and red.

More than 250 train drivers turned up for work in old uniforms in protest at the inferior quality of their new uniforms. A British Railways spokesman said, “The drivers are complaining that their uniforms were made in Poland, but we obtained them from a supplier in Newport, Monmouthshire.”

A brand new theatre opened in Berkeley Square, London, aptly called the May Fair. The opening was a gay, glittering occasion. Ralph Richardson and Barbara Jefford starred in the play Six Characters in Search of an Author.

Britain has 13,000 caravan sites housing 60,000 caravans and 150,000 people.

Cricket: the Middlesex first innings closed at the overnight score of 121 for 3 because nine of the team were stuck in traffic jams and couldn’t get to the ground in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Middlesex have filed a complaint and the MCC will adjudicate. However, under the Laws of Cricket, many observers believe the umpires made the right decision.

Television highlights: Supercar. The Buskers of Marrakesh. The Royal Highland Show.  

Radio highlights: Witchcraft. Songs for Everyone.

Weather: sunny intervals and showers. Outlook – similar. 18c, 65f.

Wednesday 19 June 1963

The first all-British oral contraceptive is available from today. An ever-increasing number of married women are turning to this method of birth control. Other methods are only 70% reliable. Experiments with “the pill” were first carried out eight years ago in Puerto Rico. It is hoped that a birth control pill for married men will not be too far away.

New regulations to prevent excessive noise on the road have been drafted. There will be no change in the noise levels within the next three years, but the government hopes to have the new regulations in place by 1968.

More crimes were committed in England and Wales last year than ever before. The number of crimes reported in 1962 was 896,484, up 11%. In 1961 the increase was 8 1/2%. In 1960 it was 10%.

Marks are Spencer are offering a £1,000 reward for information about last night’s attack on four staff at Upon Park, London. The attackers got away with the £2,000 the members of staff were taking to the bank.

Cassius Clay beat British heavyweight champion Henry Cooper in five rounds last night. Cooper won the first four rounds, but after one minute of the fifth round blood poured from a gash above Cooper’s left eye and the referee had no alternative but to stop the fight.

Television highlights: Miss Interflora 1963. International Dancing from Germany. Professional Wresting from Wembley Town Hall.

Radio highlights: John Hooton – excepts from a jazz opera. The Contemporary French Novel.

Weather: sunny spells and showers. Outlook – changeable. 18c, 64f.

Thursday 20 June 1963

The petrol price war hotted up last night when Jet, who sell through 500 garages, knocked a penny off its premium grade, Jet 97, bringing the price down to 4s 6d a gallon. However, this price will only be available in areas near ports.

Caterpillars are invading High Wycombe. Millions of caterpillars have already picked clean a 60ft hawthorn hedge belonging to Mrs Richard Jones. Mrs Jones has appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture for help. She said, “Some of the caterpillars have got into the house.”

The mood today is for streamlining. And that applies to undies too. The basic requirements for Miss 1963 are a bra, girdle, a slip and briefs. But now the Braslip will reduce these garments from four to three. Made in Bry-nylon, they are set to become all the rage.

Agony Aunt: “Veteran” writes from St Albans – “Every time I bring my boyfriend home, my father pins him in a corner and tells him about how he helped win the desert battle from Alamein to Tripoli. I’m left cooling my heels.” Jane Adams’ advice, “Dad, maybe you should call a halt at Benghazi.”

The Pop Thirty is under siege from the groups. It’s the current mood of pop fans. So much so that a famous recording chief said the other day, “I think the days of the big-time solo artists are numbered.” The moral appears to be: there is safety and success in numbers.

Television highlights: Don’t Say a Word – charade game. Cricket – England v West Indies, Second Test Match from Lord’s. Perspective – a programme about luggage.

Radio highlights: Music While You Work. Lunchtime Prom.

Weather: cloudy with rain, brighter later. Outlook – continuing changeable. 18c, 64f.

Available for order and pre-order, my Swinging Sixties Mystery Series

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For Authors

#1 for value with 565,000 readers, The Fussy Librarian has helped my books to reach #1 on over thirty occasions.

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