25 Years Ago: Plate spinner Dave Spathaky, had a smashing time despite narrowly failing to break his own world record of 108 which he set in Bangkok. The attempt was staged at Harry Ramsden’s, itself a world record holder.

50 Years Ago: Using a specially-made pair of Sheffield steel scissors the Minister of Transport, Mr. Richard Marsh cut a ribbon and officially opened the last link of the M1. Watched by hundreds in the pouring rain, the ceremony took place at the Dodsworth interchange.