Today in History

[Gemini]

1999

The body of missing English climber George Mallory was found near the summit of Mount Everest. He had gone missing more than 60 years earlier.

[Gemini]

1955

World famous American virologist Dr Jonas Salk witnessed a ceremonial polio vaccination in London when Margaret Jenkins from Kent became the 500,000th person in London to receive the vaccine to prevent the crippling disease poliomyelitis.

[Daisy]

I can remember when polio was a dreaded disease before there was a vaccination. My mum wouldn't let me go swimming or anywhere if there was an outbreak in our area.

[Gemini]

1960

Start of the sexual revolution of the 1960s when the birth control pill went on the market.

[Daisy]

I remember my best friend being prescribed it for very painful periods (the 3-days-off-work level of painful). The doctor didn't tell her it was also a contraception - after all, she was a single girl, why would she want to know that!!! Times have changed.

[Plantaholic]

It certainly was, they would only let a friend of mine go on the pill for two years.

[Gemini]

2014

Sixth formers at Hampton Court House, a private school in Surrey, are to begin their lessons in the afternoons to allow them to sleep later in the mornings. Headmaster Guy Holloway said that the change to 1:30 pm from the usual time of 9:00 am would be more productive and less stressful for students.

[Daisy]

Gem - there's scientific evidence that this is a good idea. Teenagers' natural sleep patterns change from waking up early as children to sleeping until 11 or 12 midday in the teenage years. I used to feel so sorry for the students at college who travelled huge distances and had to leave home before 7 am to get to college in time!

I think a later start is a brilliant idea!

[Gemini]

I think it is too, but I do spare a thought for teachers who are parents! Childcare presumably won't go on as late as the teachers have to stay.

[Daisy]

Yes, it's always a problem for parents who work outside school hours.

At least they would have time in the morning to do prep, marking or even jobs around the house.

[Gemini]

1969

The minimum voting age in Britain was lowered from 21 to 18.

Meaning I was eligible to vote at 18!

[Daisy]

... while us oldies had to wait until we were 21!

[Gemini]

1998

High Society burglar Peter Scott was jailed for 3 years after being involved in a plot to sell a stolen Picasso painting worth £750,000.

[Daisy]

I don't remember this at all, but I can't understand why anyone would steal a valuable work of art, and still less why anyone would buy it knowing it was stolen because they certainly couldn't display it, talk about it or insure it! Crazy.

[Gemini]

I know, madness!!