Today in History

[Gemini]

1958

British speed enthusiast Donald Campbell broke the water speed record of 248mph on Coniston Water. He died in 1967 (also on Coniston Water) and is buried in the new parish churchyard at Coniston.

[Gemini]

1918
At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ended; a war that had lasted for 4 years and 97 days. Germany, bereft of manpower, supplies and food, signed an armistice agreement with the Allies. The war left 9 million soldiers dead and more than 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria, Hungary, France, and Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, some 6 million civilians died from disease, starvation, or exposure.

[Oma]

,,

They shall grow not old , as we that are left grow old .
Age shall not weary them , nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them .

[Daisy]

The War to end all Wars, they said. If only that were true.

[Gemini]

1984

It was announced, by Chancellor Nigel Lawson, that the pound note, after being in circulation for more than 150 years, would be phased out and replaced with the pound coin.

[Daisy]

I suppose the coins are much more durable. It always surprised me that America had one dollar bills (is that still the case?)

[Gemini]

Certainly is as far as I know Daisy.

[Gemini]

1987

With a view to encouraging 'safe sex', or AIDS prevention, the BBC screened its first condom 'commercial' (without a brand name).

[Daisy]

I think it was presented as a public information film, wasn't it, Gem? I can certainly remember the days when they were always under the counter at the chemists, or the barbers would offer "something for the week-end, Sir". Hard to imagine now, isn't it.

[Gemini]

2011

Coronation Street become the first prime time television show in the UK to feature product placement, when a Nationwide Building Society cash machine was shown in the episode, after ITV signed a deal with the company. The law was changed in February after commercial broadcasters, hit by falling advertising revenues, lobbied the Government.

[Gemini]

1922

Children's Hour was first broadcast on the radio. It established a tradition of drama and story-telling and built up a devoted audience of over three million at its peak.

[Gemini]

1848

Frédéric Chopin gave his last public performance at London’s Guildhall. He played on, despite illness and an uninterested audience who spent most of the evening in the refreshment areas.


How sad

[Daisy]

Gem, that is sad. His music is incredible.

[Gemini]

1955

Anglesey became the first authority in Britain to introduce fluoride into the water supply.

[Oma]

Was it that far back they started adding it