On This Day

[bunkerfan]

31st December


In 1759 Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease at £45 per annum and started brewing Guinness at the St. James's Gate Brewery, Dublin. Ten years later Guinness exported his ale for the first time, when six and a half barrels were shipped to Britain.




In 1947 - Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were married.




In 1960 The British coin, the farthing, in use in Britain since the 13th Century, ceased to be legal tender at midnight.

I heard a rumour that maddog's still trying to spend them




In 1966, The Monkees started a 7-week run at No.1 on the US singles charts with the Neil Diamond song 'I'm A Believer'. Also No.1 in the UK in 1967.

[maddogfagin]

Dec 31, 2016 6:58:16 GMT bunkerfan said:

31st December

I heard a rumour that maddog's still trying to spend them

"Mr Lely, I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all these roughnesses, pimples, warts, and everything as you see me, otherwise I will never pay a farthing for it."

Oliver Cromwell

[nonrabbit]

Dec 31, 2016 6:58:16 GMT bunkerfan said:

In 1966, The Monkees started a 7-week run at No.1 on the US singles charts with the Neil Diamond song 'I'm A Believer'. Also No.1 in the UK in 1967.

That's Bernie's second favourite band.

[bunkerfan]

1st January


In 1660 Samuel Pepys began writing the Diary which he kept for nine years.





In 1781.The first all-iron bridge in the world, Iron Bridge in Shropshire was opened to traffic. The bridge was built by Abraham Darby III, from a design by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard.




In 1939 - The Hewlett-Packard partnership was formed by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard.




In 1966, Simon and Garfunkel started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Sounds Of Silence', a No.13 hit in the UK.

[bunkerfan]

2nd January


In 1900 - The Chicago Canal opened.




In 1929 - The United States and Canada reached an agreement on joint action to preserve Niagara Falls.




In 1926, The first issue of The Melody Maker went on sale priced at 3d. The monthly magazine was for 'all who are interested in the production of popular music'. In the first issue, Dance Band news, a feature on Ukuleles and how to read music by sight.




In 2007, Gnarls Barkley's song 'Crazy' was confirmed as the biggest selling UK single of 2006 selling over 700,000 copies. The track, which was the first to reach number one on downloads alone, held off the challenge of X-factor winner Leone.

[bunkerfan]

3rd January


In 1888 - The drinking straw was patented by Marvin C. Stone.




In 1951 - NBC-TV debuted "Dragnet."




In 1957 - The Hamilton Watch Company introduced the first electric watch.




In 1969, Appearing live on The Lulu show on UK TV, The Jimi Hendrix Experience were booked to perform two songs, Voodoo Child, (which is performed in full), then Hendrix stopped performing his new single 'Hey Joe' after a verse and chorus and instead launched into a version of the Cream song 'Sunshine Of Your Love' as a tribute to the band who had split a few days earlier. Hendrix then proceeded to continuing jamming, running over their allocated time slot on the live show, preventing the show's host Lulu from closing the show properly.

I remember watching this as it happened when Jimi changed the song at 7.07. Great stuff

[bunkerfan]

4th January


In 1884 - The socialist Fabian Society was founded in London.




In 1936 - The first pop music chart based on national sales was published by "Billboard" magazine.




In 1938 Bertram Mills’ Circus became the first circus to be shown on television. This was also the first time that a paying audience for any event had been televised, and audience members were informed that they could request seats out of range of the cameras. Originally from Paddington, London, his circus became famous in Britain for its Christmas shows at Olympia in West London and his troupe were the last to perform with live animals on the Drury Lane Theatre stage.

Bertram Mills here in the centre of the photo.




In 1967, The Doors released their self-titled debut album The Doors. The album features their breakthrough single 'Light My Fire' and the lengthy song 'The End' with its Oedipal spoken word section. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California over six days and unique packaging of the album included each band members bio.

[bunkerfan]

5th January


In 1933 - In California, construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began.




In 1956 - In the Peanuts comic strip, Snoopy walked on two legs for the first time.



In 1961 - "Mr. Ed" debuted. The show would run for six years.




In 1960 The last journey of the Mumbles Railway, the oldest in the world. It was set up in 1804 as a goods railway running from Swansea to Mumbles Head, Wales, and began carrying passengers in 1807. The railway still holds the record for the highest number of forms of traction of any railway in the world - horse-drawn, sail power, steam power, electric power, petrol and diesel.




In 1980, David Bowie appeared on Saturday Night Live Live from New York City performing 'The Man Who Sold the World', 'TVC 15' and 'Boys Keep Swinging' with a specially prepared backing group, including Blondie's Jimmy Destri (keyboards) and Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias (backing vocals).

[bunkerfan]

6th January


In 1759 - George Washington and Martha Dandridge Custis were married.




In 1938 The 82-year-old Sigmund Freud, the pioneer of psychoanalysis, arrived in London from Vienna with several of his students, to escape the persecution of Jews.




In 1977 The music publisher EMI ended its contract with the notorious punk rock group, Sex Pistols, after reports of abusive behaviour at Heathrow Airport.




In 1990, Phil Collins started a three-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with '...But Seriously'.

[bunkerfan]

7th January


In 1896 - The "Fannie Farmer Cookbook" was published.




In 1927 A telephone service began operating between London and New York. A three-minute call cost £15. Nevertheless 31 different people made a call on the first day.




In 1929 - The debut of "Buck Rogers 2429 A.D." occurred in newspapers around the U.S. The title of the comic strip was later changed to "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century."




In 1955, 'Rock Around the Clock' by Bill Haley and his Comets, entered the UK chart for the first time. The original full title of the song was 'We're Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight!' and is often cited as the biggest-selling vinyl rock and roll single of all time with sales over 25m.

[bunkerfan]

8th January


In 1940 World War II: Britain introduced food rationing. Restaurants were initially exempt from rationing, but this was resented, as the rich could supplement their food allowance by eating out frequently and extravagantly, so new rules were introduced.




In 1958 - Bobby Fisher, at the age of 14, won the United States Chess Championship for the first time.





In 1966, The Beatles started a six week run at No.1 on the US album chart with Rubber Soul the group's seventh US chart topper, which went on to spend 56 weeks on the chart. The group also started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'We Can Work It Out' the group's 11th US No.1 single.




In 1967 The Forsyte Saga, the television adaptation of Galsworthy’s novel, screened its first episode. It was so popular that for the six months of its run, many churches had to change the times of their services!

[bunkerfan]

9th January


In 1799 Income tax was introduced into Britain by William Pitt the Younger, to raise funds for the Napoleonic War. The rate was two shillings in the pound.




In 1816 Sir Humphry Davy tested his Davy safety lamp for miners at Hebburn Colliery. In January 1819, Davy was awarded a baronetcy, at the time the highest honour ever conferred on a man of science in Britain. A year later he became President of the Royal Society.

[maddogfagin]

Jan 9, 2017 9:17:46 GMT bunkerfan said:

9th January

In 1799 Income tax was introduced into Britain by William Pitt the Younger, to raise funds for the Napoleonic War. The rate was two shillings in the pound.

The conniving b*****d - so he was to blame

[bunkerfan]

10th January


In 1839 Indian tea was auctioned in Britain for the first time. Previously, only China tea had been available, at great expense. After the introduction of Indian tea, prices fell and tea became so affordable that it was soon the national drink.






In 1840 Sir Rowland Hill introduced the Penny Post to Britain. Mail was delivered at a standard charge rather than being paid by the recipient. On its first day, 112,000 letters were posted in London alone.




In 1985 The C5 electric car, with a top speed of 15 mph (the fastest allowed in the UK without a driving licence) was demonstrated by its inventor, Sir Clive Sinclair. It retailed for £399 but only 17,000 were ever sold and Sinclair Vehicles was put into receivership on 12th October 1985. At the time Sinclair, said 'it currently remains the best selling electric vehicle of all time,' but, by November 2011 it had been surpassed by the electric Nissan Leaf that had sold over 20,000 units.




In 2016, English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, painter, and actor David Bowie died from liver cancer at his New York home two days after releasing the album Blackstar on his 69th birthday. His first UK Top 40 single was the 1969 'Space Oddity' which became a UK No.1 in 1975, plus over 50 other UK Top 40 hits including five No.1's. Bowie has also scored two US No.1 singles, the 1975 'Fame' and 1983 'Let's Dance'.

[bunkerfan]

11th January


In 1922 - At Toronto General Hospital, Leonard Thompson became the first person to be successfully treated with insulin.




In 1954 George Cowling, a 34-year-old meteorologist, gave the first televised weather broadcast.




In 1958 - "Seahunt" debuted on CBS-TV. The show was aired on the network for four years.




In 1964, 'Louie Louie' by The Kingsmen was the No.1 song on the US Cash Box music chart. For a while, the record was banned by a handful of US radio stations because of its indecipherable lyrics, which were rumored to contain some naughty words. Even the F.B.I. investigated the song, but finally concluded that they could find nothing wrong.

[JTull 007]

Jan 11, 2017 9:03:03 GMT bunkerfan said:

11th January
In 1958 - "Seahunt" debuted on CBS-TV. The show was aired on the network for four years.

Aqualung my friend --don't you start away uneasy. You poor old sod, you see, it's only me. 

[bunkerfan]

12th January


In 1959 Henry Cooper defeated Brian London on points over 15 rounds, becoming British and European heavyweight boxing champion. Cooper was the first to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award twice (in 1967 and 1970). He is the only British boxer to win three Lonsdale Belts outright and he was knighted in 2000




In 1970 The Boeing 747 completed its first transatlantic flight, from New York to Heathrow. It is still often referred to by its original nickname, Jumbo Jet, or Queen of the Skies. The 747 was the first 'wide-body' ever produced. It held the passenger capacity record of 660 (in single class layout) for 37 years until October 2007 when the Airbus A380 took to the skies, with a maximum passenger capacity of 850.




In 1974, The Steve Miller Band were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Joker', the group's first of three No.1's. It reached No.1 on the UK chart in 1990.

[JTull 007]

Jan 12, 2017 8:25:56 GMT bunkerfan said:

12th January
In 1974, The Steve Miller Band were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Joker',
       the group's first of three No.1's.  It reached No.1 on the UK chart in 1990.

                          I'm not big on eating peaches but I like shaking the trees !

[bunkerfan]

13th January


In 1926 The birth of Michael Bond, English children’s writer and creator of ‘Paddington Bear’. Whilst working as a BBC television cameraman Bond had his first book published, 'A Bear Called Paddington'. It was the start of Bond's most famous series of books, telling the tales of a bear from 'Darkest Peru', whose Aunt Lucy sent him to England, carrying a jar of marmalade. He also wrote the children's books about the adventures of a guinea pig named Olga da Polga, as well as the animated BBC TV series The Herbs.




In 1966 - Elizabeth Montgomery’s character, Samantha, on "Bewitched," had a baby. The baby's name was Tabitha.




In 1984, BBC Radio 1 announced a ban on 'Relax' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood, after DJ Mike Read called it 'obscene', a BBC TV ban also followed. The song went on to become a UK No.1 and spent a total of 48 weeks on the UK chart.

[JTull 007]

Jan 13, 2017 7:41:00 GMT bunkerfan said:

13th January
    In 1984, BBC Radio 1 announced a ban on 'Relax' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood,
             after DJ Mike Read called it 'obscene', a BBC TV ban also followed.
The song went on to become a UK No.1 and spent a total of 48 weeks on the UK chart.

     DON'T DO IT !!! I actually liked this song which became a 1 hit wonder.
       But he wants to be sure 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.

[bunkerfan]

14th January


In 1878 - Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the telephone for Britain's Queen Victoria.

She doesn't look very amused.




In 1886 the Birth of Hugh Lofting, creator of ‘Dr Dolittle’. He trained as a civil engineer prior to enlisting in the Irish Guards to serve in World War I. He wrote illustrated letters home to his children from the trenches during World War I when actual news, he later said, was either too horrible or too dull. These letters became the foundation of his successful Doctor Dolittle novels for children.




In 1954 - Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio were married. The marriage only lasted nine months.




In 1966, David Jones changed his name to David Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones from The Monkees, just in time for the release of his single, 'Can't Help Thinking About Me'. He would later say that he chose "Bowie" because he liked that "big American bear-killin' knife."

[bunkerfan]

15th January


In 1559 Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England at the age of 26. She was the daughter of Henry VIII's second wife, Anne Boleyn and the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty.




In 1759 The opening of the British Museum, at Montague House, London. Access often depended on who you were and who you knew. Permission had to be given by the librarian and only 10 people an hour were allowed in. Its permanent collection numbers some eight million works and is amongst the finest, most comprehensive, and largest in existence. It illustrates and documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present day.




In 1797 The first top hat was worn by John Hetherington, a London haberdasher. He was fined £50 the first time he wore his new creation, 'for causing a disturbance'.

The very hat.



In 1974 - "Happy Days" premiered on ABC-TV.




In 1977, The Eagles were at No.1 on the US album chart with Hotel California the group's third US No.1 album. In the 2013 documentary History of the Eagles, Don Henley said the song was about "a journey from innocence to experience...that's all".

[maddogfagin]

What the youngsters are wearing today eh?    In my day it wouldn't have been allowed.

Next thing they'll be listening to loud rock music and wearing colourful clothes.   I shall complain to my MP.

[bunkerfan]

16th January


In The first issue of the magazine Scouting for Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship; the first book on the Scout Movement. It was written and illustrated by Robert Baden-Powell, its founder. It is reputedly the fourth best selling book of the 20th century, estimated at 100 to 150 million copies, in 87 languages.




In 1950 Listen With Mother began on radio with the words "Hello children. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin". When the series ended in 1982 there was a national outcry




In 1957 Cavern Club opened in Liverpool. It provided a showcase for many young rock ‘n’ roll musicians, among them the Beatles.




In 992, Eric Clapton recorded his unplugged session for MTV. The set which included his current hit single 'Tears in Heaven' and a reworked acoustic version of 'Layla', earned six Grammy Awards for the album including Record of the Year.

[bunkerfan]

17th January


In 1907 Alfred Wainwright, whose books for walkers did much to popularise the Lake District, was born, in Blackburn, Lancashire. In 1952, he began the task of walking every fell in Lakeland and recording his walks with pen and ink drawings. It took him 13 years to climb the 214 fells, travelling on foot or by public transport from his Kendal home, as he never learnt to drive.




In 1928 - The fully automatic, film-developing machine was patented by A.M. Josepho.




In 1985 - Leonard Nimoy got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.




In 1987, Kate Bush started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'The Whole Story'. The compilation album was Bush's third UK number one album as well as her best selling release.

[bunkerfan]

18th January


In 1896 - The x-ray machine was exhibited for the first time.




In 1939 - Louis Armstrong and his orchestra recorded "Jeepers Creepers."




In 1958 Bunty was launched by publishers D.C. Thompson. It was the first comic aimed at a young female readership.





In 1960, Johnny Preston started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Running Bear'. Written by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), the tune originally entered the chart in October 1959, then quickly vanished, but re-entered in November and slowly climbed to the top. It was also a UK No.1.

[nonrabbit]

Jan 18, 2017 7:38:18 GMT bunkerfan said:

18th January





In 1958 Bunty was launched by publishers D.C. Thompson. It was the first comic aimed at a young female readership.

And this young reader had it on order at her local newsagents, where every Tuesday she would walk with her dog, tie the dog outside the shop and pop in for her comic. One day she got back home and her grandmother said " Where's the dog?" So engrossed in the comic and the handful of sweeties (bought with a brass thruppence) the unfortunate dog was left behind. The young girl ran back to the shop and the dog gave her a withering look. The end.

[bunkerfan]

19th January


In 1848 The birth of Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel - (25th August 1875, in a time of 21 hours & 45 minutes). He even ended up having a box of matches named after him.




In 1937 The 18 year old English ballet dancer Margot Fonteyn made her debut in 'Giselle' at Sadler's Wells in London.




Also in 1937 Howard Hughes set a transcontinental air record. He flew from Los Angeles to New York City in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds.




In 1959, The Platters 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes', started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart.

[JTull 007]

Jan 19, 2017 6:56:00 GMT bunkerfan said:

19th January
In 1959, The Platters 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes', started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart.

Believe it or not I worked for this band once during the late 80's.
They called me to set up stage lights in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at a downtown hotel for 1 night.
After the show I was asked to travel to Las Vegas by the group and had to decline.
I had a family and a regular job which meant I could not become a full time light technician.

[bunkerfan]

Jan 19, 2017 12:13:50 GMT JTull 007 said:

Jan 19, 2017 6:56:00 GMT bunkerfan said:

19th January
In 1959, The Platters 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes', started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart.

Believe it or not I worked for this band once during the late 80's.
They called me to set up stage lights in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at a downtown hotel for 1 night.
After the show I was asked to travel to Las Vegas by the group and had to decline.
I had a family and a regular job which meant I could not become a full time light technician.

That's a great story Jim and I hope I've helped bring back some happy memories.