LOSE YOURSELF IN 1965

BAC TO NOWHERE

The British Aircraft Corporation’s TSR-2 supersonic reconnaissance/ bomber aircraft project is cancelled. Intended to deliver nuclear bombs at low altitude, the new Labour government halted work, after around £200 million had been spent. Intended to replace the Canberra and entire V-bomber force, only three air-worthy examples of the striking Mach 2.35 aircraft (out of over 70 planned) were completed. However, the only one to ever take to the skies, XR219, found itself used as target practice instead. Another two survive in museums, along with a cockpit section at Brooklands.

HAPPY 700TH BIRTHDAY, MOTHER

The British Parliament marked its 700th birthday with commemorations in London plus a set of Royal Mail stamps. Established in 1265 and, aside from a few temporary breaks, always at London’s Palace of Westminster – then part of a small village outside London – this ‘Mother of Parliaments’ was the brainchild of Simon de Montfort after he defeated King Henry III in battle. As well as barons and knights, there were representatives from the major towns of the nation, becoming what was later dubbed the House of Commons.

THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!

The best-loved of all Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s puppet sci-fi series,

Thunderbirds received its television premiere on ITV on 30 September. Filmed in Supermarionation and set in the 2060s – so we haven’t caught up with its technology yet – it featured the exploits of International Rescue and its fantastic selection of sea-, air- and spacecraft, plus Lady Penelope and her pink, six-wheeled Rolls-Royce FAB1 with chauffeur Parker, of course. Who didn’t want to live on the gadget-laden Tracy Island as soon as they saw their first episode?