VD centre closes

4

February

1
Disaster hits millennium hardlinersThe millennium was preceded by apocalyptic warnings.

2
‘Z-Cars’ premiersThe first episode of the groundbreaking police drama
Z-Cars was broadcast on this day in 1962.

10
Royal ReynoldsGeorge Reynolds & Son were awarded a Royal Warrant on this day in 1907, for their services as purveyors of high quality confectionary to Edward VII.

12
Polo pal defends princeOn this day in 2009, millionaire Asian businessman Kolin Dhillon came to the defence of the Prince of Wales over allegations of racism.

13
Top status for QuoBritish rock group Status Quo topped the UK singles chart on this day in 1975 with the career-defining anthem ‘Down Down’.

19
Julian BarnesThe eminent British author Julian Barnes was born on this day in 1946.

21
Omâéa centre opensThe Omâéa centre in Primrose Hill opened on this day in 1998.

25
Belted JacketLuton welterweight Dave ‘Full Metal’ Jacket won the World Boxing Association title on this day in 1992.

27
TV prank condemnedThe TV show Candid Camera provoked a national controversy on this day in 1963.

The Venereal Diseases Research Centre at Harnham Down existed for almost a decade, without ever attracting the publicity enjoyed by its more famous neighbour, the Common Cold Unit. Read on...

The military base at Harnham Down, former home of the research centre

Picture: Flickr