VD centre closes

4

February

1
Bands make their standA world record was set on this day in 1992, when 983 ‘trad jazz’ bands assembled in Hyde Park for a ‘Day of Dignity’ rally organised by the Trade Union Congress.

7
Toon win ‘Fisher Final’Newcastle United won the FA Cup on this day in 1955, in a match that became known as the ‘Fisher Final’.

15
Teds march on BBCOn this day in 1976, ‘teddy boys’ (and girls) from all over Britain marched on the BBC’s headquarters in London, to protest the lack of authentic rock’n’roll on the radio.

21
A fight at the operaOn this day in 2008 there was uproar at the London’s Royal Opera House as violence disrupted a performance of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra.

23
Miracle workersThe Miracle Worker, Arthur Penn’s groundbreaking film dealing with severe physical disability, was released on this day in 1962.

29
The Archers arriveThe first episode of The Archers was broadcast on this day in 1950.

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