Words and archive pictures by Chris Forsey

V8 EUROCAR Championship driver Mark Willis, from Iver, was still in contention for the title despite being pipped at the chequered flag at Brands Hatch racing circuit in 1999.

In the first ever ‘shoot-out’ one-lap sprint challenger Mark went head-to-head with six other drivers to try and win the £2,000 cash prize.

Although finishing third in the sprint and fourth in the Autosport race, Mark was still joint second in the championship on 1,475 points, just 100 behind leader Kevin Clarke.

The former Greyhound pub in Colnbrook was set to become a table dancing club 19 years ago despite objections from the Parish Council.

The £1.1 million venture was to be called ‘Golden Eyes’, employing 30 women who would work in the Borough’s first dedicated table dancing venue.

But local councillor Ray Angell told the Observer: “We really don’t want the name of Colnbrook to be pulled down this way, it’s an historic village.”

One of the UK’s highest honours is to become a Knight of the Order of the Garter and the Observer was looking forward to the annual ceremony back in 1999.

The Sovereign – the Queen - is head of the order, which also comprises the Prince of Wales and 24 knights, they all gather for a service of dedication in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, every year on the Monday in Ascot week.

A greedy boxer dog called Howard, was lucky to be alive after he ‘wolfed down’ 45 Mars bars – at the astonishing rate of one-a-minute.

When owner Alison Waite from Stoke Poges arrived home she found the boxer ‘looking very ill indeed’ and she told the Observer: “He was absolutely huge – just like a balloon – he was covered in chocolate and was panting.”

Fearing for Howard’s life she rushed him to the vet where he had his stomach pumped, but the speed-eating boxer had not learnt his lesson, Alison admitted that he still pricks his ears up at the sound of a bar being unwrapped.

Slough Arm Wrestling Club warmed up for the European Championships in Belgium by winning two categories at a UK tournament in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Richard Poole scooped the 100kg weight trophy and Ahmed Bansiar the 75kg, with victories over many competitors from Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.

A Langleywood School pupil was selected for a coveted place in Berkshire’s under-13 netball team 19 years ago, Chloe Mayland, from Langley, had competed against 100 other youngsters to earn her place.

Chloe told the Observer: “There was a lot of tough opposition, I was so nervous and I had no idea I’d get selected.”