When Laker Airways went bankrupt in 1982, ten teenagers from Iver lost £3,000 and their dream trip to America went up in smoke,which they had paid for, just hours before the firm went into administration.

The group of pupils from Evreham Secondary School had planned their ‘trip of a lifetime’ to the USA in great detail. They said: “We don’t feel sorry for Freddie Laker – we are very annoyed and disappointed.”

Slough Council was the only borough in Berkshire not to re-cycle its waste glass 36 years ago and the director of Cairnmill Recycling Services claimed it was turning down a potentially steady income.

David Waters said: “The council don’t have to pay for the bins and would get £” for each ton of glass collected – they could also get revenue from advertising on

the side of the bins.”

Spokesperson for the council, Rex Stevens, said: “We are making further enquiries and will report to the council in six months – as a concept we think recycling is a very good idea.”

After being banned from using his stunt motorcycle, eight-year-old Darius Goodwin,from Bray, switched to pedal power to continue performing his ‘Evel Knievel’ style stunts.

Darius was presented with his new specially made cycle by Maidenhead firm MAB after hearing of his plight. His father Keith said: “He can do all of the stunts he does on his motorcycle – it’s just a little harder!”

Tempers boiled over when Windsor and Slough rugby clubs battled it out in the biggest local derby of the season under the shadow of Windsor Castle in 1982. Slough were victorious by 23 points to 1,but the match was marred in the closing minutes as both sides had players sent off.

Earlier the referee had spoken to both captains following a string of ‘off-the-ball incidents’,but eventually he lost his patience and gave players their marching orders.

Maidenhead was gearing up to celebrate the 400th anniversary of receiving its Royal Charter in 1582 and to coincide with celebrations the Observer published a ‘potted guide’ to the history of the town.

The Charter was granted by Queen Elizabeth I.