Words and archive photos by Chris Forsey

Firefighters from Slough and Windsor showed they had big hearts in 1987, after they tackled a blaze at a Windsor care home and realised an elderly resident had lost her beloved budgerigar.

Although the crews had led residents of the Leslie Dunne Home to safety, the budgie was left behind and died of smoke inhalation.

So, the local brigade had a whip round, and presented a new bird and a cage to 82-year-old, Lillian Boyce, who promptly showed her gratitude by donating to the widows and orphans fund.

Firefighter Colin Drury told the Observer: "We are always thought of as aggressive, kicking down doors, but we are also gentle, compassionate and caring people.”

Body-builders posed for the Observer camera 31 years ago, ahead of the Berkshire Strongest Man (and Woman) Competition, which was due to take place later in the autumn.

During the event in Upton Park the tests of strength would include pulling lorries, tossing cabers and bar bending.

Up for grabs was a first prize of a week’s holiday in Spain, and the competition was open to all ages.

Maidenhead-based computer company Sphinx were due to celebrate their fourth birthday in 1987 and to help the party go with a bang they enlisted the help of a Burnham baker.

The resulting creation, in the shape of the iconic Egyptian statue, took Mike Smith over 30 hours to make and bake.

Although the head was tricky to make Mike told the Observer:” The weight of the head was making it rather vulnerable while I was making it, I was worried that it was going to topple over!”

The summer of ’87 was turning into a long, wet holiday for children in Slough and Windsor but the Observer had the answer for all the parents with bored youngsters on their hands.

The spotlight was turned on the two indoor swimming pools in the area, Montem and Windsor Leisure Pool, and despite the first two weeks of the break being a huge ‘wash-out’ at least there was still somewhere for kids to go.

Star-gazing crowds attended the annual Cartier International Polo at Smith’s Lawn, Windsor and amongst the stars on show that year were The Bee Gees, Goldie Hawn and Ringo Starr.

The Royal family were, of course, well represented by Prince Charles and Princess Diana, but you would be lucky to see them without the aid of a powerful pair of binoculars.

Daredevil chairman of the Virgin empire, Richard Branson, was on hand 31 years ago, to launch the first disabled water ski trophy at Wraysbury Lake.

Mr. Branson, who was the British Disabled Water Ski Association’s president, launched himself on to the water with fellow skiers Debbie Simms and Wendy Mason, but immediately fell into the cold water.

The British team won three of the four main trophies, winning the best team competition, over the two-day competition.