NHS Launches on July 5, 1948
On July 5, 1948, the National Health Service (NHS) was launched by Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan at Park Hospital in Davyhulme, now Trafford General. This monumental moment brought free healthcare to all at the point of need, despite fierce opposition from some doctors who feared a loss of earnings. The NHS became one of Britain's proudest institutions.
Royal Security Breach in 1982
On July 8, 1982, Buckingham Palace suffered a major security breach when intruder Michael Fagan scaled the walls, climbed a drainpipe, and entered Queen Elizabeth II’s bedroom. The Queen woke to find Fagan sitting at the end of her bed. She calmly chatted with him until security arrived.
Bizarre Bat Incident in 2008
On July 9, 2008, 19-year-old Abbie Hawkins from Norfolk spent five hours with a strange vibrating sensation in her clothing. Expecting a phone, she reached down her bra and pulled out a pipistrelle bat that had curled up and slept there.
Music History: Lennon Meets McCartney
On July 6, 1957, at St Peter's Church Hall fete in Woolton, Liverpool, Paul McCartney met John Lennon, who was performing with The Quarrymen. Paul impressed John by tuning a guitar and playing Eddie Cochran's 'Twenty Flight Rock'. This meeting changed music history.
Chart-toppers during this week: In 1969, The Rolling Stones held the top spot with 'Honky Tonk Women'. In 1979, Tubeway Army's 'Are "Friends" Electric?' was number one. In 1996, The Fugees dominated with 'Killing Me Softly'.
TV Milestones and Beatlemania
On July 5, 1954, the BBC broadcast its first daily television news programme, replacing the 'Newsreel' format. On July 6, 1964, 'A Hard Day's Night' premiered at the Pavilion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus, attended by Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon.
Star Birthdays
Ringo Starr, born July 7, 1940, turns 86 this week. Edward Heath, born July 9, 1916, was the Conservative PM who led Britain into the EEC in 1973. Barbara Cartland, born July 9, 1901, wrote over 700 romantic novels.
Dolly the Sheep Announced
On July 5, 1997, Scottish scientists at the Roslin Institute announced the birth of Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal. The donor cell came from a mammary gland, so scientists named her after Dolly Parton.
