Every week we go back to re-visit some of the significant happenings that took place in living memory; just about, for some of us.
To remind ourselves of how life has changed and how some things stay the same it is fascinating to note what made the news this week in history, starting 19th October
1989: East Germany leader ousted – The Communist leader of East Germany, Erich Honecker, is forced to step down as leader of the country after a series of health problems.
1987: Shares plunge after Wall Street crash – The UK stock market bottoms out after shares on Wall Street plummet following a wave of panic selling.
1973: Dalai Lama makes first UK visit – The leader of Tibet’s Buddhists arrives in Britain where he will stay for 10 days to “administer vows”.
1966: Double-agent breaks out of jail – One of Britain’s most notorious double-agents, George Blake, escapes from prison in a daring break-out believed to have been masterminded by the Soviet Union.
1945: United Nations Organisation is born – Allies of World War II ratify the UN Charter at a ceremony in Washington DC.
Celebrity birthdays
19th – Actor Michael Gambon is 75
20th – Astronaut Julie Payette is 51
21st – Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher (A.K.A Princess Leia!) is 59
22nd – Football coach Arsene Wenger and actor Christopher Lloyd are 65 and 76 respectfully
23rd – Television presenter Cat Deeley is 38
24th – Actor Kevin Cline is 67 and footballer Wayne Rooney is 29