When a German bomb destroyed his childhood home in North London during the “blitz” of World War Two, Henry Shelford became trapped in the wreckage, and lost his right arm.

When he moved to Slough shortly after the war, Henry finally realised his true vocation, as a gardener in Herschel Park, Upton.

With only his left arm to do the digging, pruning and raking, he had recently received praise in 1973, from park users and his employers, Slough Council.

Confirming the department had received many compliments on his work, Brian Standage told the Observer: “It’s simply wonderful the way Mr. Shelford has triumphed over adversity, he sets a great example to all of us.”

Part-time performer, Tom Costello, got his second “chance of a lifetime” to appear on the hit TV talent show “Opportunity Knocks”, nearly 50 years ago.

Spoon player Tom, who worked as a storeman at Mattays, on Slough Trading Estate, had started in the entertainment business as a boy, singing, dancing and (later) playing the spoons.

Mr. Costello was vice-chairman of the Britwell Playcentre and was hoping to start a new concert group for children to do charity work around Slough and to raise money for the centre.

PC Peg Martin found a new recruit at the Stoke Poges, Wexham and Fulmer Horticultural Show in 1973, when 11-month-old Robert Peasgood joined the ‘thin blue line’.

Although the new ‘cadet’ would have to grow a bit taller to be able to join the force-the height limit for new police officers was reduced from 5ft 8in, to no restrictions at all, in the 1990’s.

Eighteen German exchange students, visiting Slough under the annual youth club visit found themselves “banged up” during their planned visit to the local police station.

Earlier the visitors had been welcomed at the Mayor’s Parlour by Cllr. Bob Frankl, a Czech, who was able to talk to them in fluent German whilst explaining the council’s affairs and the civic mace and robes.

Six hundred children took part in a massive sports competition between three of the towns playcentres in 1973-Langley, Chalvey and Britwell- all tried their best to qualify for the finals, which were held later in the summer holidays.

Sophie the Pug, and her owner Jill De’Ath from Iver, had entered over 30 sections in 15 dog shows across England in the early seventies, with no success, until they entered the Pug Dog Club’s show in Slough.

Sophie scooped first place in the special beginners’ bitch section, and second prize in the novice section, finally arriving home with some long-awaited silverware.