Ten years ago Shoppers braving the January sales showed their anti-European colours with a call to keep Britain out of the European Monetary Union. More than 200 passers-by signed a petition put out by the newly formed Democracy Movement on Richmond’s George Street.

BBC sports presenter John Inverdale downed pints with celebrating rugby players in a Twickenham pub, even though his Esher rugby team suffered a 46-10 defeat by premiership giants Harlequins. The borough was struck by a deadly epidemic of ‘flu as hundreds of old and young were struck down. This newspaper received a record number of death notices after freak weather conditions The borough’s MPs welcomed BAA’s call on the government to rule out a third runway at Heathrow. Ann Keen, who represents Brentford and Isleworth said she was happy and hoped it would avoid a rise in noise and pollution. Alan Keen, Labour MP for Feltham and Heston said, As my constituents bear the brunt of the noise from Heathrow it is particularly pleasing.

Tough new restrictions on the use of Turnham Green, imposed after the Moscow State Circus fiasco are threatening the much loved parish fair.

Hampton Ladies Captain Mel Whittle of Staines Road, Hounslow, has told how a match with Charlton Ladies had to be abandoned as they swapped blows ten minutes from full time.

25 years ago On Tuesday the chorus to Lilian Fish from children returning to Archdeacon Cambridge’s School, Twickenham after the Christmas break was “Good morning Mrs Fish - BEM”. The 74 year old lollipop lady received the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours list for her school traffic control work.

Radio Sovereign, Richmond’s pirate radio station has been closed down and the transmitting equipment confiscated.

The borough’s five Rotary clubs are together sponsoring a new branch to be called the Rotary Club of Kew Gardens.

50 years ago The firm which offered to pay Richmond Council £53,000, plus an annual ground rent of £1,760, for the right to build a ten storey block of 100 flats on 2.2 acres of land on the Queen’s Road Estate, has now asked the council for a loan.

The empty site next to Richmond Town Hall, car park, is likely to be used for shop development. Richmond Council will again debate the future of shop properties in Hill Rise, acquired before the war for a for a road-widening scheme now abandoned.

Chiswick may soon have one of the finest indoor swimming pools in London, suitable for international competitions. The main idea is to give children swimming all year round. The two open air pools in Edensor Road, Chiswick are closed in winter.

His Chiswick neighbours discovered what 54 years of John Armitage does for a living when Mr Armitage, of Devonshire Gardens, appeared in television’s What’s My Line of Sunday. He beat the panel before disclosing that he was a busker.

Chiswick Ait, off The Mall is gradually disappearing. In the last 12 years 90ft has eroded. Eventually the 1,100ft island will be washed away. By an extremely wide reckoning the island should be gone by 2109.

100 years ago Roller skating is daily gaining in popularity, evidence of which may be gained by visiting any of the new rinks which have recently opened.

Fair sport has been obtained in the Thames Angling Preservation Society waters during the week. Few anglers have been out but they have been rewarded with good roach and dace and a jack or two. A barbel of 2 and a half pounds was caught at Twickenham.

His Majesty King Gustaf V of Sweden has honoured Mr W S Stuart of 2 The Quadrant Richmond with a warrant of appointment. It will be remembered that Mr Stuart took portraits of their majesties at Windsor Castle.

The funeral took place at Chiswick on Saturday of Mr W J Fensom, senior, aged 60, an old Chiswick resident and once superintendent of the Chiswick volunteer Fire Brigade, whose death took place on the 5th instant at his residence, 187 High Road Chiswick. In view of the deceased’s connection with the fire brigade over nearly a quarter of a century and the fact that his eldest son is now escape conductor, the funeral was of the official fireman’s order. The procession was consequently an imposing sight, from the house to St Mary Magdalene’s Church and thence to Chiswick Cemetery.

At the Middlesex Sessions before Mr Montague Sharpe, William Thomas Russell, carpenter, aged 47 of the Globe Laundry Twickenham, was indicted for having stolen a quantity of gas from the Brentford Gas Company by means of placing a temporary tube to the main gas pipe. The loss by the Gas company amounted to only 16s and they held a deposit of £2 paid by the prisoner when the gas was laid on Prisoner was sent to hard labour for two years.