BERKSHIRE was at the forefront of the embryonic computer industry in the autumn of 1966 with the opening of a new ‘computer laundry’ in Wokingham - which was offering its services to any customer involved in the UK’s export trade.

Early computers were extremely large and quite different to today’s small portable PCs-often occupying a complete suite of rooms in many offices.
Wokingham based firm Computerised Management had two machines-one of which was called the “English-Electric Leo 2” and was hoping to purchase a third.

It was the ‘day when the clowns wept’ at the funeral of one of Britain’s best-loved showmen Billy Smart, and many touching tributes were placed in Cranbourne churchyard.

Mourners filed past the floral tributes to ‘The Guvnor’ which included an elephant and during the service the Bishop of Warrington told the congregation:”He died getting ready for another show and now he is on his way to a greater show than anything on earth.”

Bracknell firemen posed for a special photo outside the old fire station in Rochdale Road 51 years ago,with their Station Officer Jim Brewer,to mark the move to a brand-new station in Downshire Way.

With Christmas fast approaching Bracknell Toy specialists Kiddies Korner held their third consecutive Annual Toy Fair-staying open into the evening so that parents could attend together.

Some of the toys on show included iconic playthings such as the new Thunderbirds range and dozens of Dinky model cars.

One of the more unusual items on display was a scale model pedal boat,made by Triang,of the record-breaking “Bluebird” speedboat.

Two Bracknell dogs made the headlines after travelling over 170,00 miles in 1966 in the cab of their owner Gordon Wright whilst delivering for Beechams Toiletry Division. Mr Wright told the Bracknell News:”Shiner and Aden are two of the friendliest dogs,but I never fear that I will be hi-jacked,they fiercely guard my 8-ton lorry and are the best mates I have ever had!”

Halloween at the 4th Methodist Girl Guides took a decidedly spooky turn in 1966 when a competition for the best dressed witch saw 11-year-old Teresa Bates scoop the first prize.

During the ghoulish evening her fellow Guides “bobbed for apples” but fortunately they did not follow the original Druid celebration-which convinced the populace that goblins and fairies would come and steal infant children and kill farm animals.

Photographs and words from Chris Forsey