An attempt to set a new hot air balloon altitude record ended dramatically at the annual NSPCC fete in Wokingham in 1973, when ground crew holding on to the guide ropes were dragged for over 50 feet.

Crowds watched in horror as the 75-foot balloon, nicknamed Henry VIII, was caught by a gust of wind, which pulled it backwards and forwards, dragging helpers hanging on to its ropes and passenger basket.

When the surrounding grass caught fire, the pilot was forced to abandon his take off, opening all its valves and vents, allowing the balloon to empty its hot air and collapse to the floor.

Residents in Warren House Road, Wokingham, were being disturbed by the laying of a new flood relief pipeline 46 years ago.

Since the eight-month project had begun a ‘flood’ of complaints had poured into the offices of Borough Engineer and Public Health Departments.

Supervising engineer, Ian Chase told the News: “This job presents a number of unexpected hazards, care has to be taken to avoid electric cables, gas and water mains and sewer pipes.”

Waterlogged ground at Emmbrook made the going “good to soft” at the Wokingham Cub Scouts annual sports day in 1973. Hundreds of parents and friends cheered on the 150 contestants from 12 local packs, who took part in 3-legged, sack and egg & spoon races.

To mark the occasion of Esther Shorter’s 100th birthday in the Ascot Priory, the matron of the home invited the manager of the local Sainsburys store.

Having read that they were keen to improve community relations and maintain their “family grocer image”, they invited Area Manager, Mr. Keen.

He presented the ‘birthday girl’ with a bouquet of flowers and a food voucher for the store, then posed happily for the Bracknell News photographer with her card from the Queen.

Ascot Fire Brigade Fete turned was hailed as a great success 46 years ago, not least for the huge amount of money raised by selling hundreds of cakes, all baked by the families of the firefighters.

Luckily the forecasted rain did not arrive, and over 500 visitors to the fete helped turn in a healthy profit of £360, which would go to the Firefighter’s Benevolent Fund.

A display of fire engines from the past included Sonning No. 5, which was built in 1937 and a tender that started service with the City of Coventry Fire Brigade in 1914.

Hundreds of people flocked to Binfield Carnival’s six-a-side football and netball tournaments to watch a record numbers of entries, so many that the event did not finish until 9pm.

The children’s sports were also a great success with novelty races for both youngsters and their parents.