KEITH HAMILTON looks through past editions of the Echo and reviews the issues which made the headlines

50 years ago There were reports to the meteorological service from all across Hampshire that the moon was a strange blue colour in the night sky.

Experts said the reason was smoke and dust drifting across the Atlantic from forest fires in North America.

40 years ago Moves were under way in Southampton for a memorial to RJ Mitchell, designer of the Second World War fighter, the Spitfire.

The first ever intake of 50 women students arrived at King Alfred's College, Winchester, after a century of being a male-only establishment.

30 years ago Details of a plan aimed at relieving congestion on the Hamble River was released by Hampshire County Council.

Eyesores would be removed from the riverside, river walls repaired, picnic areas developed and more car parking provided for visitors.

20 years ago Southern Gas customers were complaining after the company announced that if consumers were not at home when the meter reader called then users would be sent an estimated bill.

The gas company also announced that gas charges would be increased by ten per cent.

10 years ago A wrangle over contracts was putting in doubt the singing star Helen Shapiro's gig at a Chandler's Ford nightclub.

Work was under way in Southampton Docks for the Stena ferry operation which would link the city to Cherbourg.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.