ALL IN THE MONTH OF APRIL 150 years ago, on 2nd April 1872 that Samuel Morse died. This American artist and inventor helped develop commercial single-wire telegraph systems and codeveloped Morse code. 125 years ago, on 3rd April 1897 that Johannes Brahms, German composer, piano virtuoso and conductor, died. 100 years ago, on 3rd April 1922 that Joseph Stalin became leader of the Soviet Union, in succession to Vladimir Lenin. 90 years ago, on 23rd April 1932 that the Royal Shakespeare Theatre opened in Stratford-upon-Avon, replacing the one that burnt down in 1926. 75 years ago, on 1st April 1947 that the school leaving age in the UK was raised to 15. 65 years ago, on 24th April 1957 that the first episode of the British astronomy series The Sky at Night was broadcast on BBC TV. It became the world’s longestrunning TV series with the same presenter (Patrick Moore) until his death in December 2012. The series 20 then continued with new presenters. 50 years ago, on 11th April 1972 that the first episode of the radio comedy panel game show ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue’ was broadcast on BBC Radio 4. It is still running. 40 years ago, on 2nd April 1982, that the Falklands War began when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. A British victory, although Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands. 30 years ago, on 23rd April 1992 that the world’s largest McDonald’s fast-food restaurant opened in Beijing, China. Also 30 years ago, on 27th April 1992 that Betty Boothroyd became the first female Speaker of the House of Commons. 25 years ago, on 13th April 1997 that the American golfer Tiger Woods, aged 21, became the youngest player to win the US Masters championship, and the first African American to win. 20 years ago, on 1st April 2002 that the Netherlands became the first country to legalise euthanasia.
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