More than 1,300 people were killed on one night. At one point during the Blitz, London was bombed for 57 nights in a row. 75 years ago, on 11th May 1946 that the first CARE packages for Europe arrived in Le Havre to help peple who were starving after WWII. The first CARE packages were actually surplus US Army rations. 70 years ago, on 3rd May 1951 that the Festival of Britain and the Royal Festival Hall in London were opened. The aim of the Festival was to lift the nation’s spirits by celebrating British industry, arts and science. On 9th May 1951 that the Lake District National Park was established. It was Britain’s second national park. 65 years ago, on 24th May 1956 that the first Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland. It was won by Switzerland. 60 years ago, on 1st May 1961 that betting away from racecourses was legalised in the UK and the first betting 21 shops opened. On 28th May 1961 that Amnesty International was founded in London. 40 years ago, on 13th May 1981 that Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded by a Turkish gunman in an assassination attempt in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. 30 years ago, on 16th May 1991 that Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the US Congress. 25 years ago, on 30th May 1996 that Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his wife Sarah, Duchess of York, were divorced. 20 years ago, on 7th May 2001 that Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs returned to the UK from Brazil where he had lived as a fugitive for 36 years. He was immediately arrested and sent to prison to complete his sentence. Released on compassionate grounds in 2009, he died in 2013.
22 Publizr Home