Forest at 40
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 9:02
Simon Clark

Founded in 1979, Forest is 40 years old this year.

To put that in context, in 1979 Margaret Thatcher was elected prime minister, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, Iran became an Islamic Republic and former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe went on trial charged with attempted murder.

The Sony Walkman was launched, the first issue of Viz was published in Newcastle upon Tyne, the first J D Wetherspoon pub was opened in the London Borough of Haringey, Sid Vicious died and the price of milk shot up to 15 pence a pint.

Almost 40 per cent of the adult population smoked and the government advised men to drink no more than 56 units of alcohol a week.

Oh, and the turnout in Britain for the first direct election to the European Parliament was 32 per cent.

Next month we’ll announce the date of a special 40th anniversary dinner.

Each week I shall also be dipping into the Forest archives. It’s been a long journey so watch this space!

Logo: Dan Donovan

Article originally appeared on Simon Clark (http://taking-liberties.squarespace.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.