International Gin and Tonic Day - October 19th

International Gin and Tonic Day is celebrated on October 19th each year! 

A gin and tonic is a highball cocktail made with gin and tonic water poured over a large amount of ice. The ratio of gin to tonic varies according to taste, strength of the gin, other drink mixers being added, etc., with most recipes calling for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:3.

International Gin and Tonic day is a day dedicated to enjoying this classic cocktail, which is known for its refreshing taste and versatility. Do you prefer it with a twist of lime, a splash of tonic, or a garnish of herbs and spices? 

It's a great opportunity to explore different variations. Are you planning to celebrate?

The Battle of Assundun - October 18th, 1016

The Battle of Assundun (sometimes spelt Assandune) 1016, was a significant conflict during the struggle for power following the death of King Æthelred the Unready and the subsequent Viking invasions of England. 

Ashingdon hilltop
(possible location of the battle)

There are differences in opinion as to the location of the battle. Assundun is thought to be either close to Saffron Walden in northern Essex or at Ashingdon near Rochford, further south-east of the county.

The battle occurred between the forces of King Edmund Ironside, the son of Æthelred, and the Danish king Cnut (or Canute), who was vying for control of England.

After Æthelred died, Cnut invaded England with the intention of taking the throne, but Edmund Ironside emerged as the leader of a resistance with the battle of Assundun becoming crucial in the conflict.

It was a fierce conflict with the better trained and organised Danish army being triumphant. The struggle for power continued however Edmund was eventually killed in late 1016 allowing Cnut to become ruler for the best part of 20 years, uniting the kingdom into stable rule and concluding the Viking invasion.

Johnny Haynes - The Maestro of Craven Cottage

October 17th, 1934 is the anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest footballers England has ever produced.

Nicknamed the Maestro, Johnny Haynes was a celebrated English footballer, known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder and his time at Fulham FC, where he became a club legend. 

He was born in North-West London’s Kentish Town, his father was a post office engineer and he was a supporter of his local side Arsenal as a boy.

He played for Fulham from 1952 to 1965 and earned 56 caps for the England national team. Johnny was renowned for his vision, passing ability, and leadership on the pitch, often being regarded as one of the best players of his era. 

My own father was a passionate Fulham supporter and even living through the likes of seeing Bobby Moore and George Best putting on the white shirt of the “Cottagers”, he maintained the opinion that Haynes was the greatest player to ever grace the Craven Cottage turf.

After retiring from professional football, Johnny remained involved in the sport in various capacities, but moved to Scotland (the home of his future wife Avril) where they ran a laundry business. He loved a round of golf and watching Heart of Midlothian playing at Tynecastle.

He died the day after his 71st birthday suffering a brain haemorrhage whilst driving and swerving across the road directly crashing into a van. After being kept on a ventilator for 30 hours, it was decided to turn it off on the evening of 18th October 2005.

Balloon Boy Hoax - 15th October 2009

15 years ago, what became known in the US and beyond as the Balloon Boy Hoax took place in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.

Richard and Mayumi Heene released a large helium-filled balloon into the air, and then claimed their six-year-old son Falcon was trapped inside it. 

Richard and Mayumi Heene, wirh Falcon pictured front centre.

The balloon rose to 7,000 feet and remained in the air for 90 minutes while it was tracked by National Guard helicopters. The incident attracted worldwide media attention. 

When the balloon finally landed, approx. 12 miles north-east of Denver International airport, no one was found inside, but it had been reported that an object was seen falling from the balloon during the flight.

After a search was launched the boy was found hiding above the couple’s garage where he had been the whole time. 

The couple claimed it was an innocent mistake, but Falcon gave them away during an interview, saying it was a publicity stunt.

They were fined and given jail sentences, but were later pardoned by the Governor of Colorado.

Gone to the Dogs!

In my younger days living in the Guildford area, back in the 1980s and early 90s, one of my favourite haunts most weeks was the Aldershot Greyhound track.

Aldershot Greyhounds was a racing track located in Tongham, which was a mile or so east of Aldershot town centre. 

Aldershot was known for its lively atmosphere and was a popular venue for dog racing enthusiasts. The facility hosted various events and attracted significant crowds over the years.

The track itself was 400 yards in circumference with grass straights and sanded bends. It was not affiliated to the sports governing body, being considered as a “flapping track” i.e. an independent track.

The stadium was also used as a speedway track between 1950 and 60 (hosting the Aldershot Shots who later became the Aldershot Poppies). In 1973 the stadium was taken over by Spedeworth International Ltd who staged stock car racing.

Aldershot Greyhounds opened in the early 1930s and operated up until 30th October 2016 when it was closed to make way for the new A331 road. 

I witnessed numerous unusual scenes at the track. I remember one race where the owner was not happy with the short odds being quoted by the bookmakers about his dog and consequently ran down the length of the track to stop the race. 

However the dogs had been loaded, the hare was running and the race started. How he got out of the way of 5 greyhounds charging down the track towards him at full speed was a feat of great dexterity to say the least.

There were often accusations of ringer dogs running in races, but the bookmakers and track management were generally pretty good at “smelling a rat” as it were and putting a stop to any dishonesty. 

Scuffles amongst punters would often break out, often fuelled by excessive alcohol being consumed.

A night out at Aldershot dogs was always an entertaining evening, one way or another!

Birth of Kirsty MacColl - 10th October 1959

British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl, best known for the songs “There’s a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis”, “A New England”,  “Days”, “They Don’t Know”, and “Fairytale of New York” (with The Pogues) was born on this day 65 years ago.

Kirsty MacColl was a talented British singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and sharp lyrical wit. Born on October 8, 1961, in Croydon, London, she was the daughter of the famous folk musician Ewan MacColl and the textile designer Jean Newlove. 

MacColl began her career in the late 1970s and gained prominence in the 1980s. Her cover of “They Don’t Know” in 1983 became a major hit in the UK, reaching the top of the charts. 

Kirsty MacColl is perhaps best remembered for her collaboration with The Pogues on the 1987 hit “Fairytale of New York.” The song has since become a Christmas classic, and MacColl's duet with Shane MacGowan remains iconic. 

Throughout her career, she released several albums, including “Kite” (1989), “Electric Landlady” (1991), and the stunning “Tropical Brainstorm” (2000), which featured her unique blend of pop and world music influences.

Known for her strong and independent spirit, she was married to producer and musician Steve Lillywhite and had two children, but they divorced in 1995. She later had a long-term partner, journalist and broadcaster, Nick Jones.

Sadly, Kirsty MacColl’s life was cut short on December 18, 2000, when she was killed in a boating accident in Cozumel, Mexico. She was 41 years old. 

Despite her untimely death, Kirsty MacColl's influence endures. She is remembered not only for her distinctive voice and clever songwriting, but also for her contributions to music as a whole.

Che Guevara - Died 9th October 1967

Ernesto Guevara, born 14th June 1928 was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary and key figure in the Cuban Revolution. He was captured and executed in Bolivia on 9th October 1967. He was 39 years of age.

After leaving Cuba in 1965 to promote guerrilla warfare and revolutionary movements in other countries, Guevara attempted to incite a revolution in Bolivia. However, his efforts were met with resistance from the Bolivian military and a lack of support from local peasants.

On 8th October 1967, Guevara and a small group of fighters were ambushed and captured by the Bolivian army, aided by U.S. intelligence. The following day, he was executed (or it could be argued murdered) in a schoolhouse in La Higuera. His death marked a significant moment in the history of revolutionary movements in Latin America and has left a complex legacy.

Upon his death, he was buried in an unmarked grave, but in 1995 his remains were found in southern Bolivia and returned to Cuba where he was buried in a mausoleum underneath an imposing statue.

Guevara has elicited controversy and wildly divergent opinions on his personal character and actions. He has been both revered and reviled, being characterised as everything from a heroic defender of the poor, to a cold-hearted executioner.

The Black Sox Scandal - 9th October 1919

The 8 men banned

105 years ago, the Cincinnati Reds won the 1919 Baseball World Series against the Chicago White Sox. However eight Chicago players were later charged with deliberately losing the game in exchange for cash from a gambling syndicate. They were subsequently acquitted but banned from the sport for life.

For the 1919 World Series, the Chicago White Sox, one of the best teams in baseball, faced the Cincinnati Reds. The White Sox were strongly fancied to win.

Many players on the White Sox were unhappy with their salaries and management, leading to feelings of resentment and a consideration to consider fixing the series for financial gain.

Chick Gandil

A group of players, allegedly led by first baseman Arnold “Chick” Gandil, approached gamblers to arrange for a fix. They agreed to intentionally lose games in exchange for money.

The Reds won the series in eight games with several players underperforming or making critical errors during key moments.

Rumours and suspicions about the fix circulated, leading to an investigation by the Chicago newspapers and later the Major League Baseball (MLB) office. 

Joe Jackson

In 1920, a grand jury indicted the eight players, however they were acquitted in court due to a lack of evidence. The scandal had already tainted their reputations and in 1921, regardless of their acquittal, all eight players were excluded from professional baseball for life. This included stars like "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, who is often remembered as one of the most talented players involved.

The Black Sox Scandal has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films over the years, reflecting its lasting impact on the perception of baseball in particular and sports integrity in general.

The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe - 7th October 1849

American short story writer, poet, and literary critic Edgar Allan Poe died on this day, 175 years ago. 

Noted for his macabre stories, he is also sometimes also considered to be the inventor of the detective fiction genre and being a significant contributor to the emergence of science fiction.

Born Edgar Poe in Boston in 1809, a year later his father deserted the family and upon the passing of his mother in 1811, he was taken in by John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia.

Edgar Allan Poe's grave

He died in mysterious circumstances, aged 40. He was found delirious in the street in Baltimore on 3rd October, wearing someone else’s clothes. He was never coherent enough nor able to explain what happened, and died 4 days later. His cause of death remains unknown to this day although there are many theories.

He was known to have suffered numerous bouts of severe depression in his short lifetime and had alcohol and drug problems.

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Guitar Legend who Re-Defined the Blues

70 years ago today, Stevie Ray Vaughan, American blues/rock guitarist and record producer was born.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of blues music. With his exceptional talent, emotional depth, and innovative style, Vaughan left an indelible mark on the music world, blending Texas blues with rock and jazz influences to create a sound that was uniquely his own.

Growing up in a musical family, Vaughan was exposed to a wide range of music from an early age. By the age of 17, Vaughan was performing in local clubs and honing his craft. He developed a unique approach to guitar playing, characterised by his fiery, yet soulful style, powerful bends, and intricate fingerpicking techniques. His live performances quickly gained attention, and he became a prominent figure in the Dallas music scene.

Vaughan's big break came in 1982 when he played at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. His performance caught the eye of David Bowie, who invited him to play on his 1983 album, Let’s Dance. This exposure opened the door for Vaughan, and he soon formed his band, Double Trouble.

In 1983, Vaughan released his debut album, Texas Flood, which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The album's success catapulted him to national fame and solidified his position as a leading figure in the blues revival of the 1980s.

Throughout the 1980s, Vaughan released several critically acclaimed albums, including Couldn't Stand the Weather (1984) and Soul to Soul (1985). Each album further established his reputation as a guitarist and songwriter, and he garnered multiple Grammy Awards and nominations for his work. 

Despite his success, Vaughan faced significant personal challenges, including battles with substance abuse. His struggles with addiction were well-documented and often overshadowed his musical achievements. 

Tragically, Vaughan's life was cut short on August 27, 1990, when he died in a helicopter crash at the age of 35. The news of his untimely death sent shockwaves through the music community, leaving fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a true musical genius.

In recognition of his contributions, Vaughan has been posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2015), and his albums remain timeless classics, celebrated by new generations of listeners.

His story serves as a testament to the power of music to transcend adversity, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.

Lena Zavaroni - died 1st October 1999

25 years ago today Scottish child star Lena Zavaroni died at the age of 35 from pneumonia.

She was the youngest ever person to have an album in the UK album charts at the tender age of 10 and went on to make numerous TV guest star appearances and even hosting her own TV show.

Born in Greenock, Renfrewshire she grew up on the Isle of Bute where her parents owned a fish and chip shop / ice cream parlour.

In 1974 she appeared on the TV talent show “Opportunity Knocks” and won the show for a record 5 weeks on the trot. She followed this with an album “Ma, He’s Making Eyes at Me” which as previously mentioned reached no 8 in the UK album charts.

From the age of 13 she suffered from anorexia nervosa followed by clinical depression from the age of 15.

In later years Lena underwent electroconvulsive therapy in an attempt to cure her depression. She was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for the pioneering treatment. 

But after initially appearing to have weathered the operation well, after 3 weeks she contracted pneumonia causing her weight to drop to under 5 stone (70lbs), passing away on 1st October 1999.

She is buried at Hoddesdon cemetery in Hertfordshire.

The Guildford Pub Bombings - 5th October 1974

This coming Saturday is the 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings.

Memorial at Quaker's Acre

For someone who was brought up on the outskirts of the town, the events that took place that evening at the “Seven Stars” and “Horse and Groom” pubs in the centre of the town will never be forgotten. Four soldiers and 1 civilian lost their lives while 65 were injured (30 seriously).

Although Aldershot (10 miles from Guildford) is the traditional home of the British Army, many pubs in Guildford town centre were popular with service personnel based at nearby Pirbright barracks (located in the next village from where I lived). 

The "Horse and Groom"

The “Horse and Groom” in North Street and the “Seven Stars” just up the road in Swan Lane were two such establishments which would have been bursting at the seams on a Saturday evening. The Provisional IRA had authorised attacks a year earlier as army pubs were considered a “soft” target.

The "Seven Stars"

In fact servicemen did not make up the majority of customers in the “Horse and Groom” that night. It was also a popular haunt of many local people. 

The bombings cast a dark shadow over the General Election that took place 5 days later.

Although I was only 15 years old at the time, my brother (who was 19) was out with his friends that evening and when the news came through on the TV of the atrocities taking place just a few miles away, my Mother and Father were very worried that he was OK. 

Luckily he came home at around 11pm and in fact had been drinking in the “White Lyon” in Worplesdon and had been nowhere near the town centre. However as most of the town centre had been closed off, a good number had converged on the “White Lyon” and he was fully aware of what had going on.

So 50 years on, my thoughts go out to all those who perished and were injured on that fateful evening. God bless them all.

The Guildford Dragon reflecting on 40 years since the bombings