The year in which I was born

I am keeping schtum on my age, not out of vanity but purely for mischief. I will however mention the following twelve not so consequential events that occurred in the year in which I was born … 

1. 13th January Princess Margaret's chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce skids on ice near Baldock, Herts, hitting the car in front. The princess's police escort then crashes into the back of the Rolls. Fortunately no-one is hurt. 

2. 14th January Petrol price is increased by 5d. to 4s. 6d. a gallon. 

3. 11th March The Granada cinema chain asked its patrons to vote on whether the National Anthem should be played at the beginning of a performance, the end, or not at all. This is to avoid the undignified rush for the exits which often takes place. 

4. 5th May Speaking at the Newspapers Press Fund dinner, the Duke of Edinburgh confesses that during the newspaper strike he really only missed the strip cartoons. 

5. 19th May The first Wimpy Bar opens in London. 'Out with a Wimpy... city says goodbye to burger joint' [BBC News] 

6. 11th June The Le Mans 24 Hour Race is the scene of the worst accident in motor racing history, when three cars crash at speeds of 150mph and plough into the spectator's stand. 82 people are killed and a further 73 injured. 

7. 3rd August The Ministry of Housing and Local Government urges local authorities to create green belts to prevent the unrestricted sprawl of great cities. 

8. 12th August Road signs in London are to carry the words. 'Courtesy, everybody, please.' for three months. 

9. 22nd September Independent Television goes on the air in London with The Billy Cotton Band Show from Wood Green Empire, and the news read by Christopher Chataway. The first advertisement is for Gibbs SR toothpaste. In an effort to retain listeners, BBC Radio counter-attacks with Grace Archer being killed dashing into a blazing stable to rescue a horse in The Archers. 

10. 26th September Bird's Eye fish fingers go on sale in Britain. A poll in 1993 named Captain Birds Eye as the most recognised captain after Captain Cook. 

11. 1st October The BBC starts experimental colour TV transmissions from Alexandra Palace at the end of normal programmes. All the viewer can see at the moment is patterns. 

12. 12th November Britain enters the scooter race. At the Cycle and Motor Show at Earls Court, London, BSA launches two models:- the Beeza, a luxury scooter selling for £204.12s, including purchase tax, which has a 198cc four-stroke engine, 4-speed gears, sprung suspension and an electric starter, and the Dandy, £74.8s, a lightweight model, which does 200 miles per gallon and has a top speed of about 40mph.