IT WAS their 100th anniversary nationwide when they opened the doors of their Southampton rehoming centre to the public.

The Blue Cross has a long history in Hampshire, opening premises in the city’s Warren Avenue before the First World War.

Thanks in part to a large bequest, and other funds, in 1990 the local centre was moved to former boarding kennels in West End’s Bubb Lane.

There was a total revamp of the Bubb Lane location, swapping huts and pig sties for specialist buildings incorporating 40 dog kennels and 24 cat pens, plus ancillary structures and staff accommodation.

Many of the animals housed there were the product of broken homes, unemployment, incompatibility or even changing fashion.

To mark their 100th anniversary in April 1997, the centre held an Adoptathon and also gave the local residents the opportunity to see the workings of the Blue Cross with an open day.

THIS WEEK…

A pint of larger cost £1.81.

Stevie Wonder was at number one with I Just Called To Say I Love You.

David Bowie had the top selling album with Tonight.

People may have been watching King of the Hill.

Gamers may have been playing Theme Hospital.

Top of the box office was The Empire Strikes Back SE.