THE Daily Echo remembers life in Hampshire half a century ago with the aid of local photographer’s pictures.

These images from July 1969 show how pastimes now considered niche were far more commonplace. One shows the winner of a bar billiards tournament, while another depicts a cribbage league presentation.

Romsey residents enjoyed their carnival week that month with children’s fancy dress, a procession, bed race, queen crowning, swimming gala and more.

While the events shown in these photographs were taking place locally, here’s what was unravelling nationally:

July 1

Charles, Prince of Wales was invested with his title in Caenarfon, Wales. He was 20 years old at the time.

A car accident led to the hospitalisation of John Lennon, Yoko Ono and their children. They were on holiday in Golspie, Scotland.

July 5

The Stones in the Park took place in Hyde Park, London, in which The Rolling Stones performed for free in front of a crowd of at least 250,000 fans. The concert took place just two days after the death of founder Brian Jones.

July 12

English golfer Tony Jacklin won The Open Championship. He also came first in the US Open the following year, establishing himself as the most successful British player of his generation.

July 23

Snooker fans were treated to a new television show cum tournament – Pot Black on BBC Two. The tournaments were held until 1986, although several one-off shows were televised in the 1990s and up until 2007.

July 24

British lecturer Gerald Brooke was released from Soviet prison in exchange for spies Morris and Lona Cohen. The pair had served nine of their 20 year sentences for espionage