THE Daily Echo takes another trip back through time – this week by 60 years to October 1959.

These pictures show events snapped by local photographers at the time and include a picture of Hollywood actress Bonita Granville as she arrived on Queen Elizabeth. Granville starred in dozens of films and TV shows including Cavalcade, Ah Wilderness and Hitler’s Children.

Daily Echo:

Hollywood actress Bonita Granville on Queen Elizabeth

Proof that all factions of society enjoyed a good night out comes in the form of an image from the fruit and potato merchants dinner. No prizes for guessing what was on the menu.

While all this was happening locally these events were unfolding nationally:

October 7

A fire on Southend Pier destroyed the pavilion. More than 500 people were trapped on the other side of the blaze and were rescued by boat.

October 8

General election resulted in a third consecutive win for the Conservative Party. Harold Macmillan increased their majority to 100 seats and their campaign used the slogan “Life’s better with the Conservatives.”

Daily Echo:

Sotonians waiting for election news

October 30

Legendary music venue Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club opened in Soho London. Artists to have performed there include Nina Simone, Curtis Mayfield, Van Morrison, Lisa Stansfield, Jamie Cullum and Jeff Beck.