KEITH HAMILTON looks through past editions of the Echo and reviews the issues which made the headlines

50 Years Ago The Royal Hotel, Southampton, was urging local associations, clubs and organisations to make bookings for social events this winter.

"At the Royal Hotel you will find improved amenities for your greater comfort,'' said the advert in the Daily Echo.

40 Years Ago A local public opinion poll showed an overwhelming majority were in favour of retaining Southampton Airport (Eastleigh).

The poll was revealed on the eve of a meeting between Southampton Borough Council and Hampshire County Council amid fears it could be sold off.

30 Years Ago Pop group Edison Lighthouse was on at the White Buck, Burley, and a special folk evening at Southampton's Sports Centre Pavilion.

Local council elections were taking place in four Southampton wards: Banister, Bitterne, St Denys and Bitterne Park.

20 Years Ago A row erupted between Tories and Liberals in Bitterne over a clump of dandelion weeds growing at a local Tory club.

"If the Conservatives cannot keep their own house in order what hope is there for the rest of the city'' said the Liberals in a newsletter.

10 Years Ago Union leaders and shipping line Cunard held talks on a proposed no-strike deal in return for a regular annual pay increase for crew on the Queen Elizabeth 2.

Soldiers from March-wood Military Port joined the military build-up in the Gulf crisis zone.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.