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

50 Years Ago Charlie Wayman, Southampton Football Club's centre-forward and leading goal scorer asked for a transfer.

A Dell spokesman said the club was willing to transfer the footballer if a player of equal standard could be obtained to fill the gap in the team.

40 Years Ago A campaign was launched to ensure the future of Southampton Airport which was threatened with closure following the borough council's decision not to buy the site.

Southampton Docks was returning to normal as the unofficial strike by seamen started to crumble.

30 Years Ago A gas explosion seriously damaged a flat and shook a block of apartments in Burgoyne Road, Thornhill, Southampton.

Bosom Buddies, billed as the "world's top female impersonators'', were appearing at the New Forest Hotel, Ashurst. Tickets cost 8s (40p).

20 Years Ago A Southampton bookie was down in the dumps after a punter won £71,782 for a £10 bet after the seven horses he backed all won.

Southampton postmen and women were among the first to receive a new-style lightweight uniform in light grey polyester with a dark grey collar and cuffs.

10 Years Ago Good news for Southampton docks as another shipping firm switched its operation to the city's container terminals.

Poll tax demonstrators gathered at Southampton Magistrates' Court as proceedings kicked off against people who had refused to pay the charge.

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