October 17 - On this day: 36 years ago since the Great Storm killed 18 people
36 years ago (1987): We blasted weather forecasters for failing to predict the ferocious storm that was about to hit Britain, singling out BBC weatherman Michael Fish who famously denied a hurricane was on the way.
Some 18 people died in the “great storm”, while 15 million trees were destroyed and thousands of homes lost power. The strongest wind gust, of 120mph, was recorded at Shoreham, West Sussex.
55 years ago (1968)
Two black American athletes staged an anti-racism protest on the podium during a medal ceremony at the Mexico Olympics. Sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medallists in the 200 metres, bowed their heads and raised a gloved fist during the national anthem.
43 years ago (1980)
The Queen became the first British monarch to make a state visit to the Vatican where she held a private audience with HH Pope John Paul II and the pair exchanged gifts.
The visit was heralded as a step towards closer relations between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.
