Datchet was voted ‘Berkshire’s Best Kept Village’ in 1983, and when the results of the voting were revealed, the ‘sick and span’ village had scored an impressive 90.5 points out of 100.

Proud parish council chairman, Tony Griffiths, congratulated his green-fingered and litter-conscious team who looked after the villages cemetery and many green spaces.

During the judging, two of the county’s most picturesque Thameside villages, Datchet and Wargrave, had gone head to head, with Datchet winning by a meagre one point.

Slough Rugby Club were training hard for the start of a new season, but they were also preparing for new era off the pitch.

During the closed season the Upton Court Park headquarters had been a hive of activity, with work on a new first team pitch, improvements to the clubhouse and the installation of floodlights for evening matches.

The new facilities would mean that the club could play up to five matches at home every week, with many matches for the Colts, and a number of mini rugby tournaments for the seven to 15-year-olds.

Two Britwell children received a ‘crowning glory’ at the end of their school holidays 35 years ago, when they were voted Miss and Master Playcentre ’83.

The staff at the playcentre in Long Furlong Drive, had to pick from 20 youngsters and eventually settled upon Jane Watson and David Care for the coveted titles.

Slough’s Unihoc competition had a novel way to ensure fair play at their knock-out contest in 1983 with the introduction of an American-style ‘Sin Bin’.

Ten teams took part at the Upton Lea Centre which included teams from Chalvey and Langley who all tried out the Sin Bin before the matches at the prompting of the Observer ‘s photographer.

Slough Dolphins swimming club were reaping the benefits of hiring a new coach, Ian Tripp, who had previously helped coach the Scottish national squad.

Having joined the squad earlier in the year, Ian told the Observer he was determined to make his mark:” We rank nowhere at the moment, with just one or two stars – but I expect my entire team to be of national standard within two years.”

When Britwell horticultural show looked around for its VIP guest to present the cups and prizes they had to hastily bring on a stand-in.

At the last minute, Patricia Bell saved the day, presenting a host of cups and shields to (amongst others) the Len Todd Cup for the best exhibit in show to Anthony Galea of Farnham Lane.