In 1936, singer Tommy Steele was born.

In 1967, the Australian prime minister Harold Holt disappeared whilst swimming and was presumed drowned.

In 1973, during the miners' strike British industry faced the prospect of a three- day week.

From the Telegraph & Argus of December 17th, 1977...

Police who arrested a 19-year-old youth after an all-night dance at Wakefield found that he had 13 Warfarin rat poison tablets on him today. The tablets can be fatal if taken in large amounts and small amounts can be highly dangerous if taken with alcohol or barbiturates.

From the Telegraph & Argus of December 17th, 1952...

ADVERTISEMENT: The Clavioline, the sensational electronic instrument. Any instrument at your fingertips. Demonstrations on request. HP terms available. Alfred Moore Ltd, 11, Manchester Road, Bradford. Tel: 23577.