Remember When: The hunt for elusive Teletubbies

1972: Contractors won a race against time to get the Marlow-Bisham bypass open in time for Christmas.

The £4.5million link between the M4 and the M40 was completed in time for an opening ceremony, which was performed on the new bridge over the Thames – the boundary between Berkshire and Bucks.

The Lords Lieutenant of the two counties, the Hon David Smith and Major J D Young, did the honours.

1972: Children at Courthouse School pulled a giant cracker as they celebrated the end of term with a big Christmas party.

1992: A Victorian-style carol service was staged at All Saints’ Church.

The event, which attracted about 350 people, was due to be held outside in the quadrangle, but rain and sleet forced everyone present – many in Victorian dress – to move into the church.

1992: There was more Christmas fun to be had for school pupils as they ended the year in style.

Lower school pupils at Maidenhead College for Girls put on two plays.

The infants took part in a traditional nativity play, while the juniors took on a musical with a circus and festive theme.

1997: It was Teletubby time – but Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po were proving very elusive, leaving desperate parents scrambling after the merest scent.

Shops faced Christmas mania for the toy of the moment, leaving the popular Teletubby dolls in short supply.

Terry Smith, manager of Toy Parade, said: “I’ve been in the toy trade for over 30 years and never seen anything like this before.”

1997: Children at Holyport Primary School helped make their environment a greener place.

They lent a hand planting trees that were supplied by the county council.

The seven- and eight-year-olds assisted tree wardens from Braywick Nature Centre as the planted rowan, silver birch and hazel trees in the school grounds.