From the Guide files of Friday, July 4, 1980: Mr John Methven, of Baguley Crescent, Prestwich, was bestowed with the highest honour in the St John Ambulance Brigade.

He was installed as a Serving Brother at a ceremony in London, perfromed by Lord Caccia on behalf of The Queen. He had swerved 39 years with the brigade.

l A council meeting of the Towns policy committee resulted in a heated debate over the proposed rent increase of £1.50 per week. It would be the second rise in six months.

l Vandals attacked a communal aerial in Whitefield, affecting a number of people as it was used to serve all of Fountain Place.

l Our Lady of Grace RC Primary School in Prestwich brought their total number of sporting trophies won during the year up to eight. After playing in a five a side football contest, the school reached the finals where they beat rivals Ribble Drive 3-0.

l Unemployment rose in Prestwich by 34 in a month. Vacancies sent out to jobcentres in Prestwich had decreased, leaving the number of unemployed at 1,095, of whom 777 were men and 318 were women.

l Every Which Way But Loose, starring Clint Eastwood, and given an AA certificate, was being shown at the Mayfairs Major Cinema, while Yanks was being screened at the Minor.