One hundred and six years ago * It was decided that owing to wet weather, three extra men were to be employed to keep the roads free from leaves, which were causing serious inconvenience'.

* Despite our 1906 predecessors arguing that everyone is sceptical of fish stories', the Hendon Times proceeded to tell the tale of Mr F E Beddard's book on whales. The tome explained that there was no longer a need to exaggerate the size of whales, which were 85 feet long or even more.

Twenty four years ago * A hundred pupils from Finchley Manorhill School, Summers Lane, were enlisted to appear in a Channel Four comedy series Fathers Day, with TV stars John Alderton and Max Wall. It was thought that the experience would teach the children to be more critical of what they saw on screen.

* Tenants of Kent Hall on Cricklewood's Westcroft Estate gave their building a face-lift' after they decided that it looked cheerless'. Our reporter described the makeover as a delightful, cosy, white and timber-style olde English club/pub'.