From the Guide Files of Friday, May 4, 1979: Conservative Party Leader Margaret Thatcher made a visit to Prestwich in the run-up to the General Election.

She delivered a campaign speech highlighting freedom under the law and basic values of society, to a large crowd on the car park of the Conservative Club on Church Lane.

Mr Emlyn C. Jones celebrated his 50th anniversary as a lay preacher at Heaton Park Congregational Church. He followed in a line of holy men, as his grandfather was a preacher at the Welsh Congregational Church in Caernarvonshire. His uncle meanwhile, was Moderator of the Methodist Church in Conway, both high ranking posts within the Anglican Church.

Jean M. Denison, of Denison Antiques, Prestwich, became the president of the Soroptimist International of Radcliffe and District. She had previously been a member for six years and took over from Miss Audrey Abel-Smith.

Fifteen members of Sedgley Park Rugby Club were in the middle of a world record attempt for the longest try. Their target was 750 miles and the event was to raise funds for a new clubhouse and changing rooms. The team, which was being monitored by independent scrutineers, needed safe hands because if the ball was dropped, it would mean the end of the attempt.

Norman Taylor, chairman of the League of Friends of Prestwich Hospital, formally handed over a renovated hairdressing salon for the use of lady patients at the hospital, which had cost £3,211.