Stars flocked to RSPB
1989 saw the centenary celebrations of the RSPB in Sandy and ‘two’ prime ministers, along with a host of other famous people were there for the event.
On January 16, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher came to name a special train The Avocet after the society’s emblem and it arrived in Sandy from Kings Cross with a host of celebrities on board including Paul Eddington of TV comedies Yes Prime Minister and The Good Life, Bill Oddie, Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers, Anna Carteret and additional actors of soap Howards’ End.
RSPB president and TV presenter Magnus Magnusson organised the national media attention, and it was all in aid of spreading the word about bird conservation. The charity was hoping to double its membership during the high profile year with an issue of celebratory stamps.