WINDSOR ‘hailed’ the King and Queen of Spain as they arrived for their state visit in 1986, but the heavy rain and sleet did not dampen the spirits of the thousands that lined the streets.

The historic visit by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia included a horse-drawn carriage cavalcade, in front of thousands of excited children and keen royal watchers.

King Juan Carlos had steered his royal family through troubled waters since the death of General Franco, making it clear during his visit that he wanted to overcome any perceived rifts between the two countries.

RED CARPET: The King and Queen of Spain made a royal visit

RED CARPET: The King and Queen of Spain made a royal visit

The Observer published a special nature-themed feature 35 years ago, highlighting the conservation work of a local expert from the British Phasmid Society, Paul Brock.

Phasmids are stick and leaf insects who make their presence less noticeable, by blending in to their habitat, to make themselves less noticeable to potential predators.

A local survey of the butterfly population in the Slough area by the society revealed 26 different types, including uncommon species such as the White-Letter Hairstreak, which had declined due to Dutch Elm Disease.

STICKY SITUATION: A Slough insect expert was top in his field

STICKY SITUATION: A Slough insect expert was top in his field

Driving a double-decker bus was a lifetime ambition for Farnham Royal resident John Senior and his dream came true after donating to Radio London’s charity draw.

John, a civil service researcher, got his big chance at the training centre for bus drivers in Chiswick, West London.

After taking a Sim-L-Bus for a spin on the ‘skip-pan’ he told the Observer: “I’ve always wanted to drive a double-decker and am very pleased to have had this chance!”

DOUBLE-DECKER JOY: A Farnham Royal winner got his dream drive

DOUBLE-DECKER JOY: A Farnham Royal winner got his dream drive

Farnham Royal shop manager, Richard Mattinson, won the motorbike of his dreams in 1986, a gleaming Honda VFR 750F, in a competition run by a national daily newspaper.

Although this make of Honda motorcycle was not designed as a race bike, it could reach speeds of up to 140 mph and was ridden by many racing legends such as “Rocket” Ron Haslam and Wayne Gardner.

DREAM MACHINE: One lucky winner had the bike of his dreams

DREAM MACHINE: One lucky winner had the bike of his dreams

American football was so popular in the 1980’s that two local teams found themselves competing for the new Observer (“Super”) Bowl.

Despite both the Windsor Monarchs and Slough Silverbacks plunging to heavy defeats in their recent league games, both coaches were confident of victory ahead of their grid-iron clash.

Monarchs coach Symon Bates admitted: “Whoever loses this is bottom of the Atlantic Conference table, meanwhile his opposite number, Silverbacks coach, Yakuta Monyasu, explained:” We have to come back with fighting spirit and a change of attitude.”

1ST DOWN: Two local teams faced off for the Observer Bowl

1ST DOWN: Two local teams faced off for the Observer Bowl

Over 4,000 people visited Taplow Horse Show at Barge Farm, Taplow in 1986, confirming that the event had become one of the biggest of its kind in the South of England.

That year 650 horses and ponies had been entered in its 48 classes.

There were 10 qualifiers for the Royal International Show, competing in five rings were world ex-champion David Broome and former European champ Liz Edger.

DON’T FENCE ME IN: Taplow Horse Show had record crowds

DON’T FENCE ME IN: Taplow Horse Show had record crowds