random retro-spective
A revolutionary form
of transport?
Sir Clive Sinclair unveiled the C5 in 1985 but production ceased in March as sales were low.
the retro hour: 2003
We've been through the archive and compiled everything we think you need to know about the year. To make it easier for you to find what you're looking for, everything is organised into categories.
the top stories
The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it re-entered the earth’s atmosphere. The crew, including Israel’s first astronaut and six Americans, were all killed.
Commons Leader Robin Cook reigned from the Cabinet in protest at the impending war in Iraq.
British and American forced invaded Iraq after George W Bush’s 1am deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave the country expired.
A 20-foot statue of Saddam Hussein was pulled down by Iraqis in Baghdad.
Comedian Aaron Barschak gatecrashed Princess William’s 21st birthday party dressed as Osama Bin Laden.
ITN Correspondent Terry Lloyd was killed while reporting from the war in Iraq.
The country of Yugoslavia was formally abolished and replaced with a union of Serbia and Montenegro.
International Development Secretary Clare Short quit the Cabinet. She’d previously threatened to quit before the war. Baroness Amos was her replacement and became the first black woman in the Cabinet.
on the chart
Robbie Williams broke a world record by playing to almost 400,000 people over three nights in Knebworth.
Madonna published her first children’s book "The English Roses"
Nina Simone, Barry White, Maurice Gibb and Johnny Cash died.
on the tv and at the cinema
Alex Parks won Fame Academy.
ITV broadcast a live version of The Bill.
Leslie Grantham returned to EastEnders to reprise his role of Dirty Den – despite being killed off 14 years earlier.
The film adaptation of the musical “Chicago” did well at the Oscars, scooping five awards including Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The final instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, was released.
Bob Hope, Gregory Peck, Alan Bates, Katharine Hepburn and Charles Bronson died.
sports achievements and milestones
Roger Federer and Serena Williams won Wimbledon.
England won the Rugby World Cup in Sydney with an extra time victory against Australia thanks to that now infamous drop goal from Johnny Wilkinson.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was banned for eight months after forgetting a drugs test.
Paula Radcliffe won the London Marathon and broke her own world record by nearly two minutes.
and finally
The congestion charge was launched in London
Everybody was reading the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and the fifth Harry Potter book “The Order of the Phoenix”
New phrases included "bling" and "chav"
The village of Cwm Brefi became the last in Wales to be connected to the National Grid.
The makers of Love Hearts announced they were creating a limited edition sweet to mark Prince William’s 21st birthday. It had the words "Happy 21 Wills" on it.
Illusionist David Blaine spent 44 days in a see-through plastic box, with only water to drink, hanging over London.