On 1 October 1982, the world’s first CD (Compact Disc) player went on sale. It was developed jointly by Sony, Philips and Polygram and cost the equivalent of $2,200 (over a thousand pounds) in today’s currency.

CDs were very common in the 90s, going on to replace cassette tapes. They are now being replaced themselves by mp3s.

Cassette Tape to CD

Also on this day……

1 October: Harvest Home (Harvest meal)

Harvest Home was the taditional way of ending the harvest. The last load of corn was brought in with the harvester singing a Harvest Home song, then the farmer entertained everyone to a harvest feast.

1 October: Pudding SeasonTraditionally the 1st October was the date on which the English pudding season started. This day is not to be confused with “Stir-Up Sunday”, the traditional day to stir-up your Christmas puddings.

The traditional English puddings were savoury rather than sweet puddings. They were filled with steak, leaks, mushrooms, spices and some were cooked for as long as sixteen hours!

1 October: National Day of the People’s Republic of China

1 October 1843: The first ever Harvest Festival was held on 1 October 1843 by Rev. Robert Hawker in his Anglican church at Morwenstow in Cornwall. He wanted people to say ‘thank-you’ to God for the harvest.

1 October 1870: The first official issue of the postcard was made in Britain by the Post Office together with the introduction of the halfpenny postage stamp.

1 October 1908: The first Model T Ford was introduced by Henry Ford.

1 October 1971: Disney World opened

1 October 1974: American fast-food chain, McDonald’s, opened its first British outlet in London.

1 October 2000: Last commercial Hover Craft flight across the English Channel.