On This Day: January 7, 2011

6pm on January 7, 2011 was when NCB Radio first hit the airwaves – and we’re marking our 15th anniversary with the unveiling of our brand new website.

Now, a lot has changed in 15 years. Not least the hair lines on many of our radio presenters team. But here’s a snapshot in history of this day in 2011.

On January 7, 2011, the United Kingdom saw a mix of historic sporting triumphs, the fallout of political scandals, and major cultural milestones.

Sporting History: The Ashes Triumph

The biggest headline of the day was the England cricket team winning The Ashes.

• England defeated Australia in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

• The 3–1 series victory was significant as it marked the first time England had won an Ashes series in Australia in 24 years (since 1986–87).

• The team, captained by Andrew Strauss, was celebrated for winning three matches in the series by an innings.

Law and Politics

• Expenses Scandal: Former Labour MP David Chaytor was sentenced to 18 months in prison for fraudulently claiming more than £20,000 in parliamentary expenses. He was the first person to be jailed as a direct result of the 2009 expenses scandal.

• Phone Hacking: Scotland Yard came under renewed pressure regarding the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. On this day, the Metropolitan Police announced they would write to the newspaper to request new evidence following the suspension of a senior executive.

• Diplomacy: Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang began a high-profile four-day visit to the UK to discuss trade and energy. During this visit, Scotland and China signed a significant “green energy” deal.

Entertainment and Culture

• The King’s Speech: The critically acclaimed film The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth as King George VI, was officially released in UK cinemas. It went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

• Short Film Festival: The London Short Film Festival kicked off its 2011 edition, showcasing independent talent across several venues in the capital.

 Events and Tragedies

• Somerset Balloon Crash: A tragic accident occurred in Midsomer Norton, Somerset, where a hot air balloon crashed onto a bowling green, resulting in the deaths of two people.

• Ford Open Prison Riot: Order was restored at Ford Open Prison in West Sussex after a riot involving roughly 40 inmates broke out earlier in the week (late Jan 6 into Jan 7) over breathalyser tests.

 The “Longer View” (Historical Anniversary)

While 2011 was busy, January 7 is also a sombre date in British royal history:

• 1536: Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Mary I, died at Kimbolton Castle. Her death marked the end of a long struggle following the annulment of her marriage, which had sparked the English Reformation.