In 1959 many significant events took place that would shape the modern world as we know it.

• The USSR launched the Luna 2 spacecraft, crashing into the moon and becoming the first man made object to reach the surface of the Moon
• The UK’s first direct dial pay phone launched in Bristol, with the Deputy Lord May making the first call to the Lord Mayor of London
• Britain’s oldest motorway the M1 opened, connecting London to Birmingham

Perhaps the most significant event was the announcement that British Empire day becomes Commonwealth Day, which still runs to the present. This year’s Commonwealth Day is on the 9^th of March and there will be a multi-faith service held at Westminster Abbey.