PRINCE Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, the AIDS virus was first identified and the Yorkshire Ripper was caught in this year.
In the world of sport, the Wimbledon trophy was scooped by John McEnroe, Beefy Botham won the Ashes almost single-handedly, Torvill and Dean started to make a name for themselves with their first world title and Aston Villa were flying high at the top of the football league pyramid.
We've dug into the Bournemouth Echo archive from 40 years ago to pick out some special sporting moments in swimming, football, athletics, bowls and volleyball.
AFC Bournemouth players were helping Priory School players among other highlights.
Do you recognise any faces from our black and white 1981 snaps?
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