Couples who are celebrating their Ruby Wedding in 2023 were married in 1983. Technology was moving forward at a pace. It was an exciting time to be alive!
Imagine a world without the internet, without smart phones, without computers that could play games or edit photos. This was only 40 years ago that all of this started to become possible, and we’ve never looked back.
What Major events happened in the year 1983
In 1983, Microsoft released the first computer mouse. For the first time, users were able to interact with their computers in ways they had never before been able to. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities for what could be done with computers. It also ushered in a new era of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), which made it easier than ever before for people to use their computers.
At this time, UK neighbourhoods were beginning to use Neighbourhood Watch schemes to keep an eye on each other and report suspicious activity to police.
The UK Prime Minister visited the Falkland Islands for the first time since they were liberated from Argentina in 1982. Prince Charles and Lady Diana visited Australia and also Canada on their honeymoon.
Margret Thatcher was re-elected as UK’s prime minister.
The USA invaded the Caribbean island of Grenada following a coup led by the military.
Bjorn Borg retired from professional tennis after winning eight Wimbledon titles (five at singles). He had previously won four consecutive French Open titles between 1977 and 1981 and had achieved dominance in his sporting field.
The UK introduced the £1 coin, replacing the old Pound note.
Why is the year 1983 important
1983 was a major year for technology and culture.
The level of technical innovation was very high, the first commercial computer mouse, the first heart and lung transplant, fertility treatment led to sextuplets who all survive and the first mobile phone was launched.
The first cracks in the cold war were beginning to show along with a massive wave of anti-nuclear weapons sentiment.
What were the most popular things in 1983
- M*A*S*H received the largest audience for it’s final episode in this year. It was watched by 105.9 million people. Other than sporting events it still remains the largest audience for a television series ever.
- Michael Jackson’s Album Thriller is released and goes on to stay at the number one slot of America’s billboard charts for 37 weeks.
- It was also this year that Michael Jackson first performed his signature Moonwalk dance in public.
- Every Breath You Take topped the singles charts in both UK and the US, and was the most popular song of the year.
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi was the year’s blockbuster at the Cinema.
- Mario Bros was released in this year although it did not take on icon status until Super Mario Bros was released in 1985.
- Madonna led the fashion trends with Lace gloves, crop tops and large ribbon-like headbands.
- Swatches led in the accessories fashion field in this year, with Ray-Bans a close second.
Newsworthy UK Events in 1983
- Brinks-Mat Robbery, £26 million in gold bars stolen from a vault at Heathrow Airport happens. most of the Gold has never been recovered.
- All drivers and front seat passengers must now legally wear a seatbelt when driving in the UK.
- The James Bond film Octopussy premieres in London. Princess Diana and Prince Charles of Wales attend the showing at the Odeon in Leicester Square.
- Liverpool beat Manchester United to win the Football League Cup.
- Manchester United beat Brighton at Wembley to take the FA Cup
- Harefield hospital carries out the first full heart and lung transplant.
- An anti-nuclear weapons march in London is estimated at over one million people.
- American cruise missiles arrive at RAF base, Greenham Common, Berkshire.
- Serial killer, Dennis Nilsen is sentenced to life imprisonment
- Thoroughbred Shergar is kidnapped in an armed robbery. A ransom of £2 million is demanded . The ransom is never paid and Shergar is never returned.
What was on UK TV in 1983
American shows were popular in 1983. Cagney & Lacey aired for the first time in the UK. Dynasty was again nominated for a Golden Globe award as Best TV Drama series in this year. However, it would not scoop the award until 1984.
The Time of your Life 1983
A unique visual of 1983 is available to you on our DVD. A fabulous visual history of a very special year.
DVD Greeting Card, The Time of your Life -1983
Dive into the time capsule of ‘The Time of Your Life – 1983’, a DVD Greeting Card, creating an ideal gift for couples celebrating their 41st anniversary in 2024! This combination of a nostalgic DVD and a greeting card is a remarkable journey back to 1983.
Further 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
As you would expect, we have a pleather of gift ideas for the Ruby Wedding. Please see our main 40th Anniversary Gifts page for gifts. Our blog post the 40th anniversary gift guide for inspiration on what to get. If you what all the details of the 40th Anniversary theme please see our 40th Wedding Anniversary Page.
