6th May

On 6^th May 1994, the Channel Tunnel linking Folkestone on the British side and Coquelles on the French, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and French President François Mitterrand.

At a length of 31.4 miles, it is the 11^th longest tunnel in use in the world, but it has the longest undersea portion (23.5 miles), and at its lowest point it is 250 feet below sea level. In fact there are actually 3 tunnels under the Channel – 2 for trains and a smaller service tunnel, in case of emergencies.

The Channel Tunnel – making a connection of 2 great nations, both of whom have a total and utter dislike for each other!

Birthdays and other events on this day:

Alan Dale

New Zealand actor Alan Dale, best known as Jim Robinson in Neighbours (68)

Former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair (62)

US actor, director and producer George Clooney (54)

On this day in 1844, the World’s first mechanically frozen ice rink, the Glaciarium opened in London’s Covent Garden.