Barclays launched Barclaycard on 29 June 1966, initially as a charge card, but following Bank of England agreement to the offering of revolving credit, it became the first credit card in the United Kingdom on 8 November 1967. It enjoyed a monopoly of the credit card market in the United Kingdom until the introduction of the Access Card in October 1972.
Barclays was not the first issuer of a credit card in the United Kingdom though; Diners Club and American Express launched their charge cards in 1962 and 1963 respectively. Barclaycard was originally a BankAmericard licensee, and became part of the Visa network on its formation in September 1976.
In 2021, Barclaycard cut credit limits for over 100,000 customers, including customers who had never missed a payment. In some cases limits were cut by over 95%, resulting in “completely useless” credit limits.
OG ICHI PLOF TEE RA NESSI . One of a series of adverts for Britvic orange drink that ran on Irish tv late 70s/early 80s. Features the recurring caveman character and the tagline “Britvic, the Original Of The Species”
A series of animated adverts aired on RTÉ in 1989 for Silvermint’s sweets, featuring the adventures of Steve Silvermint, a “cool, clean hero” reminiscent of a Dick Tracy-style private eye. In each episode, Steve battles the villainous Ugly Sweets, defending the deliciousness of Silvermint’s treats.
How do they get the figs into the Fig Rolls? This iconic advertising catchphrase has long shrouded the fig roll production process in intrigue, yet in reality, crafting these biscuits is rather straightforward.
The pastry shell of fig rolls is concocted from simple ingredients such as wheat flour, glucose syrup, and sugar, devoid of hydrogenated fat or artificial colors. The fig filling within harks back to ancient Egypt, where figs were mashed and enveloped in pastry.
In modern times, fig rolls undergo an industrial baking procedure. Initially, the pastry and fig mixtures are blended separately, then the pastry is extruded into lengthy, unfilled rolls, later to be filled with the fig crème.
Following closure, the rolls are baked in lengthy ovens. Some brands opt to slice the rolls post-baking, while Jacobs fig rolls are pre-cut before entering the oven.
Jacob’s Fig Rolls have a storied history, originating in Dublin under the Quaker firm Jacob’s, founded in Waterford in 1851. The company’s relocation to Bishop Street, Dublin in 1883 saw its peak, employing predominantly female staff. The factory played a pivotal role in the 1916 Easter Rising. Production later shifted to Tallaght in 1984, and eventually, under Valeo Foods ownership, moved beyond Ireland.
In the 1960s, Gordon Lambert spearheaded innovative marketing strategies at Jacob’s Biscuits, including the inception of the Jacob’s radio and television awards. Collaborating with Irish International, led by the dynamic Mack Kile, campaigns like the enigmatic “How do they get the figs into Fig Rolls?” captivated the public, remaining iconic even today. Lambert’s legacy endured until his retirement in 1986 and passing in 2005.
Advertisement for Three Hands washing up liquid, featuring a man (David Kelly) with three hands washing dishes at a sink telling viewers about the benefits of Three Hands.
Credits: Director: Gerry Poulson Cameraman: Tony Higgins Editor: James Morris Dubbing: Ardmore Studios Cast: David Kelly
