Neil Kinnock was elected leader of the Labour party later in the year.
January had begun with the strange phenomenon of ‘blood rain’ falling from the sky, which was caused by the sand from the Sahara Desert. The term was commonly used as the falling rain looked a reddish colour and when it dried off it left a thin layer of dust which can also be red.
The one pound coin was introduced in England and Wales and the first United States cruise missiles arrived at Greenham Common in Berkshire amid protests from peace campaigners.
On a lighter note, Breakfast television and Children's ITV were launched and the Austin Metro had become Britain's best selling car.
5. Lodge Moor hospital
The Lodge Moor hospital which opened in 1888 and closed in 1994 initially treated Smallpox due to the sudden epidemic. This is the Inside of the former isolation hospital's sports hall in 1983 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
6. On deck
The Star and Morning Telegraph's memorable cruise to the Canary Islands in 1983 where the members of the party are on board the cruise ship named Black Watch Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
7. Brigade centenary
Members of the Boys' Brigade march to Sheffield Cathedral where the Founders Day service was held in 1983 to celebrate the centenary of the movement which was formed by William Alexander Smith in 1883 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
8. Master Cutler
Master Cutler Kenneth Clephane (centre) of the company, Sheffield Twist Drill & Steel Co and Sheffield’s 379th Master Cutler, attended the Boy's Brigade Parade for Founders day in 1983 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers