21 July – Imagine the return of a lover

Do you remember the 1970s? Maybe a relative or friend told you about them. They were a time of one-night contests, hair lacquer, long dresses and cigarettes. And French was the predominant language of our favourite TV programme.

In 1976, an English-language song won, but there were four in French. And today’s birthday girl Mary Cristy (née Maria Christina Ruggeri) sang one of them. She was born in one [almost] microstate yet represented another. Novel, eh? Anyway, she finished third, beating her home nation considerably. They must have been kicking themselves, in their own quest for a fifth win. These days she’s more a thespian, but we wonder whether she still has the innovative multi-strapped dress.

Mary is 72 today.

Bonne anniversaire, Mary!