JUST look how much a microwave once cost...

We have gone back through the Chronicle archives this week to see how much the advertising world has changed.

The adverts featured are from way back in 1984 and the most striking revelation was how much a microwave cost back then.

Even the cheapest model available at the Co-op’s Market Street branch was a whopping £129.95.

The Co-op were among the most frequent advertisers in the Chronicle back then with electrics and other household goods the usual focus of the ads.

People of a certain age will remember the jingle from D.C Cook’s TV and radio adverts but the car sellers - originally set up by Wath man Derek Cook - were also in the Chronicle often with many people purchasing their first cars from him.

The only local business still running now who advertised back then would be clothes shop Frank Bird.

They are still in residence on The Arcade.

The now closed Tom Foulstone menswear were also offering clothes with stretch slacks on offer for £16.95.

Vallances were also offering a decent deal on colour TVs with people able to take one home from as little as £6.95 a month.

People with a bit of extra cash could rent a video for £9.95 a month.

The Civic Hall, now renamed Barnsley Civic, were hosting a Blitz-style dance, too.

They remain one of the town’s premier entertainment venues.