100 years ago

The unusual charge of eavesdropping had been preferred at Castle Eden Police Court, County Durham against a miner named William Greenwell.

Constable Neil stated that on Sunday, March 8th, he had been on the road between South Wingate and Station Town about 9.20pm when a young lady and gentleman who were sitting on a public seat complained that there was a man behind the hedge at the back of the seat.

He turned his lamp on the place and saw the defendant crouching behind a tree trunk close to the couple. Superintendent Thompson said a good deal of this sort of thing went on, men creeping behind hedges and seats and listening to what people were saying.

The prosecution was taken under the Sureties Act, and they could only bind the defendant over, but he hoped the case would be a warning to others. The defendant was bound over for twelve months and ordered to pay the costs.


50 years ago

FH Pickles, Chairman, Selby and District Boy Scouts Local Association wrote: “In these days when young people have so much provided for them with little effort on their own part, it is refreshing that the Boy Scout movement continues to uphold the principle that its members should help to “earn their keep.”

"Few people can fail to be aware of the value of this movement, which had as its aim the training of boys and young men to become good citizens. The money earned during Bob-a-Job Week is essential if this good work is to be continued. At the same time it inculcates a sense of responsibility and of values.

"Once again I appeal to the people of Selby to give a sympathetic reception to a Scout or Wolf Cub when he calls to offer his labour, and to pay whatever is felt to be a reasonable rate for the job, bearing in mind the cause for which he works. This year’s Bob-a-Job Week, is from March 30 to April 4.”


25 years ago

Four sports clubs in York, it was revealed, could be closed by British Rail as part of a major review of its leisure facilities. The news was immediately branded “tragic” for sport in the city.

The future of New Lane Sports Ground in Acomb, Bishopthorpe Yacht Club, the Railway Institute’s gymnasium and social club in Queen Street, and Hessay Rifle Range were all in doubt.

The Central Council of Physical Recreation said the grounds and clubs in York were among more than 40 sports facilities being valued as part of a rationalisation policy by British Rail.

British Rail confirmed that some of the clubs could be sold off - but denied any decision had been reached.