100 years ago

The number of people spending Easter on wheels was visibly considerably greater than ever before.

The primary cause of this undeniable if undefined increase had been the advent and amazing development of the motorcycle and the light car. It was not in the nature of things, it was observed, that they would ever become as familiar as the ordinary cycle, or that they would ever be as easily accessible to quite the same classes.

The higher costs would limit, although not to an extravagant extent, the number of people who could afford them. However, on the other hand, they had an irresistible appeal to those which never could and never would understand the charm and the delight of the old cycling. Therefore, these motor machines were enjoying an extraordinary vogue. However, they were encouraging what could be called the cult of leglessness.

Of physical exercise, the motorist got none. Be-goggled, encased, and muffled up nearly as grotesquely as an Arctic explorer, he required only to sit and to steer. What would happen would be that the doctors of the future, instead of currently recommending motoring for sick pedestrians, would recommend pedestrianism for sick motorists.

 

50 years ago

For six years members of the York division of the British Transport Yacht Club had used an old shed under Naburn Bridge as their shore establishment.

To mark the first dinghy race of the season, a new clubhouse, built in cedar wood and standing on 7ft6in piers to put it above winter flood level, was opened by Mr DSM Barrie, Assistant General Manager, North Eastern Region. It would serve the 63 members as clubroom, changing room, and storeroom. Gas lighting and cooking facilities were laid on and there was a fresh water supply. The club was a three-pronged effort, British Railways bought the materials, the Railway Institute paid for the building of it, and the York club fitted it out.

“We want all sorts of railway people in the club to give us a true cross-section of our industry. We encourage wives to come and bring their children. With this new clubhouse we shall really be able to look after them” said the Vice-Commodore.

 

25 years ago

York was clean, green, and easy to park in, according to a major National Opinion poll just published. Eighty-six per cent of visitors thought York was a clean city and only 25 per cent of those who tried to park had experienced problems.

The year-long tourism survey made surprising reading for critics of the city’s long-standing parking and litter problems. Problems with parking were dismissed as “a minority” concern, although half of those who had tried to park believed parking facilities were inadequate and parking charges too high.