100 years ago

There had been an enormous wastage of horses in the war. It was estimated that on average each German cavalryman had already “used up” two mounts, and was now riding his third.

British soldiers were more careful of their horses, and it was believed that the lessons inculcated by a noted British cavalry leader as to improved “horse mastership” amongst the troopers had had a beneficial effect.

Messrs Robson and Cooper, of Lendal, York, were calling attention to the formation of a Blue Cross Corps, which had been organised through “Our Dumb Friends League” for the purpose of establishing and working base equine hospitals in the line of Verdun-Compiegne. It was expected that the corps would leave for the front in a few days.

 

50 years ago

One of York’s oldest traditional services - the 259th anniversary of the Blue Coat and Grey Coat Schools - had been attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress along with the Sheriff and his Lady.

There were currently only a small number of children in the schools. Canon NF Porter, the preacher, said the maximum total was now 12, and there were three vacancies. He thought it was a great pity that the excellent facilities did not seem to be well known or made use of.

 

25 years ago

The beginning of the end of second class citizenship for disabled people in York could be in sight if promises became reality. But facilities for the disabled were currently few and far between and York had a long way to go, a report before the city council’s disabled persons liaison working group had just revealed.

As a result, the council was to set up a special consultation panel made up of councillors and representatives of many independent groups as a springboard for new disabled facilities.