100 years ago

A British concert party, under the direction of Mr Seymour Hicks, would leave on Sunday morning, with permission of the military authorities, to play for a week amongst our soldiers in France.

The entertainment would be of a kind suitable for the very special circumstances in which the company had the privilege to find themselves.

Sir John French had approved the scheme, after consent gained in England. The party would give performances at various places along the lines of communications.

It would consist of 22 persons in all, and they would play anywhere, at any time, and in any place as they might be desired, in the open air or under canvas.

They would be conveyed in ten motor cars, which they were taking over, and the whole arrangements were completed, including transport and food, so that the minimum of trouble would be caused to the local authorities.
 

50 years ago

Since an article about his work was published in April, a constant supply of old radio and television sets had been arriving at the home of Mr Arnold Waudby, the war-disabled York man who repaired them to give away to old and needy people.

During this period he had restored no fewer than 28 television sets and 52 radios, and repaired countless others for their owners. But now his supply was almost exhausted and he was appealing for more.

Mr Waudby, of Salisbury Terrace, Leeman Road said: “The public have been very good. People from all over the city have brought me sets to work on, and several York radio and television shops have given sets and components.”

He was glad of sets whether they were in working order or not for he could always use spare parts. He did not accept money for his services, but invited those who insisted on paying something to give a small sum to the Red Cross.
 

25 years ago

A ceremony marking the afternoon's historic opening of the Brandenburg Gate was being attended by Chancellor Kohl of West Germany and the East German Prime Minister, Mr Hans Modrow.

The new crossings in the Berlin Wall had been created during the night at the Gate - the towering monument which had been the backdrop of Germany's majesty and pain.

A jubilant crowd cheered and set off firecrackers as East German workers began dismantling the concrete blocks.

More than 20 Wall crossings had been opened since East Germany lifted its travel restrictions on November 9, but the new crossings had a special symbolic resonance.

For 28 years, the Gate - as high as a five-storey building - had been easily visible from the West, but blocked by the wall and barbed wire.