100 years ago

Having in view the many statements made by authoritative persons that railwaymen were serving their country equally as well, if not better, by remaining at their posts of duty than by joining his Majesty’s forces, it was considered desirable that all such men should be in possession of something which would indicate the importance of the service to which they belonged.

In this connection, Railway News stated that it was proposed to issue a badge to all railwaymen of military age who were desirous of enlisting, but who could not be spared from the railway.

 

50 years ago

The sermon, as a means of communication, seemed to be coming back into its own, said the Rev FJ Mann, Rector of All Saints’ Church, Pavement, York.

He was preaching the annual Jane Stainton Sermon which was every year on or about January 30, in accordance with the will of Jane Stainton, made in November, 1692. In those days, said Mr Mann, the public speaker was one of the chief means of disseminating information.

Now acres of paper were turned out by the daily press, miles of film were churned out in the cinemas and many kilowatts of energy used by radio and television, to impart information. In terms of noise, the sermon could not compete, but in terms of peaceful thought and meditation, it was far superior.

 

25 years ago

Tourism Minister Lord Strathclyde was soon to make his first official visit to York when he would open the Jorvik Viking Festival. He would also visit the city’s tourist attractions. His day would start with a tour of the Jorvik Viking Centre, where he would light a torch to mark the opening of the festival. The Vikings would be celebrating Jolablot, which heralded the arrival of the Norse New Year.