100 years ago

The “Telegraaf” learned that during the recent attack by Allied airmen on the aerodrome at Costrode, a Zeppelin airship had been destroyed.

The same paper learned of a rumour to the effect that Garros, the French airman, who was supposed to have been captured by the Germans, had got away, starting his motor again before the Germans came up.

 

50 years ago

A £140,000 scheme for modernisation of York Theatre Royal was to be put to York City Council on May 3, by which the theatre would attract the best companies in the country, and become a cultural centre for a wide region. Improvements envisaged included reconstruction of audience access and amenities, better toilet facilities, new foyer, more cloakroom and staff accommodation, and coffee lounges and bars were planned.

Heating and ventilation were to be improved. Backstage proposals were for reconstruction of dressing room and staging area, new lighting equipment, and a new grid system over the stage. It would mean building on to the side of the theatre and for this it would be essential to obtain part of the garden adjoining the Conservative Club and at present leased to it.

But the auditorium, one of the most beautiful in the country, and, with seating for 1,340 people, the largest in any repertory theatre, would not be touched. The plan foresaw a York Corporation contribution of half the total cost of the full scheme, or £70,000, whichever was the less, and the Theatre Trust to contribute at least £20,000. An Arts Council grant would be sought.

 

25 years ago

Campaigners had launched an emergency appeal to save York’s tallest spire. The 600-year-old tower at All Saints Church, York, would collapse within three years unless urgent repair work was carried out.

The appeal secretary Dr Robert Richards said: “The situation is extremely serious and potentially dangerous. There is severe erosion inside the structure where the spire was repaired in Victorian times. Ideally work should begin in the summer if we are to stop things getting even worse.

The cement used by the Victorians to point the spire speeded its erosion by trapping water which freezes in cold winds.” The fault was spotted at the North Street church by engineers inspecting the church bells the previous summer and church architect, Mr Peter Marshall, who was called in immediately, declared the situation “was of great cause for concern”.

The Rev Alban Howard, rector of the church from 1960 to 1981, had maintained his long association with it. He said: “We’re hoping that York people respond to the urgency of the situation.

“We are also hoping large charitable organisations nationally will see just how serious this is.”