100 years ago

At the Mansion House, York, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Councillor H Rhodes Brown and Mrs Rhodes Brown) had given a party in celebration of the twenty-first birthday of their daughter, Miss Lillian Ada Rhodes Brown

. There were upwards of a hundred guests, who spent a most enjoyable evening. Miss Rhodes Brown, who was dressed in a simple white satin frock, which suited her admirably, wore the watch bracelet presented by the members of the Corporation, and had a band of brilliants in her hair. She was the subject of congratulations on all hands in the course of the day and evening, and naturally was made the recipient of a large number of handsome presents, including a bracelet set with rubies from her father.

After supper, the Sheriff gave the health of Miss Brown, and spoke of the gratification she must feel in being able to celebrate her 21st birthday in such an historic building as the Mansion House of York. Miss Brown acknowledged in a nice little speech, and said she would always look back to that day as the happiest of her life. Dancing was engaged in until the early hours of the morning.

 

50 years ago

“The British postal service is acknowledged to be amongst the finest and cheapest in the world,” said Mr W Pearson, president of York and Selby Branch of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters.

It had also been said that the department was not currently keeping pace with the speed of current day requirements, especially in the field of cash transfers, said Mr Pearson. “Whatever may be the truth in this connection, let us all as sub-postmasters play our part in keeping the standards of the Post Office high, and the public who use our offices contented and happy.

The sub post office of 1964 is not just a little shop on the corner which sells stamps and postal orders. It is a local Post Office serving that particular locality, an office where all manner of Post Office business can be transacted. Courteous and efficient service must be the key-note.”

 

25 years ago

The Archbishop of York had warned that the Church of England must not split over the thorny issue of women’s ordination. But he had strongly refuted “alarmist talk” that the Church was in danger of disintegration.

Dr John Habgood said there were a number of controversial issues facing the church where there was a danger of confrontation between conservative and progressive camps. On the ordination of women, the Archbishop claimed:

“A great deal of feeling has become focused on this particular issue, with the result that it has come to seem much more explosive than it need be.”