From our archives:

 

85 years ago

Several properties in Norton were to go under the auctioneer’s hammer at the Buckrose Hotel. Salt House, Times Stores and a number of premises in Commercial Street were all up for grabs.

The Prince of Wales was continuing to make satisfactory progress after suffering from a chill.

No official statement had been issued, but it had been stated on good authority that the Prince continued to go on well and the chill was taking a normal course.

Sharing her tips for the beach features writer Irene Adair, wrote “most of the new shoes to be worn at the seaside this year are of dull surfaced leathers, canvas, suede, or anything which gives a matt appearance, and the colours are as bright and contrasting as ever”.

 

50 years ago

The Dean of York, Dr Alan Richardson, had stressed that there was no question of closing York Minster at the present, after a survey of the Minster’s fabric had concluded that they may be a possible chain reaction leading to the collapse of the central tower due to one cracked stone.

Work had therefore begun on strapping one of the choir piers by wrapping restraining bands around it.

Seaton Ross hit the right day again as sunshine and high temperatures had attracted 2,500 visitors and entries in many classes had broken the records.

One Escrick mother however was up in arms, criticising the officials for a complete lack of organisation, after she had been told to get her pony ready for 1.45 but the judging didn’t start till nearly 6pm.

“It’s far too long to keep ponies and young children waiting. They get bored and tired and it puts children off future shows.”

 

20 years ago

One family from Foxwood was settling down to an evening of comedy, only to find they were plunged instead into a drama all of their own after a high-powered saloon car came crash, bang, walloping through their garage wall and not for the first time.

Tamagotchi fever was gripping York after one 10 year-old managed to keep his cyber-pet for 31 days-31 cyber-pet years, with others queueing up to go one better.

The longest-lived Tamagotchi claimed so far was a remarkable 96 days by 12 year-old Emily Armitage, of Fulford Road.

“When it died the whole family was devastated,” said her mum.