From our archives:

85 years ago

According to John O’York the topic of the day was York’s Quarter Sessions, which had been considered remarkable for two reasons.

One was the blank calendar which rendered the attendance of grand and petty juries unnecessary, and the other the tribute paid by the Lord Mayor Alderman Vernon Wragge to the good order and sobriety of the citizens during a week of great bustle and excitement during the Military Tattoo.

It had been noted the more than 150,000 people were present at the Tattoo throughout the week, and not a single person had abused the extended licensing facilities.

In Strensall the annual weapon training and regimental shooting competitions had concluded.

In view of the conditions during the weekend the shooting reached a good standard, but the cloudy and showery weather was against the making of records.

50 years ago

Many North East coast lobster fishermen were still out of pocket as a result of the April gales.

Over 1,400 pots had been lost and another 1,800 badly damaged, said Mr L P Money, the region’s chief fishery officer, in his quarterly report.

Fish had also been scarce for long periods on the grounds close to the shore.

Some crews made trips to grounds 100 miles or so away, but not always with success.

More than 120 people had volunteered to help deliver York Theatre Royal fund pamphlets, but still more was needed.

About 18,000 pamphlets asking for contributions to the £60,000 appeal, had still to be distributed.

Another idea to attract money for the appeal was to invite people to give money towards new seating, furniture, and dressing rooms with nameplates.

For the fashion conscious the 1967 winter collection would consist of Saint Laurent’s black knicker suit worn with a white silk blouse.

20 years ago

It’s time to take the plunge! Water World York, a £5 million complex of fun and excitement, finally threw open its doors to the public.

After months of uncertainty, the leisure pool was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of York Mick Bradley and Sheriff Eurig Thomas.

And it wasn’t so much “Hello Dolly!” as “Hello Pamela!” as Drag queen Dany La Rue drove all the way from Southampton to a York hotel to honour his friend Pamela East-Watson on her 50th birthday.

The glittering legend left his frilly gowns and wigs at home, waltzing into the Swallow Hotel in Tadcaster Road dressed as… a man.