From our archives:

85 years ago

The pupils of St Olave’s School presented a short play ”Les Jouets de Minuit” in French, before a large gathering of parents and friends at St Peter’s School.

Taking in to consideration the youthfulness of the players, whose ages ranged from seven to thirteen, the piece was handled remarkably skilfully.

With a finale of gymnastics, the whole day had been well received and appreciated.

In the attempt to pay off a very large heating bill, Parochial Hall, Clifton, had drafted in Lady Isobel Gathorne Hardy to open a two-day Christmas Fair to raise funds for Church purposes.

“Even in a Yorkshire climate you want good heating in your homes,” said Lady Isobel, though it had been very kind to us as new comers and the climate compares very well with that of any other county. I am told that in York it can sometimes be cold and sometimes wet.” (Laughter)

50 years ago

It was a gloomy day for sports fans as fresh blizzards had hit Britain, turning roads into “ribbons of ice.”

Nineteen football matches had to be cancelled, including 11 FA Cup ties.

The whole of the rugby league programme, excluding the Third Test between Great Britain and Australia, was also called off.

In Ryedale there was a two-inch snowfall, with some drifting, in the more exposed moorland areas.

Snowploughs and gritting gangs from Kirkbymoorside had also been out on all the roads in the area.

Acomb and Lowfield gymnasiums had hosted the under-15 York Schools Basketball Rally, where Acomb had beaten Nunthorpe 12-9 in the final.

And a fire had broken out in Beverley Minster just an hour before a performance of Handel’s Messiah, by the East Riding County Choir and the East Riding Chamber Orchestra, was due to begin.

20 years ago

York-born actress Dame Judi Dench was honoured for her lifetime’s work at the Women in Film and Television Awards.

The actress who was celebrating her 63rd birthday unfortunately couldn’t make the lunch in her honour because she was filming.

Richard Branson’s giant balloon was floating out of control over the Moroccan desert after a freak gust of wind tore it free from its moorings as the tycoon prepared for the launch of his round-the-world record bid.

And Christmas shoppers enjoyed a splash of colour as the Lord Mayor of Selby, Winnie May, switched on the town’s festive lights.