From our archive:

85 years ago

The first event of its kind was held in the Northern Command Headquarters Club, Wenlock Terrace, York, where the wives and children of officers connected with Headquarters were entertained to a Christmas party organised by SQM Owen, assisted by members of the Entertainments Committee of the club. The clubroom was decorated for the occasion, and one corner was filled by a large Christmas tree from which presents was distributed to the children by Santa Claus. Lady Isobel Gathorne-Hardy, who was accompanied by her daughter, Miss Gathorne-Hardy, formally opened the party. “One is never too old to come to a Christmas party,” said Lady Isobel. White was the colour of the season; a white satin frock could be varied delightfully with changes in various accessories or for the fashion conscious of York you could mix and match adding a white jacket or shoes. The first consignment of six vehicles had been delivered to the London and North-Eastern Railway Company as part of an order to Unwin’s Ltd, for 34 Fordson two-ton trucks.

50 years ago

There were no signs of a White Christmas. In fact, weathermen had reported that temperatures were more like those in March or October. The big holiday rush from London was expected to start at lunchtime, with British Railways running many extra trains. The Archbishop of York, Dr Donald Coggan, paid his annual Christmas visit to the offices of the Yorkshire Herald. He toured the printing works, editorial and other departments with the director and general manager, Mr A J Bradbury, editor-in-chief Mr W Smith, while chatting with staff and watching various aspects of production. The Archbishop then sent Christmas greetings to other newspapers in the Westminster Press group over the Evening Press teleprinter link, followed by pressing the button and setting the press in operation for the first edition.

20 years ago

Spice Girl Victoria Adams was set to marry Manchester United star David Beckham. The couple had been dating for about nine months and planned to marry after the World Cup finals in France, where the 22-year-old midfielder was expected to be in the England team. Harrods store boss Mohamed Al Fayed had welcomed the announcement by the Home Secretary that his long-standing application for British citizenship was to be reconsidered. Retired English teacher Brenda Gill was planning a slap-up Christmas for her family after winning £10,000 on the Talking Telephone Numbers.