From our archives:

85 years ago

According to the features writer Barbara B Brooks, cheese dishes were good at any time, but they were especially appropriate during the 40 days of pre-Easter eating because they were an effective meat substitute.

Of course, eggs and fish were also substitutes, but they were not as versatile as cheese.

Another theory by Mrs Brooks was that your nationality or the nationality of your ancestors would probably determine which kind of cheese you preferred.

Speaking on “Peace and War in Industry,” to members of Darlington Rotary Club Mr Seebohm Rowntree said “the future of Britain depended on her ability to export at a profit not less than one-quarter of the things she produced.”

And, an urgent telegram sent to Bridlington from Brighton had failed to save the life of a giant lobster.

Mr Rick Usher, a Bridlington fisherman had asked the curator of the Brighton Aquarium if he would like to exhibit the “Giant”.

Unfortunately, his response had come too late, as the fisherman had eaten the lobster for his tea.

50 years ago

Another George Brown bombshell had been timed to explode in the Commons after the former Foreign Secretary had decided to make a personal statement explaining his resignation.

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Brown declared that he was quitting “because of the way this Government is run.”

According to London staff reporter Olive Park, Princess Margaret’s hemline was unfashionable at the launch of the “new look” training programme for the Girl Guides.

The Princess, president of the Girl Guides Association stated that she usually wears her skirts higher but had just returned from the West Indies especially for this function.

And the £1m BR Eastern Region headquarters was now taking shape within the city.

20 years ago

Protesters fighting the Northern Gateway Park and Ride plan vowed to take their battle to the top after city planners recommended approval of the scheme.

MP Anne McIntosh had condemned the council for handling the matter in what she claimed was “undemocratic and highly unsatisfactory.”

And members of York’s Irish community made a stout promise-to have a really good time.

As preparations for St Patrick’s Day got under way, staff at O’Neill’s took time out to blow up a huge “glass” of Guinness to represent how much of the black stuff they planned to sell.