From our archives:

85 years ago

During a heavy hailstorm in Beaconsfield, a flash of lightning followed by a terrific clap of thunder had struck two houses 25 to 30 yards apart, causing fires in both properties.

The roofs were damaged, woodwork burned, and electrical fittings scattered about, but beyond shock there were no personal injuries.

The extensive “army” of racing people in the district had received two severe shocks, first the announcement that popular Newmarket trainer Walter Griggs had tragically died after catching a chill and then that the start of the Lincoln programme had been abandoned due to a rapid thaw and steady rain which had completely covered the track with water.

And Roland Batty, aged 15, had received the Royal Humane Society award for saving the life of a nine-year-old boy who was drowning in the River Ouse after falling into the flooded river while walking along the bank.

50 years ago

York was reeling in the wake of the Jenkins ‘jolt’.

And among the first Budget reactions was a warning from Rowntree and Co Ltd of increased prices or adjustments in weights, plus a forecast that 1968 was going to be “a very difficult year.”

The new £23,800 Roman Catholic Primary School of St Joseph’s Pickering, was officially opened by the Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Rt Rev John Gerard McClean.

Pleasantly situated in Swainsea Lane, the school was fully equipped to meet all present-day requirements of primary education comprising of three classrooms, an assembly hall, kitchen and administrative accommodation.

And Double Double, a play performed by the Co-operative Youth Club, had been reported as the highlight of the second night of the York Youth Drama Festival at Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

20 years ago

Ecofin had arrived at last, with the Chancellor Gordon Brown declaring; “Thanks to the people of York, it is going to be a success.”

However, what was promised to be three days of explosive debate on Europe had been hit by the outspoken Tory peer Lord Tebbit, who had suggested that anyone who remembered the Second World War should realise that political union with Europe spelled disaster.

And Dame Judi Dench could lose out to Kate Winslet if film fans in the region had their say.

Kate Winslet had clearly left audiences spellbound in the movie blockbuster Titanic, with 42 per cent of film fans agreeing she should pick up the coveted Oscar for best actress.