From our archives:

80 years ago

A country saddler in North Yorkshire had revealed that he was doing a big trade by selling horse “brasses,” which so many townsfolk now collected to adorn their houses. Now known as “horse furniture” its production was more to satisfy the demands of collectors rather than the practical needs of carters and horsemen. Ryedale Ambulance Association had managed to secure a second ambulance, thanks to the efforts of Edward Shaw with his characteristic generosity. The association which served a large area round Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley, was made up of volunteers willing to make the long journeys, often over wild country. It was hoped that good work would continue with the help public subscriptions. And a Medical Health Officer had reported that there had been 12 cases of tuberculosis in the area.

50 years ago

York City goalkeeper Mick Walker was one of 16 players named by Wales for the international match against World Cup runners-up West Germany at Cardiff. Also joining the line-up were newcomers Wrexham wing half David Powell, Birmingham inside forward Malcolm Page, and Mike Walker, who had also made Under-23 appearances for Wales. Thirty-nine immigration officers at London’s Heathrow Airport had given their written support to a colleague who had been suspended from duty after publicly supporting Mr Enoch Powell, and his Birmingham racial speech. And Mexican police had arrested a bearded American hitchhiker as a suspect in the international hunt for the killer of Dr Martin Luther King.

20 years ago

A copy of Michelangelo’s David had taken pride of place in The Royal Hotel’s lounge bar. The 5ft tall statue which may have sent a few temperatures racing with its bare-bottomed cheek since its unveiling during the Ecofin conference, had been a hit with customers and staff alike. It had however left cleaning staff at the top hotel with a small problem, where to tickle their feather dusters. And former England skipper Will Carling had been barred from appearing at Twickenham in his testimonial match. Carling’s club Harlequins granted him a benefit after he retired in January and asked the RFU to use Twickenham for a showpiece game against a World team and Fiji. The request had been reportedly rejected.