From our archive:

80 years ago

For the first time since 1925, the 15/19th King’s Royal Hussars, who were stationed at York, and the 1st Battalion the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, quartered at Strensall, were able to celebrate in the honour shared by two the regiments of holding several sports and social events. With keen rivalry in all contests, the sort after winner’s prize was an oil painting of the famous crossing by Gilbert Holliday. Choirs and clergy from 12 York churches had walked in procession to St. Sampson’s Square, York, to take part in an open-air service. Organised by the York Ruri-Decanal Conference the service with its collection of hymns accompanied by the City’s Brass Band was attended by several hundred people. And after 20 applications, Mr George Wainwright of Weaverthorpe had been appointed the conductor of York Male Voice Choir.

50 years ago

Sixteen men, including the three Kray brothers, were again remanded in custody for a week at Bow Street, London. The charges include one, against two of the men only, of murdering Dartmoor escapee Frank Mitchell in December 1966. Applications for bail for all 16 men had been refused by the magistrate. Being a Red Cross cadet wasn’t all bandages and cut fingers, as 45 youngsters proved as they took part in the British Red Cross Society’s water safety and lifesaving course at St Peter’s School Baths, York. Presented with the highest award, the bronze cross, was 16-year-old Margaret Lapworth, from Acomb. And Mr Walter Nightingall one of Britain’s best-known horse trainers had died at his Epsom home, aged 73. Having trained more than 1,800 winners after taking over from his father’s South Hatch stable in 1926, Mr Nightingall had been chosen as Sir Winston Churchill’s trainer when he took up racing in 1949.

20 years ago

The Prince of Wales had entered the controversy surrounding genetically engineered food, saying it takes mankind into realms that "belong to God, and God alone”. The Prince had issued a strongly-worded call to manufacturers, retailers and industry regulators to end the situation where consumers cannot tell whether they are eating the new foods. And Ted the parrot had left the confines of his cage to take over the airwaves teaming up with the Radio York DJ Dave Dunning, making sure his audience tuned in to his timeless talents by chirping in time with the beeps before the news.