Friday, September 9, 2005

100 years ago

Science classes conducted by the York Railway Institute, and the Laboratory (the Old Station) were to commence shortly. The session would extend over the coming winter, and the Council of the Institute drew the attention of young people of the city to the exceptional opportunities for study that the classes gave. A new laboratory for instruction in practical mechanics and practical magnetism and electricity had been fitted up in one of the rooms in the Old Station. No doubt the citizens would be glad to hear of the classes, as it was the wish of the Council that they should share with railway people the pleasure and profit that would follow attendance. The subjects taught at the classes would include machine construction and drawing, applied mechanics, practical mechanics, steam and the steam engine, magnetism and electricity, practical mechanics (laboratory practice), mathematics, and shorthand, nearly all both elementary and advanced.

50 years ago

A popular star with cause for celebration was orchestra leader Mantovani, who received a Golden Disc to commemorate the sale of more than 1,000,000 copies of his "Charmaine" recording. He became one of only four British recording stars to be accorded such an honour. The others were Vera Lynn ("Auf Wiedersehn"), Eddie Calvert ("Oh Mein Papa") and David Whitfield ("Cara Mia"), for which Mantovani provided the accompaniment.

25 years ago

The way had been paved for Heworth Golf Club, York, to enlarge its course. The first steps were taken with the transfer of 32.94 acres of land previously held for housing purposes. York Housing Services (Management) Sub-committee transferred the land to York City Council Policy and Resources Committee with the intention that, eventually, the land would be run by York Recreation and Amenities Committee. The committee already had jurisdiction over Monk Stray, on which the rest of the course was situated. A valuation of £16,500 was agreed over the appropriation. Councillor Gerald Dean, chairman of the Housing Services (Management) Sub-committee, pointed out that the land being transferred would still belong to the housing committee. The existing land leased by the golf club had no housing use. Councillor Ken Cooper said some members did not accept that the land had no use for housing purposes. He added that he understood a report was to be produced on whether it would be possible to use part of the land for housing and part for golf.

Updated: 16:35 Thursday, September 08, 2005