From our archives:

85 years ago

The “London Gazette” had announced that the Prince of Wales had appointed Flight-Lieutenant Edward H Fielden, as chief air pilot and Extra Equerry to his Royal Highness. Lieutenant Fielden, who been personal pilot to the Prince for some time had accompanied him all over the country and on trips abroad. Adverse weather conditions had played havoc with several RAF flying machines in the North-East of England. One bomber had crashed near Belford, Northumberland, bursting into flames and bringing down 12 other machines. And a giant apple weighing one pound, six and a half ounces, had been grown on a small tree by a Mr W Dickinson, of Pease Street, Darlington.

50 years ago

Current wet and warm weather conditions had produced some freak products for farmers across the district. Haxby farmer Mr Richard Jefferson, of Drylands Close, announced that he had grown a very large mushroom weighing one pound, two ounces. Not a record weight, but certainly very big for this stage of the season. Mr Blackburn, who had retired after 44 years’ service with the railways had been presented with a gold watch by the General Manager of the Eastern Region, Mr D S M Barrie. Friends and colleagues also wanted to ensure Mr Blackburn knew he would be sorely missed, by sending him a way with a pair of binoculars, a picnic set and a greenhouse. And angry villagers of Full Sutton were right behind the fight against a Home Office plan to build a top security jail on the aerodrome. Initially plans had been accepted by the villagers, for a modern prison for 800 less serious offenders. Now plans had changed to 1,200 prisoners, including some category “A” prisoners.

20 years ago

The opening of a new children’s home in York had marked the end of Victorian care for the young victims of family break-ups. The house, in Wenlock Terrace, had replaced the 20-30 bed institution at Ousecliffe Gardens, described as a “large Victorian rambling carbuncle.” Prudential, the insurance and pensions group, had consulted with staff and unions about a plan to close 24 branches, making around 300 redundant in sales management. And Elizabeth Jagger, daughter of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and model Jerry Hall, made her London catwalk debut at the Red Label show for London Fashion Week.