From our archives:

85 years ago

A new and witty comedy direct from the Lyric Theatre, London, was ready to be performed for the audiences of York’s Theatre Royal. For many years now, the established favourite Sherlock Holmes was now back on the stage in “The Holmeses of Baker Street.” Returning as Holmes was first-class actor Hamilton Deane, and playing his 19-year-old daughter, Barbara James. A paradox had been placed before the Helmsley Rural Council, after the Public Health Committee had stated that the reports of a water shortage had been unfounded. The statement did however show that was a shortage in three villages, Cold Kirby, Sproxton and Ampleforth. And Scottish herring drifter Lonicera, had gone ashore too early becoming a total wreck. Assisting in the rescue was captain, Mr John W Mackay, and nine other men. By the time the Filey lifeboat had been launched the men had already been picked up and taken to Scarborough.

50 years ago

A plaque in memory of Mr John Magnus, the distinguished York ophthalmic surgeon, had been unveiled in the Minster by the Archbishop of York, Dr Donald Coggan. Mr Magnus who had joined the staff of York County Hospital in 1936, was there until his retirement. He also had a private practice in York, with many of his friends and former patients at the ceremony. And according to Alderman R A Cattle, chairman of York Parks Committee, “the Birch ought to be reintroduced for offenders who destroy young trees and ruthlessly undermine the attempts to beautify York.” The Alderman had also offered a reward out of his own pocket for any information that lead to the conviction of culprits who had cut off tree tops on Butcher’s Terrace.

20 years ago

The remains of an Atlantic hurricane had finally hit Britain. However, America continued to be pounded by high winds and torrential rain. And the Lord Mayor of York had praised the decision by the Ministry of Defence to carry out a random drugs test on the Duke Of York. The Duke, a navel lieutenant commander, had been asked to provide a urine sample by a team who were carrying out random checks on the Directorate of Naval Operations at the MoD, where he worked with other officers. All results had proved negative.