From our archives:

85 years ago

During the annual bazaar meeting at St Thomas’s School room, Lowther Street, York, discussions had turned to memories of a time when the parish was mainly composed of fields and a few big houses. After been thanked for her kind donations and presented with a bouquet of flowers, Mrs Masters enjoyed telling her captive audience all about her family home, Grove Lodge, which fronted the main road leading to Rowntree’s factory. Arrangements were in full progress for the observance of Poppy Day, the greatest one-day appeal on behalf of Earl Haig’s Fund. Appealing for more volunteers on November 11, Captain W G Willcox, the organising secretary had pointed out that every additional poppy seller meant a greater income for the Fund, and with the offer of a car and the services of the driver, this would save a considerable amount in costs. And while the cabinet was discussing the disarmament conference deadlock at 10 Downing Street, President Von Hindenburg, welcoming Britain’s new Ambassador at Berlin, had assured the Government that the only aim of the German Government was to improve friendly relations with Britain.

50 years ago

Beatle John Lennon and Yoko Ono had appeared at Marylebone Magistrates’ Court charged with possessing the drug cannabis, and obstructing police in the execution of a search warrant. Lennon, aged 28, and Yoko, 34, were arrested in Montagu Square, Marylebone, and taken to Paddington Green Police Station where they were bailed £200 sureties. A crowd of between 200 and 300 had gathered outside the court building as Lennon and Ono arrived in a chauffeur-driven Beige Ford Executive. As they alighted from the car, two teenagers tried to grasp Mr Lennon, but several police officers pulled them away. And in Monkgate, business had bucked up for one York garage owner, thanks to an 18ft sign stating, ‘Horseless carriages’ are welcome here!

20 years ago

Work had begun on a £300,000 revamp of Malton’s Railway Street bridge after a survey had revealed parts of the structure were seriously below strength. A single line traffic system governed by lights was operated during the work, which included the restoration and strengthening of the road deck and river pier, and a full repainting. And video sales of the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic looked set to beat all records. Several shops had opened at midnight and the manager at HMV in Coney Street had reported that 50 people had queued during the night.