From our archives:

85 years ago

A biography of Field-Marshall Earl Haig, which was still in its preparation stages, was expected to throw new light on many aspects of the First World War, which had been up until this point the subject of great controversy. Reported as somewhat aloof, Lord Haig, had left an array of diary entries deposited before his death at the British Museum on the understanding that the contents were not to divulged until 1940. And judging by the number of females making use of the restaurant at the Swanland Club, it was obvious that this branch of the YWCA in Hull, was performing a necessary service in the city, with more than 100 girls serving during a two-hour lunch buffet.

50 years ago

An overcrowding problem at Camblesforth, near Selby, had led to a class being held in the village hall, 100 yards away from the main school building. The popular substitute was however only temporary until West Riding County Council had given the go ahead for a new extension. The influx of new residents was to due the amount of work on offer at the new Drax power station. Two old-established Malton and York auctioneering firms, Boulton and Copper Ltd, of Malton, and Richardson and Trotter, of 22 High Petergate, York, announced that they had entered an association to deal specifically with the sales of all types of urban and rural property. Meanwhile police officers in Selby had made the gruesome discovery of six pigs and 21 turkeys carcases, all decomposed and piled with manure, in a South Milford field.

20 years ago

A flash weather warning had been issued for North Yorkshire urging travellers to stay at home after forecasters had predicted a 40 per cent chance of roof tiles being torn off and trees uprooted in the York area. It had been hoped that the county would escape the worst of the atrocious conditions, but shortly before lunchtime the Met Office put out a warning of strong winds and heavy rain for the rest of the day. Stars of the swimming world had gathered in York for the wedding of Olympic coach Paddy Garratt and international swimmer Caroline Foot. Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew was just one of the celebrities spotted at the Treasurer’s House, York. And 21 confectionery jobs had been lost at Nestlé Rowntree’s CS2 warehouse due to the lack of work available.