From our archives:

85 years ago

Malton Council had excepted an invitation by the Norton Urban Council District Council to confer with them on a scheme for permanent water supply. Although the matter had been approved in principle by both authorities, Malton Council still required more details regarding the scheme. And the value of “Bazaars” had been discussed after a three-day event at Clifton Methodist Church by Methodist Union Councillor, Edwin Rymer. Speaking of the bazaars success he stated, “that it gives the women a chance of doing great work for the church which they otherwise might not have.” The social side of the bazaar,” he continued, “is also a distinct advantage, especially during times like the present.”

50 years ago

A long queue had formed outside a vacant shop in High Ousegate, York, waiting for opening time. When the doors opened the customers trooped in, each with eager eyes for a bargain. The empty shop had been taken over by York Ebor Round Table, who had turned it into a “Good As New Shop” with the object of raising £500 for charity. Dr Dora Hamshaw, an assistant medical officer in the York Health Department for the past 11 years, had been appointed to the new post of Deputy Medical Officer of Health in York. Aged 51, and the mother of two teenage children, she also became Deputy Principal School Medical Officer. And a York woman who once taught the Duchess of Kent a thing or two about children, announced that she planned to retire as matron of St Stephen’s children’s home at the end of the year. Mrs Elsie Cobb, known as ‘Nanna’ had joined the home in 1936.

20 years ago

The Duchess of York had labelled a controversial new book which damned Diana, Princess of Wales, as “shameful and chilling”. The book marking the Prince’s 50th birthday allegedly stated that Diana had sent death threats to Mrs Parker Bowles. Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes had also launched a scathing attack on rival TV cook Delia Smith, branding her new television series How To Cook “insulting” and “offensive”. And the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope had been immortalised on canvas by top Yorkshire artist Alan Hydes as part of a new television programme. Mr Hydes, who lived in Apperley Bridge, West Yorkshire, said he was very enthusiastic about painting the Archbishop, “It’s a bit of a coup to get access to him because his calendar is choc-a-bloc.”