From our archives:

85 years ago

The Empire, York, had announced that it was looking forward to introducing its newest visitor the world-famous xylophonist and vaudeville’s most popular personality, Teddy Brown. Mr Brown of course needed no preliminary introduction as almost everyone had heard him broadcast or on gramophone records. As a Royal Command performer and one of the most highly paid xylophonists in the world the programme promised to be one of the finest variety entertainments in York. Doubts had been expressed in Ministerial circles as to the likelihood of the Government being able to do anything to relieve the plight of the fishing industry, caused by the glut of herrings. Agricultural Minister Mr Walter Elliot was due to make a statement in the House of Commons, whilst trade negotiations were underway with Russia. And the annual Northern Command Armistice Ball had taken place at the Rialto, York. Music had been provided by the Rialtonians Dance Band, with a full programme of modern and old-time dances.

50 years ago

Fred Trueman, professional cricketer and businessman had announced that he was ready to apply for membership of the National Union of Journalists as he turned his full-time attention to journalism and television broadcasting. As expected, since the end of the 1968 season, Trueman had officially confirmed his retirement from county cricket to concentrate on work and playing Sunday cricket for the International Cavaliers. York junior fencers romped away with most of the trophies in a competition between teams from different parts of Yorkshire, held at the Central College of Further Education, Dringhouses. The boys’ team captained by Stephen Miller, won the electric foil sabre events and drew the epee with Teesside. The girls won the electric foil, the only fencing event open to girls. And twenty pheasants worth £36 had been stolen from a farm in Cropton Lane, Pickering.

20 years ago

The Lord Mayor of York was jubilant after his Christmas lights appeal had topped the £20,000 mark. A £200 donation from the bus company Arriva enabled Councillor Derek Smallwood, himself a former bus driver, to arrive at the key milestone. And it was back to the negotiating table for Selby Amateur Swimming Club and the district council as they tried to reach a compromise in a row over swimming lessons and prices. More than 70 banner-waving club members had staged a second demonstration as they turned up to listen to the latest debate.