Monday, March 6, 2006

100 years ago

The progress of the work at York Minster during the winter had been somewhat retarded by the broken weather, but with the improved weather it would be pushed on more rapidly. Two of the flying buttresses had been completed on the north side, and the erection of scaffolding for two more had been commenced. There was every indication that when the timber was removed from the two completed pinnacles and arched buttresses they would be found to have added immensely to the effectiveness, dignity, and architectural completeness of the elevation.

50 years ago

The application by the York Co-operative Society for a full licence for the Railway Street cafe was refused at the second session of the General Annual Licensing meeting held at York Magistrates Court. For the Society, Mr J F C Cobb said that the cafe had been in existence for 40 years, and in its existing position for 11 years. It sat 140 people in one room, 50 in another, and served many needs. A number of meetings were held in the building by various trades unions. The cafe was also used for wedding receptions and social functions. Asking for a full licence Mr Cobb said: "My clients are not seeking this for their own personal gain. They feel they are discharging a service to the community." The cafe catered for people of limited income and it was desirable that they should be able to take alcoholic refreshment with their meals. The application was opposed by Mr M M Rossfield, for York Licensed Victuallers' Association, and the Rev Arthur Bailey for York Christian Citizenship Committee.

25 years ago

The closure later this month of the Barlow Ordnance Depot, near Selby, would mark the end of an era. The Royal Army Ordnance Corps first came to the Selby area 99 years before when it occupied the Powder Magazine in Barlby. In those days, ammunition was brought up the River Ouse by steamer and unloaded at the jetty. It was not until 1938 that all ammunition and explosives were moved to the new depot at Barlow on land that was originally part of the Selby estate of Lord Londesborough. It had been bought in 1913 by Sir W G Armstrong Whitworth and Co Ltd and an airship factory built on the site. Armstrong Whitworth eventually sold the land, which was subsequently used as racing stables. In 1938, the War Department bought the 700 acres of land extending from the village of Barlow to the banks of the Ouse. During the Second World War, Barlow Camp was built and in 1943 about 500 German and Italian prisoners-of-war were detained in what later became the married soldiers' Quarters.

Updated: 08:46 Monday, March 06, 2006