Friday, March 17, 2006

100 years ago

A large company assembled in the Star Inn, Stonegate, York, on the occasion of presentations to Mr John Suter, a retired inspector of the NER Carriage and Wagon Shops, who had worked for 50 years on the NER. Mr Suter, who was nearly 70 years of age, commenced in the service of the NER in August 1851 as an apprentice wagon builder. Unfortunately on May 29th, 1870, an accident occurred to him whilst he was working for the company at Ingleby Incline, by which he lost his right hand, necessitating a change of employment, and he was promoted to the position of inspector. It was stated that they had assembled for the purpose of doing honour to an old friend, a man who had been in the company's service for a considerable time. In making the first presentation of a portmanteau and case of hairbrushes, Mr W Wells said he could claim that he had known Mr Suter more intimately than anyone in the room. He remembered trudging down Queen Street in the early hours of the morning - that was when, from the manager down to the office boy, all had to "toe the mark" at six o'clock, Mr Suter was always at his post, and that was typical of the man. Mr Suter was also presented with a walking stick and an umbrella, before his health was drunk with musical honours.

50 years ago

British Railways were to launch their biggest recruiting drive for staff to carry out the £1,200,000,000 modernisation plan. The target figure for the campaign was 20,000 recruits for the operating, civil engineering, motive power and carriage and wagon departments. The modernisation programme opened up better prospects of more rapid promotion in the railway service than ever before. While York was not as "badly hit" as some other centres a spokesman at the Regional Headquarters, York, said: "We could do with some more coach body makers, signalmen, shunters, goods porters and signal, telegraph and engineering staff."

25 years ago

A decision, on a plan to develop a yachting marina in Filey bay was deferred by the town council. Scarborough Borough Council had asked Filey councillors for their views on the scheme, which involved building two breakwaters near Filey Brigg, one 1,500ft long and the other 700ft long. Mr Graham Price, Valuation Officer, said the marina would have a dramatic effect on Filey bay. But Filey councillors had reservations about the plan, fearing that the marina, planned by an un-named Pontefract firm could result in a build up of sand and silt near the coble landing. Some councillors feared the marina could look a monstrosity. Before making a final decision, Filey Town Council wanted more detailed information.

Updated: 15:12 Thursday, March 16, 2006