100 years ago

Quite a sensation had been caused in the vicinity of Bootham by the antics of a bullock, which had entered the shop of Thomas Harwood, who carried on the business of an ironmonger and earthenware dealer.

It appeared that the bullock had been proceeding along the road with two others, when it suddenly entered Mr Harwood's establishment.

Once inside, it walked across the shop, scattering a number of pots and pans and other articles right and left, and then dashed behind the counter.

The distance between the wall and the counter, however, was very narrow, with the result that the animal stuck. It drew back, just escaping a large glass case standing in the shop.

Apparently not having satisfied its curiosity, it jumped up a flight of stairs to the show room, where it did a small amount of damage. It then had a remarkable escape from falling over some wooden railings into the shop below, but it came down the stairs again, partly stumbling and partly walking.

The bullock made its retreat with complacent calm, as though nothing had happened.


50 years ago

The Post Office had introduced its new household delivery service.

This provided for the acceptance in bulk form from businesses and other organisations of unaddressed circulars, small samples and similar items for house-to-house delivery throughout the area selected by the sender.

The areas which could be specified were subject to certain limitations. For example, deliveries to rural areas could only be undertaken when the local town was also included in the mailing.

To help customers in their use of the service, a Household List booklet showing the number of delivery points in towns and associated rural areas would be published.


25 years ago

The £9.4 million Barbican Centre, hailed as a way forward for leisure in York and branded a white elephant by its critics, had finally got under way.

Chairman of York City Council’s Leisure Committee, Coun Ken King, turned the first turf and predicted: “The Barbican will transform the range of leisure opportunities available to the residents of York.”

Five years of bitter debate and controversy were ended as Labour councillors watched the start of work on the centre which included a 1,500-seat entertainments hall for major sports championships and concerts.

Coun King rejected Tory warnings that the council’s trail-blazing project would become an expensive flop. “The city is now on the verge of seeing the dream come true,” he said.

“There have been some comments and criticism of the Barbican, but we are convinced that once it is finished people will see it for what it is – one of the best leisure complexes in the country and a great benefit to the people of York.”