Monday, May 29, 2006

  • 100 years ago.
    A correspondent called attention to the steps that were being taken to close the riverside against the public. At Fulford, it was pointed out, a new wire fence had been put up along a part of Captain Key's property, which had always been open to the public. The correspondent, an old resident in the district, claimed that there ought to be unrestricted right of passage for the public all the way from New Walk to the Ferry at Bishopthorpe, but that every obstruction was being put up in the way with the object apparently of closing the riverside altogether. There were now about a dozen stiles intercepting those who desired to walk along the riverside, and the latest erection at Fulford Ings, seemed to foreshadow further invasions of public rights.
  • 50 years ago.
    Tadcaster Rural Council, at its annual meeting, approved an amended differential rents scheme to come into operation the following October. The scheme was based on a pilot survey, and with the building programme of 120 buildings a year, and with a maintenance of existing interest rates, was estimated to produce an additional £50,433 by March 31, 1959, towards an anticipated deficiency of the Housing Revenue Account of £58,376. A maximum and minimum rent had been fixed for every type of property. The highest rents were 36s and 37s for four bedroom houses. The net rent to be paid would be one-eighth of the total sum of the tenant's income, with deductions made for dependent children and additions for each employed person.
  • 25 years ago.
    York's Odeon cinema had been listed as a building of special architectural interest. Built in 1937 it was regarded by many as the best work of the cinema designer Harry Weedon. The City Engineer of 1937, Mr Charles Minter, of 1 Trentholme Drive, York, spoke of the moves to make sure that the building was of the best design. "We didn't like the first version at all," he said, "I think it was at a time when there was a fashion for cinemas in black glass." The design was submitted to the York Architects' Panel, which Mr Minter had helped form to advise on new buildings. "They didn't approve either, so the film company's architects came up with the present building. Everybody was happy with it. It was well regarded because it used traditional materials and it looked good in the area." Miss June Hargreaves, York City Council's Assistant Planning Officer said that the cinema was York's most modern listed building. The Department of the Environment described it as "a good example of cinema design and typical of Harry Weedon's style with its massive tower block relieved by pilasters."