Saturday, May 7, 2005

100 years ago

The York and District Band of Hope Union had organised the May Carnival, which was proclaimed sufficiently successful to be a source of satisfaction, attracting an average attendance of about 1,200 per day. The performances included more than 800 small children on the stage at times, and they had on the whole sung exceedingly well. The audience was greatly delighted by part of the performance, which included a scene of children playing on the village green involving "leap frog and see-saw," while other children whirled round the kissing-ring. The presentation ended with a procession of the previous May Queens, attendants and yeomen of the guard, followed by a number of damsels decorated to represent various flowers, and guests in national costumes, representing England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the colonies. This delightful pageant concluded with the appearance of Lord Chamberlain and the May Queen for 1905 accompanied by her attendants. The cast of more than 800 little performers were invited to a tea, provided by the Carnival authorities in the large hall, which was thoroughly enjoyed.

50 years ago

Mothers who went out to work, and parents who harmed their children by laying too much stress on the need for good results in examinations, had brought criticism from Mr H E Hobbs of York, in his presidential address of the 45th annual Conference of the Yorkshire Federation of the National Association of Head Teachers. Speaking from the Guildhall, York, he declared that home influence on children remained throughout life the most potent force for good or ill, in developing the character and personality of the citizen. "The need for this happy home atmosphere becomes more pressing when the child embarks on its school life," he said, "much added strain is imposed on children, both of whose parents are out at work."

25 years ago

(Industrial action means there was no Evening Press 25 years ago today. We have instead used an entry from a paper as close to this date as possible.)

York City Council Development Services Committee had agreed in principle that the Christmas park and ride scheme should become a regular feature in York.

It would seek details on cost and routes and ask for further support from the York chamber of trade.

The meeting heard that the experiments of the past two years had been a success, despite the expected losses.

Updated: 15:44 Friday, May 06, 2005