Friday, April 22, 2005

100 years ago

At York fruit and flower market the recent wintry weather had apparently had very little effect on flowers, for the market was "gay with colour", all the flower stalls being well laden. Conspicuous were daffodils, which were from 1d. to 4d. a bunch, and tulips of all colours were to be had from 6d. to 8d. a bunch. Geraniums made their debut, small plants in full bloom being 3d. each. There were other plants and flowers at equally moderate prices.

In fruit there was little change, and in vegetables there was nothing new except cucumbers, which were 5d. to 6d. each. Tomatoes were 4d. to 6d. per lb., and oranges 6d. to 1s. 6d. a dozen, and apples 2d. to 3d. a pound.

In St. Sampson's Square, fish was not very plentiful, and cod and ling were the most common kinds at 3d. Eggs were at 14 shilling, and butter was 1s. 1d.

50 years ago

"Animal, Vegetable, Mineral" celebrated its 50th television birthday and the original challengers, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, would provide the unusual objects.

This archaeological quiz provided television's biggest surprise item - for the programme planners. They had thought it would appeal to scholars and experts, but never foresaw that it would become one of the most popular and long-lived items on television.

Much of the credit for its success went to chairman Glyn Daniel and the erudite and lively Sir Mortimer Wheeler, who had joined the programme for its second edition.

25 years ago

Half of Tadcaster was plunged into darkness when pranksters struck over Easter.

Some 30 street lights went out in the town, including in Stutton Road, Garnett Lane, Marlborough Drive, Woodlands and Station Road, when chewing gum was stuck over the light sensors which regulate the lamps. The Mayor of Tadcaster, Coun Bill Singleton did not see the funny side. "I call it vandalism," he said.

Updated: 15:07 Thursday, April 21, 2005