Thursday, November 18, 2004

100 years ago: A very heavy downfall of snow across the county, with four and a half inches falling in York and the neighbourhood in the early hours, stopped many of the unemployed being stood idle. An admirable opportunity presented itself to the authorities for setting men to work to clear away the snow, which had caused no small amount of inconvenience to pedestrians, and also hampered vehicular traffic. Up to noon more than one hundred and fifty men had been given work, while after the dinner hour the number was increased to two hundred and thirty so the thoroughfares might cleared quicker, and thus reduce to a minimum the discomfort that was caused by the mud and slush which invariably succeeds a snowfall.

There was difficulty in supplying the workers with shovels, and one gentleman who visited the office very thoughtfully left half a sovereign for the purpose of purchasing a few of these implements for the men. This was done immediately and half a dozen workers were sent on their way rejoicing.

50 years ago: Instead of sounding the usual fanfare when the judges arrived at York Assizes, the High Sheriff's trumpeters played a rousing Happy Birthday to You followed by On "Ilkia' Moor Baht 'At." One of the justices, whose 65th birthday was on that day, smiled as he walked up the steps into the court. A High Sheriff's trumpeter, who had been doing the job for 23 years, said: "Judges appreciate a change now and then from the usual fanfare, and some of them have their own particular tunes which they like us to play."

25 years ago: Earlier warnings about Christmas turkeys being sold out by wholesalers were being reiterated. The frozen fowls were now selling quickly from shops, according to Presto and Marks & Spencers, and so shoppers were being advised to order now if they wanted to reserve a big bird for the festive season. The turkey boom was being put down to how cheap the birds were, retailing for between 52p and 79p per pound.

Updated: 11:46 Thursday, November 18, 2004