Thursday, October 28, 2004

100 years ago: The York Fire Brigade had to take the engine down a steep bank behind Sheriff Hutton Castle, and it was a bit of a job getting it up again. Five horses were tried first of all, but they "jibbed", and a farmer offered to lend a couple more to shift it. The superintendent, however, borrowed a couple of long ropes instead, and half the village put their backs into it, and soon set things right. The stacks which were on fire were just at the rear of the inn, and, had there been a breeze, serious complications might have followed.

50 years ago: "Time, Gentlemen, Please!" called Mr Nobody, and reminded the gentlemen of York that time was 10.30pm prompt on weekdays and 10pm prompt on Sundays. From time to time the public was gently reminded of this fact and licensees "advised" on the necessity for strict and absolute compliance with the regulations. It was a difficult enough task, the columnist imagined, when people nipped in for a quick one a minute or two before closing time, for the law said they must finish their drinks "on the dot". "You see, it is not enough, merely to make sure of buying the last round before time," he pointed out. The 240 members of the York and District Licensed Victuallers' Association had received cards to display in their bars and lounges which put the matter in unmistakable terms. Those notices stated very firmly: "Patrons are warned that under Section 4 of the Licensing Act 1921, it is an offence to consume intoxicating liquor on these premises after the terminal hour for sale, even though the liquor may have been purchased prior to the time."

25 years ago: York Minster was floodlit again for the first time since the middle of July. The lighting was turned off for 14 weeks while Son et Lumiere was presented five days a week, and due to technical difficulties it was left off for the other two days of the week. The exterior lights would detract from the full effect of the illuminations inside, and so now the final performance had happened they could go back on again.

Updated: 16:17 Wednesday, October 27, 2004