Monday, July 26, 2004

100 years ago: Hopes were high that the King would graciously grant the petition of his liege subjects of Scarborough and visit the ancient borough next year to open the Marine Drive. His Majesty visited the town and district several times when Prince of Wales, and a story ran that an old Burniston cottager meeting him and being kindly greeted, made bold to mention that he hoped "when he got back home" he would "tell his mother" that certain repairs were required affecting that part of her estate, the Duchy of Lancaster. The remark was made with all becoming respect and simplicity, and so the Prince promised laughingly he would do so and the improvements were made.

50 years ago: York women were given a chance to dictate what fashions would be current during the autumn and winter by deciding on the merit of a number of dresses which were being shown at the Ideal Homes Exhibition, in St George's Field. These fashion shows had proved a popular attraction at the exhibition, and it was estimated that well over 12,000 people had seen them during the first week. The dresses were changed every three days so that visitors from day to day would all see completely different shows, and those women whose decision coincided most closely with that of the judges would be given a dress designed by the Queen's dressmaker, Norman Hartnel.

25 years ago: Pressman had been complaining bitterly about a mole wrecking havoc in his garden, asking for readers' advice on how to get rid of it, and failing that hinting to his neighbours that maybe they would like to share the burden of this infamous creature. The suggestion was not well received, as several days later a board appeared in his garden that read: "Dear Pressman, U know wot u can do with your mole."

Updated: 09:13 Monday, July 26, 2004