Wednesday, April 28, 2004

100 years ago: "Though much of Charles Dickens' characterisation smacks of the south country," wrote columnist TT, "we in the north are very closely bound to him, not only by reason of his Nicholas Nickleby, but by the fact that it was in Yorkshire, when on tour, giving readings from his own works, the Dickens had his most appreciative and financially gratifying audiences." The famous author had lived in York for some time, and the love of the writer was "deep in the generous hearts of the county". Dickens' Societies were to be found everywhere, but in no place were they stronger than in the shire of broad acres, according to the columnist, and it was expected that there would be a good reception of the touring production of The Only Way, adapted from A Tale of Two Cities, which would be in York shortly.

50 years ago: Strange things were happening in Lund, the East Yorkshire village. The sign over one shop reading Percy Wharran, Tailor, was removed and bundles of clothing were taken out, workmen came along and put up another sign for Thomas Gilbey, Tobacconist, and stock rapidly filled the shop all in the same day. The quick change was thanks to an Ealing film unit, who were borrowing the shop for a scene in a new picture, Lease of Life. A travelling salesman didn't realise something odd was going on, walking in and announcing: "Mr Gilbey, I presume. I see you have just taken over." He then proceeded to try to persuade the startled director to stock a particular brand of ice cream. When a film camera crew trundled through the door, followed by Robert Donat, Kay Walsh and Adrienne Corri, all in costume and make-up, the salesman's face turned a deep shade of red and he backed hastily out of the shop.

10 years ago: The Turpin Rides Again column offered readers the chance to nominate their own choices for the new James Bond, now that Timothy Dalton had relinquished the role, instead of Pierce Brosnan. To get the ball rolling, Turpin suggested that maybe the new 007 could be "that caped crusader" the Archdeacon of York George Austin, who could wage the war against the dark forces of evil in a tuxedo-cum-dog collar. He also thought an ideal candidate to give Miss Moneypenny a run for her money would be the then Lord Mayor of York, Ann Reid.

Updated: 08:47 Wednesday, April 28, 2004