Monday, August 15, 2005

100 years ago

The inquest concerning the death of a man employed by the Blackpool Tower Company, who had been killed by lions, had taken place the previous evening. The unfortunate victim had entered the lions' den late on the Saturday evening and his dead body was found in a frightfully mutilated condition early the following morning. About six weeks before, the beasts who were about three years old and half-grown, were taken from the Tower menagerie to the animals' hospital in Lytham Road South Shore, for a change. They were born in Blackpool, and were recognised as very quiet beasts. It was, in fact, never thought they would be vicious enough to attack a human being. Working on various pieces of evidence it was thought that the deceased man, who had a key to the premises but no right to be in the lions' cage, had entered the cage in a spirit of bravado with a friend, possibly for a small bet. A verdict of accidental death was returned.

50 years ago

"Bigger and better" was the motto which had been adopted by the York Rally of the Cyclists' Touring Club, and its aptness was well demonstrated at the Knavesmire when well over 20,000 people assembled at what had become, during the previous 10 years, the largest cycling rally in the world. Among the thousands who attended and enjoyed the wide variety of competitions and sporting activities were visitors from Australia, New Zealand, America and Europe as well as from all parts of the British Isles. Prizes, among many, were awarded for the largest number of people carried on one machine, which was six, the best family outfit, the furthest distance travelled by cycle to the rally, and the oldest and youngest competitors. The programme of sports included a popular penny-farthing race, which was won by a man from Bawtry for the third year in succession.

25 years ago

Leisure plans in the Selby area were likely to depend on money from the National Coal Board. However, despite hints more than a year before that money might be offered there had been no confirmation and no figure had been named. The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation, which made grants to mining areas, was thought to favour a big leisure centre costing up to £3m. The idea would feature in a Selby District Council study to be published towards the end of the year. ''But what leisure facilities we decide to provide depend on what the welfare organisation eventually decides to do," said Councillor David Heseldin, chairman of the council's amenities committee. "I hope that whether the welfare organisation comes up with anything or not, the council will look towards improving leisure."

Updated: 09:16 Monday, August 15, 2005