Friday, October 21, 2005

100 years ago

On the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar the streets of York were festooned with innumerable flags floating in the breeze. Coney Street, in particular, looked extremely well, nearly every building flying its Union Jack or flag of St George. Suspended from a cable, which stretched across the street from the first floor of the Yorkshire Herald office and Beckett's Bank, was a large and remarkably accurate detailed model of Nelson's flagship, the Victory. As night fell the model was illuminated with electric lights, blue and red lit up the deck and sails with white on the hull. A choir of 400 children from York's elementary schools sang patriotic pieces at a public celebration held in the Festival Concert Rooms in the afternoon, and further entertainment was performed at an evening concert more suited to the adult audience. Between 6 and 8pm the employees of T. Cooke, scientific instrument manufacturers, engaged the steam-ship Celia to transport them up and down the Ouse between Lendal and Scarborough bridges, illuminated with Chinese lanterns, and discharging a considerable number of fireworks, whilst the York City Prize Band played a suitable selection.

50 years ago

Beneath an overcast sky, and in a biting wind, over 400 officers, ratings and WRNS, including a contingent of York Sea Cadets, paraded for inspection by Admiral of the Fleet Lord Tovey of Langton Matravers. The occasion was the 150th anniversary of Trafalgar Day held at HMS Ceres, Wetherby. The prayer, which Lord Nelson composed on the eve of the Battle of Trafalgar, was read and the immortal signal "England Expects - " was hoisted. A general salute was given in memory of Lord Nelson, and to the strains of Rule Britannia the parade marched past. To mark the 150th anniversary of Nelson's victory at Trafalgar, the Admiralty flashed this signal to all Naval stations and ships; "Following received from Her Majesty the Queen, 'Splice the mainbrace.'" The order meant that an extra issue of rum was available to all eligible men. It was also the only time when officers were issued with Service rum.

25 years ago

Selby shopkeepers were to be asked for their views on six-day trading. It followed a request from the supermarket firm Hillards for six-day trading to be introduced in the town. The decision to go ahead with a survey was taken by Selby District Council's Environmental Health Committee. For some shopkeepers it would be the second time they had been asked for their views as, the committee was told, Hillards had themselves carried out a survey. Hillards claimed their survey showed that just over 70 per cent of businesses in the town were in favour of six day trading.

Updated: 16:30 Thursday, October 20, 2005