Wednesday, January 18, 2006

100 years ago

In order to test the progress of the 200 boys attending a handicraft training centre in York through the week, from Shipton Street, Haxby Road, and Park Grove Council Schools, for the purpose of taking manual construction in wood, a competition was arranged with the following conditions. An original model was to be constructed out of a piece of wood supplied (12in x 2in x 1in rough), which could be obtained from the teacher, along with drawing paper. One half-hour was to be allowed after each lesson, 12 or 4 o'clock, during which time the model and drawing could be worked out. It was decided that judging should be done by the boys themselves, so each was requested to view the models and to select the eight which he thought were the best, with the result that W Harrison, of Park Grove, received first prize of 2s 6d with 88 votes for his ornamental flower pot stand; J Holt, of Haxby Road, came second with 82 votes for his swing gate, winning 2s; and J Whipp, of Park Grove, gained third, 1s and 72 votes, for his test tube stand.

50 years ago

"Don't be afraid of polio infection," was the appeal of three speakers at the New Year party of the York branch of the Infantile Paralysis Fellowship. The value of swimming for polio sufferers was stressed by Miss I Theodorian, national secretary and welfare officer, who suggested the York branch should enter the polios' regional gala and try and qualify for the London finals. Mr A Pierre, the branch chairman, said that during the previous few months fear had been shown by the public to people like IPF officials who were in touch with polios. People thought it was dangerous to mix. "That is absolutely wrong," he emphasised. "I have noticed mothers and children frightened to come near us. I can say at once there is no danger whatever."

25 years ago

York councillors feared another Viking invasion -- because it might cause parking problems. About 400,000 people were expected to visit the new Jorvik Viking Centre, in Coppergate, in the first year after it opened in 1984, and 70 per cent of them might be Scandinavians, Councillor Marjorie Bwye told the Recreation and Amenities Committee. She was reporting from the Tourism Management Sub-Committee, which had expressed fears about the traffic problem that the centre might create. "The centre is already the envy of other towns in Yorkshire and Humberside." she said. "They are asking themselves if they have any similar Viking sites." The meeting agreed to ask the Development Services Committee to look into the problem. "I hope they will look at this a long time before it happens," said Councillor Bwye.

Updated: 15:43 Tuesday, January 17, 2006