Tuesday, March 28, 2006

100 years ago

The Committee of Management of Bootham Park had issued a pamphlet giving a history of this well-known hospital for the care of the insane, the work being illustrated by some beautiful half-tone views of the house and grounds. The building was erected in 1774 and became one of the newly registered hospitals under the Lunacy Act of 1845, being entirely supported by the payments of patients and by subscriptions and donations. Everything was done for the comfort of the patients. During the winter season, concerts, lectures, dances, theatrical and other entertainments were held in the recreation room, and there was a well-stocked library and reading room. The interesting and attractive booklet showed the beautiful gardens and pleasure grounds which surrounded the institution, where such games as cricket, tennis, bowls and croquet, were provided for outdoor recreation for patients to indulge in.

50 years ago

A reader who was curious to know when the first "moving pictures" were shown in York, and also which was the city's first cinema, set off a trail to some interesting information from Mr G Trafford Drayton, manager of the Tower Cinema and a pioneer in this field in the city. As near as could be ascertained the first performance of "moving pictures" in the city was given by Captain Pain, whose "Living Pictures" - a programme including The Runaway Horse - were shown in York Market Place about 1900. The first permanent cinema in York was in the New Street Wesleyan Chapel, opened by the Yorkshire Bioscope Company in November 1906. It underwent several changes over the years, being named the Palace Cinema, the Hippodrome, then being used as a hostel for troops in 1914, then a sale room, a Labour Exchange, and eventually being demolished so the new Tower Cinema building could be erected on the site.

25 years ago

Scottish Liberals gave party leader, Mr David Steel, the go ahead "in principle" to co-operate with the Social Democratic Party on an agreed political programme. The decision was taken by an overwhelming majority at the Scottish Party's annual conference in Galashiels. Of the 300 delegates, less than 10 voted against the idea. When he opened the conference earlier in the week, Mr Steel had called for Liberals and Social Democrats to co-operate in a joint policy agreement and election campaign. Today was the first indication of grass roots Liberal opinion towards the new party but despite the size of today's majority the debate showed deep misgivings. Many seemed unsure whether the envisaged alliance was to be a true marriage or a marriage of convenience, and many seemed equally unsure, if there were to be a marriage, whether the Liberals would be the bride or the bridegroom.

Updated: 08:40 Tuesday, March 28, 2006