Saturday, May 13, 2006

100 years ago

The results of the important conference between the North Eastern Railway and the "All Grades" Committee of men's representatives had been announced. At a crowded meeting of railwaymen held at York, the following views were expressed. Mr Sharpe moved a resolution, which was received with cheers and subsequently carried, that "the railwaymen of York and district strongly appreciate the stand made by the delegates to demand consideration of our programme, and we strongly disapprove of the way in which the directors and officials have met the claims of the men, and hereby declare that we do not accept the concessions offered as a final settlement of our claims." In a strongly worded address Mr Sharpe said that it was for them to give a mandate to the delegates, and it would strengthen their hands. The men were not to be hoodwinked, and he exclaimed that if it were necessary they would throw down their tools.

50 years ago

Though the trend in the country as a whole was for fewer peals to be rung, in Yorkshire in 1955 there was an increase in the number, members of the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers were told at their 80th annual general meeting in York. The peal secretary said that the total number of peals rung during the year was 106 (an increase of ten on the previous year, and the largest total since 1951) at 54 churches and at four handbells centres. The 14 peals on handbells were the most since the war. During the year, the first peal was rung at St Stephen's Acomb, on August 1. This was thought to be the first peal on the bells, which had been cast in 1770 for St Mary's Bishophill Senior, and were transferred to St Stephen's in 1954.

25 years ago

There was 'live' pop action at York University with top groups Squeeze tonight and XTC tomorrow night. The Central Hall was the venue for Squeeze. The A and M recording group had top-class support from Otway and Barratt. Tomorrow night in the university's Derwent College, it would be the top attraction of XTC, stars of Virgin Records. Whilst New-York-based guitarist Billy Squier made his UK concert debut as special guest on Whitesnake's tour, which took in the Queen's Hall, Leeds, on the following Saturday night. Manhattan Transfer were in concert in the Civic Theatre, Halifax, Wishbone Ash were due to play at Hull City Hall and Mike Harding stoked up the laughter in the Royal Hall, Harrogate.

Updated: 16:44 Friday, May 12, 2006