100 years ago

An unusual scene had been witnessed in the streets of York this morning.

About half past 9 a hare was observed running along Stonegate, apparently having come from the Deanery Gardens.

Very quickly a large number of men and boys from all directions joined in the chase.

The hare attempted to go up Blake Street, but was turned, and it proceeded past Messrs Terry's premises, and ran with great force against the wheel of a passing handcart.

The animal was stunned, and laid helpless in the road.

She was immediately picked up by one of the pursuers, dispatched, and carried away.

The incident caused a great deal of excitement.

50 years ago

William Dove and Sons, Ltd, one of York's oldest firms of ironmongers, builders and plumbers, was to close down.

The directors stated that the firm, which was established more than 100 years before, would continue trading until the closing date of June 30.

The premises were to be offered for auction in London at the end of May, and the auction would concern the whole of the firm's property in Piccadilly, Fossgate and Lady Peckitt's Yard.

Included in the sale would be the showrooms and warehouses in Piccadilly, and also the foundry at the lower end of Piccadilly.

There were also warehouses, with the old inn, the Queen's Head and shop adjoining, and the old adult school in Lady Peckitt’s Yard.

Also included was a private car park. The premises were originally at the corner of Parliament Street, on a site currently occupied by a dress shop and the business had moved to Piccadilly in 1934.

25 years ago

Film fans filled all 1000 seats at York Odeon on Saturday night. Mr Cliff Baillie, manager, said: “It's the first time in my nine months here that every seat has been filled. There were a few single seats free - but you always get that because people want to sit in couples.”

The reason for the success was Crocodile Dundee, a comedy about an Australian crocodile Hunter, starring Paul Hogan. Security guards had been hired to cope with the crowds.

A spokesman for Rank, which owned the Odeon chain, said that Crocodile Dundee had broken box-office records in America and was doing the same in the UK.

How long Crocodile Dundee would continue its run was uncertain, but it was bringing the crowds back to York's last cinema, which barely six years before was threatened with closure and conversion into a bingo hall.

The crowds had come as a “birthday” present for the Odeon, which tonight would celebrate its 50th anniversary with a gala night in Odeon One.