100 years ago

It was not everybody who would find themselves in agreement with the opinions which had been put forward by well-known medical men in praise of housework.

Many women - one might almost say the majority - regarded housework more in the light of drudgery than recreation; but certain American specialists held the view that it was almost as beneficial as golf, riding, or walking for developing the human form.

Thus Professor Sargent, physical director of Harvard University, in the course of a lecture delivered recently in Boston, told his audience that when woman does her housework, with its manifold varieties of physical requirements, nearly every muscle of her body is daily brought into action.

All this may be perfectly true, but surely there were other and quite as effective, if not more graceful and valuable, means of physical development.

50 years ago

Before a distinguished gathering, which included Civic dignitaries from 15 Yorkshire cities and towns, the Yorkshire Brigade window in the Garrison Church at Strensall was unveiled and dedicated.

The Archbishop of York, Dr Donald Coggan, who dedicated the window, said: “It is, I think, my first official link with the military life of this great and ancient city, a link which I value deeply and which will, I know, become stronger as the years go by.”

Incorporated in the window were the badges of the four regiments of the Brigade, The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, the Green Howards, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment and the York and Lancaster Regiment.

The Brigade Badge appeared centrally and was surmounted by the Cross. The panels were designed and made by the York stained-glass artist, Mr Harry Harvey.

25 years ago

So far as television was concerned, this was the high technology General Election.

Never before had so much computer data been amassed to provide instant assessment, display and prediction.

Out went the crystal ball and the old swingometer. In came a whole new generation of computer-graphics and even satellites! The poll would never be the same again as both BBC and ITV launched into a six-hour marathon of results, comments and conclusions.

BBC Television was planning more than 40 outside broadcasts. ITN also aimed to be on the spot wherever the action was, from polling stations to Party leaders. And this time, ITN was calling the world. Pictures were being beamed by satellite all over the globe.

There were cynics who claimed this was an election that was forced by the media. Certainly, more than £4 million invested by BBC and ITV alone, would have been wasted if Mrs Thatcher hadn't made up her mind to go to the country.