From our archives:

80 years ago

To mark Sir Edward Bairstow’s completion of 25 years as honorary conductor for the York Musical Society, the Archbishop of York had presented him with a charming grandfather clock. Expressing their gratitude and affection, Dr Temple spoke of the benefits that the members had received from Sir Edward’s direction. Heavy expense regarding drainage was foreshadowed for Copmanthorpe, at the parish meeting, after protests were made at the alleged fault of original plans for sewerage works made 10 years ago. Trying to get their point across the poor residents of Copmanthorpe were told in no uncertain terms “that there would be no gain in complaining.” And Pickering had made 218 for two against York Ramblers. Captain Kitching was unbeaten with a 104 and R W Frank had taken eight wickets for 20.

50 years ago

Out came the summer dresses for York’s mini-heatwave after a temperature was recorded of 70 degrees, making it the hottest day of the year, so far. Comedian Bob Hope celebrated his birthday with mixed emotions, by coming across as a little subdued at reaching 65. Celebrating his birthday with his wife Dolores, in Palm Springs, Mr Hope stated, “Age was a state of mind, I don’t smoke, and I don’t drink very much, but that’s not saying I haven’t been bombed a few times". And comedian Ken Dodd’s famous “tickling stick” had proved highly popular with the animals and birds at Flamingo Park Zoo. Ken, who was appearing in Bradford that week before a summer season at Blackpool, had visited the zoo to see his namesakes, five-month-old bear cubs called Diddy and Doddy.

20 years ago

Jim Wight, the son of Britain’s most famous vet, was over the moon as work began on transforming his father’s veterinary surgery in Thirsk into a museum. Mr Wight’s father was known to millions as the vet James Herriot who became a household name through the TV series All Creatures Great And Small. Grand National winner Earth Summit and one of the nation’s favourite race horses Desert Orchid were at York Racecourse for the opening of the three-day World of Racing Exhibition. And the National Lottery’s oldest jackpot winner at 79 celebrated with his family over a pint of beer after scooping £1.6 million.