Driven to despair

THE city's taxi drivers were demanding action over the poor state of their market square rank which they said was so poorly marked that they were unable to carry out business there.

In 1975 the rank was located on the edge of the market square on the opposite side of the road from its current home.

One driver said the white lines which surrounded the rank had worn away and market traders were parking vans in the area making it impossible for potential customers to know where to wait.

He said: "Add to this the chaotic state of affairs on Thursdays when the market is in full swing and you can see why drivers are losing trade.

"Some of the drivers despair and go home," he added.

Last orders for Jack

A POPULAR landlord of Ripon's Black Bull Hotel called time on his 30-year tenure this week in 1975.

Jack Riley took on the Black Bull with his wife Mary in 1946 and immediately set about restoring the pub to the oak-paneled glory which can still be seen to this day.

People would travel from miles around to experience the friendly atmosphere of the Black Bull which regulars at the time said came directly from Mr Riley.

When the 63-year-old went to Ripon Court to hand over the license to the next landlord, the chairman of the bench praised the high standards maintained at the pub.

He said: "You conducted that house in the best and highest traditions of a licensee.

"We would like to pay tribute to you and Mrs Riley and your very loyal staff."

The city further showed its appreciation to the Rileys with a farewell party and celebration at Ripon Rugby Club.

Causing a stink

A PLAN to move the infamous 'Leeming stink' to Gatenby near Northallerton was unsurprisingly causing concern amongst residents of the village.

The owners of a plant, which converted poultry manure into cattle feed, had applied to move the operation from its home near Leeming but residents of Gatenby and beyond had other ideas.

One farmer feared he would lose his whole staff to the stink while other residents asked how moving the plant three miles would make the smell any better.

A local councilor also spoke out angrily against the plans saying too much money had been wasted on public enquiries into the move.

'If it smells in one spot it will smell in another," he argued.

Also…

A BROWSE through the advertisemects of 1975 revealed the latest Ford Cortina could be snapped up for £1599 while your local Co-op was offering Whisky at £2.99 a bottle, a box of 150 tea bags for 54p and a jar of Golden Shred Marmalade would set you back 19p.