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The exact start date of the club is unknown although the records suggest c.1956. The club continued to operate with a membership base until c1968 when there are no further records available.

The York Trades Council was formed in 1890. The majority of York's Trade Unions were affiliated to the Council. By 1899 it consisted of 18 affiliated societies representing nearly 2000 members. It brought a coherence to the trade union movement in the city and was one of the main forces behind the rise in labour representation. Its activities included 'labour demonstrations, [and] running labour candidates at municipal school board and board of guardians elections'. The Council supported the General Strikes in the 1920s. The organisation still exists today as the York and District Trade Unions Council and is a branch of the national TUC.

YAA was established by 1960.

Formed after the York Philosophical Society joined the Council for British Archaeology in 1971.
York Philosphical Society

Founded in 1921.

York Arts Centre was opened in 1968 in a converted church in Micklegate, York. The building was owned by York Civic Trust, with University of York acting as landlord. The venue provided a space for artists and creatives in York to work, and showcase exhibitions and performances. The decision was taken in autumn 1999 to wind-up the business due to ongoing financial difficulties.

Building work began on the Assembly Rooms in 1730 and was completed by 1735. However, they were first used in the summer of 1732 for Ebor Race week. The Assembly Rooms have since undergone alterations. For example, a new entrance front was designed by J. P. Pritchett in 1828. The Assembly Rooms were purchased by York Corporation in 1925.

The original home for girls was situated in Skeldergate and accepted around 12-14 girls, the price being 6/- per week. A Matron, Mrs Shann, was once president of the Home.

A subscription-based association which supported the prosecution of felons in York for minor crimes, in particular theft, burglary, criminal damage and fraud.

The York Association of the National Trust was founded in 1970. Intially called the York Centre of the National Trust, it became the York Association of the National Trust in 1999. The main objective of the association is to enable members to meet and spend time with people who have similar interests. The Association is affliated to the National Trust in England and Wales, however membership is open to anyone with an interest.

Within the first few years of operation, the Centre formed three sub-committees - the Walks Committee, Programme Committee (organising talks and day trips) and Projects Committee (managing fundraising social events). From the outset the centre included members from througout Yorkshire, but fairly shortly afterwards the members from areas furthest away from York began to form their own centres. The centre ran series of walks and talks for members, as well as holidays, fundraising events and other activities.

One of the founder members of the York Centre, Eva May Johnson, died in July 1992. Whilst she was a resident of Harrogate, she chose to leave a substantial legacy to the York Centre - over £715,000.

The association plans and delivers an annual programme of events for members, and activities are reported in a quarterly members' magazine. It operates as a 'not-for-profit' organisation, and any surplus funds at the end of each financial year are donated to National Trust properties in the area. The association also contributes to many special appeals by the National Trrst.
Affiliated with the National Trust in England and Wales

The York Association of Voluntary Guides was founded by City of York Council in 1951, after York was chosen to host a series of events and festivals to coincide with the Festival of Britain. The team of volunteers was formed to show visitors to the city around, tell them about the history of the city and recommend other places to go to.

The association continues today and is now independent of City of York Council. It has a team of over 80 trained guides providing regular walking tours of the city and its historic buildings.

The York Association of Women Graduates was originally part of the British Federation of Women Graduates, but York members decided to become independent. This resolution was subsequently agreed and the York Association of Women Graduates (YAWG) was formed. YAWG ceased activity in September 2012 due to a dwindling membership.

The York Bibliographical Society was formed prior to 1987 as an organisation open to everyone who loves books and printing, as well as the history of printing in York. It holds a regular lecture series on these subjects which is open to members.

The York Castle prison (originally consisting of Clifford's tower) was the original county prison in york, outside of civic control. City felons were sent there from 1848. By the nineteenth century the prison buildings included the debtor's prison, male and female prisons. Many prisoners were kept at the prison awaiting trial at York assizes.
See Also - York Castle Gaoler

The York Castle prison (originally consisting of Clifford's tower) was the original county prison in york, outside of civic control. City felons were sent there from 1848. By the nineteenth century the prison buildings included the debtor's prison, male and female prisons. Many prisoners were kept at the prison awaiting trial at York assizes.
Reported to Keeper of York Castle.
See Also - York Castle Gaoler

York Celebrations Choir was formed in the 1960s out of a desire to amalgamate York's many small and medium-sized choirs. The aim was to create a 'choir of large forces which would be able to undertake major choral works.' The plan was to have around 400 voices. After a series of meetings the choir was formed and the first concert took place on 7 November 1970 in York Minster. The choir became a major element of the York 1900th celebrations in 1971.

The choir took part in numerous concerts and had nine appearances on Yorkshire Television's Stars on Sunday programme. This led to formal recordings, and the release of three LPs.

The choir formally ceased to exist in 1976.

Established to preserve derelict cemetery as working cemetery containing historic structures and environmental habitat. The York Public Cemetery Company was formed in 1837 to provide better burial facilities for the citizens of York. From 1855 until the 1940s the cemetery expanded to its present size of 24 acres (97,000 m2) by buying all the adjacent land that was available. By the 1960s, with the cemetery nearly full, it became clear that it was no longer financially viable. With prospects of very little income to pay wages and cover the maintenance of the site, in June 1966 the company went into voluntary liquidation. When the process was completed in 1979, there was nothing of commercial value left, only the land containing over 28,000 graves, 17,000 monuments and two listed buildings in an advanced state of disrepair. The abandoned site devolved to the Crown. In June 1984 the roof of the chapel collapsed. This event led to the formation of York Cemetery Trust, a registered charity. Two and a half years later the Crown Commissioners sold York Cemetery to the Trust. On 13th February 1987, the Trust became the owners of the site.
Reopened York Cemetery in 1987. Function previously carried out by York Public Cemetery Company (1826-1966).

The York Central Conservative Club was founded in 1881 in order to consolidate the party after the defeat of The Right Hon James Lowther at the General Election in 1880 who had represented the city in Parliament since 1865. For many years the club met at the Ebor Rooms, Coney Street. However, this became too cramped due to social requirements of numbers and in 1909, moved to the De Grey Rooms, St Leonard's Street where they added an extension onto the rear of the building in 1910. The club had over 500 members in 1933 and the De Grey Rooms were more appropriate due to the size. The club moved again from De Grey Rooms to Museum Street in March 1986 until their closure in 1991. The club finally closed in 1991 after a period of financial difficulty and the archives were subsequently transferred in 1994. There were also four ward Conservative clubs in the city. These clubs, along with the Central Conservative Club formed a valuable asset in party politics. In 1969, the club abolished the 'male only' member policy and allowed females to become members 80 years after the club's foundation. The club also actively took part in international billiard tournaments, including the Faber Shield Tournament (which it won in 1904), the Scruton Cup (which it won in 1975), and the Hylton Foster Billiards Tournament.

York Centre for Voluntary Service (known as York CVS) was incorporated on 30 March 1951 as York Council for Voluntary Service. It was then known as York Community Council Ltd (1983-1985) and York Council for Voluntary Services (2010-2013) before being renamed to its present configuration in 2013. It is a social action organisation; supporting and championing York's voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to make positive change, challenge issues and grow new ideas for the future in order to strengthen communities.

Reported to the York Board of Guardians until they were abolished by the Local Government Act 1929. Then became a sub-committee of the Public Assistance Committee, which inherited the functions of the Board of Guardians in 1929.

York Charity Cricket Cups have taken place since 1930, running almost continuously, with the exception of some years during World War II. The tournament was last played in 2014.

Instituted in 1837 as independent and non-partisan charitable trustees for the city's former municipal charities including many centuries-old private bequests or "gifts". In 1898, only 5 trustees were alive and political and religious views became involved in the appointment process. The Charity Commissioners raised the number to 18 to allow a balanced membership. In 1902 this was reduced back to 13, including for the first time 5 members of the corporation.
Municipal charities transferred from Lord Mayor and Corporation in 1837.

A major report on services and policies for childcare and equal opportunities in the United Kingdom was published in 1988. The report highlighted the inadequacies in policies and policy co-ordination. Following its publication, a group of parents in York began to make a determined effort to bring the issues from the report into the public arena.

York Childcare Ltd was formed in 1990 out of this group, to provide childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. It is a non profit registered charity with the aim of providing quality childcare for families in York and is run by a committee of voluntary Trustees. The out of school management service manages clubs across the city providing breakfast, after school and holiday clubs for children aged 16 months - 12 years.

The York Choral Society was formed in 1833 to provide a more democratic group for music making as opposed to the York Musical Society. They were an amateur group consisting of around 300 members and performed at the Festival Concert Room on Museum Street, York. Practice meetings occurred weekly, and they performed four concerts per year. Members included the Archbishop of York and gentry of the city and neighbourhood. It continued until the end of the 19th century when around this time it merged with the York Musical Society.

The Committee was set up in 1914 by the Lord Mayor as part of a national scheme to support local people during the First World War. The Committee continued to provide support locally until 1935.

In 1974 York lost its status as a county borough and became a district council within North Yorkshire County Council.
Previously known as "the Mayor and Commonality of the City of York", it deveoped into the historical Corporation (see City of York Corporation (Unreformed). The corporation was reformed in 1835, became a district council with North Yorkshire County Council in 1974 and a unitary authority once more as the City of York Council in 1996.

The committee was a joint committee with both councillors and staff representatives as members.

The present club was formed in 1922 and prior to their election to Division Three North of the Football League in 1929 played in the Midland League. They remained in the Northern Section until 1958 when they became one of the original members of the Fourth Division. (During the Second World War when the League was suspended from1939 until 1946 the club operated in the various wartime competitions). Over the next 45 seasons (1958-2004) the club won promotion six times. In 1958/59 and 1964/65 they moved up to the third tier only to suffer immediate relegation. City again gained promotion in 1970/71 and in 1974 reached the Second Division (Championship) for the first and to date only time in their 91 year old history. In two seasons in the second tier of English football the club competed with Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest amongst others and in 1974/75 achieved their highest ever League placing when they finished 15th. The following campaign, however, they were relegated and by 1977 were back in the Fourth. In 1983/84 they won their first major honour when they finished runaway Fourth Division champions with 101 points becoming the first club in Football League history to reach three figures. City's last promotion success in the League was via the playoffs in 1992/93 when on the club's first ever visit to Wembley Stadium they beat Crewe Alexandra in a penalty shoot out. On the other side of the coin City suffered relegation six times and over the years had to make seven applications for re-election back to the League. In 2004 the club finished bottom of Division Three (League Two) and dropped down to the Conference bringing to an end 75 years membership of the Football League. During that time they had spent two seasons in the second tier and 16 in the third tier. In eight years in the Conference City reached the promotion play offs three times. In 2006/07 they lost at the semi-final stage and in 2009/10 went down to Oxford United in the final and then, on May 20th 2012, promotion back to the Football League was achieved when Luton Town were beaten 2-1 at Wembley. This latter game marked the club's 4th appearance at the national stadium in four years and completed a league and cup double that season. After four years back in the Football League, York dropped back into the Conference finishing in 24th place in League 2 in 2015/16. The following season City suffered a second successive relegation, after finishing in the final relegation place in the National League and will compete in regional non-league football in 2017/18 for the first time since 1929.

The York City Mission was formed to promote knowledge of the Bible amongst the poorer classes of York, without any reference to particular denominations or the government of Christian churches. It also recommended sanitary improvements in the houses of poor families.

The mission employed its own staff to carry out the work, who were each assigned a district. Missionaries were responsible for reading the scriptures to people, engaging them in religious conversation, promoting observation of the Sabbath, and attending public worship. They were also responsible for handing out copies of the scriptures to the people in their areas.

The City Mission was administered by a committee, consisting of an equal number of members from the Established Church and of Dissenters. The mission also had a number of Examiners of Missionaries, consisting of an equal number of clergymen and dissenting ministers. The mission also recruited members who were willing to pay an annual subscription to support the work of the organisation.

The York City Rowing Club was founded in 1863 and continues today with a membership base of over 200.

York Civic Trust was founded in 1946 by four citizens of York who were worried about the potential loss of York's heritage in the post-war 'spirit of renewal.' They formed the Civic Trust with the intention of preserving York's historic buildings, and assisting with improvement schemes for the city's amenities. A fundamental aim was to work with the City Council in York and offer them ideas and assistance.

The Civic Trust periodically makes financial gifts to the city, and past projects have included restoring and gilding the gas lamps around York Minster, installing commemorative plaques in streets, purchasing pictures for the Art Gallery; repaving for St Helen's Square; purchasing new curtains for the Theatre Royal; and purchasing a new robe for the Lord Mayor, through to to a full restoration of the Mansion House (the home of the Lord Mayor of York).

The Trust is also recognised at a national level, and it's report advocating the establishment of conservation areas was directly incorporated into the Civic Amenities Act 1967.

In the mid-1960s York was chosen as one of four historic towns to study the issues of conservation. This report was later to be known as the Esher Report. The Civic Trust supported the City Council with a donation towards the fees involved in the study. The influence of that report was to bring huge benefits to the city and fully justified having participated in Lord Esher's Study.

Arguably the most important project undertaken by the Civic Trust was its restoration of Fairfax House, to provide a home for the furniture collection of Noel Terry. The house opened in 1984, and although sold by the Civic Trust to the York Conservation Trust in 2008, it continues to be one of York's important visitor attractions.

The Trust runs programmes of events, visits and lectures designed to enhance members' appreciation of the city and the nearby countryside. It also hosts a programme of education for younger residents and students.

York Collegiate School was a school for children in the city of York, in which members held shares. It's exact dates of operation are unknown, however it was certainly operating in the 1830s and 1840s.

The York Conservation Areas Advisory Panel was set up in May 1969 and is empowered to advise the Local Planning Authority, through its Planning Committees, on the effect various proposals referred to it by the planning department may have on the character or appearance of listed buildings and designated conservation areas. Although it is serviced by Council Officers, the Panel is not regarded as a Council Committee. Its decisions are advisory in nature and cannot be construed as legally binding on the Council or any other organisation.
Membership of the Panel consists of appropriately qualified professionals and individuals nominated by York Civic Trust, York Georgian Society, Yorkshire Architectural and York Archaeological Society, Royal Institute of British Architects, Yorkshire Philosophical Society, York Guild of Building and two individuals nominated by City of York Council.

The Panel meets at regular intervals throughout the year and keeps minutes of those meetings.

York Consumer Group was a membership-based campaign group fighting for the rights of York consumers. The group published a regular newsletter, as well as annual general meeting papers, and contributed to various campaigns including Crime Prevention Month. The exact dates of operation of this group are unknown, however it was known to be operating in the 1960s and 1970s.

The first entry of a coroner in York dates from 1229, and there were three in 1279 and the 1630s. Though appointed and salaried by the corporation, the coroner is an independant official, ultimately responsible to Crown and Lord Chancellor. In 2019 the office of the City of York Coroner moved from York to Northallerton to co-locate with the services of the North Yorkshire Coroner. At present the two offices are still functionally separate.
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Oversight and rationalisation of school-aged education was begun in York by the York School Board in 1889. The function was transferred to the council in 1902/3 when it was established as the new LEA (Local Education Authority). A provisional committee was established in January 1903, and the formal committee took over in July.

The first municipal secondary school (Queen Anne's School for Girls) was opened in 1910. Mill Mount (Girls) and Nunthorpe (Boys) were added in 1920. The 1902 Education Act provided for the funding and management of church schools by LEAs and improved resources and standardisation. A proportion of funds were provided centrally from the Board of Education in Whitehall, which advised, approved or suggested actions to be taken by LEAs.
Function received from York School Board (1889-1902). Supported by Secretary of Education.

The first Educational Settlement in York was founded at 31 St Mary's, York, in 1909. It became known as the 'St Mary's Settlement'. It was based there until 1932. In 1933, the Settlement relocated to 128 Holgate Road and became known as the Holgate Hill Settlement. It remained at this premises until at least 1975. In 1924 the York Settlement was recognized by the Board of Education as "a responsible Body under the Board of Education Adult Education Regulations for the purpose of submitting formal classes and receiving grants on respect of them." In 1944 it was recognized by the Local Education Act and Local Education Authorities.
During their existence, the York Educational Settlements, particularly the one at St Mary's, receieved considerable financial support from the Rowntree family, with Arnold Rowntree being a particularly active and influential trustee

The York Settlement had relationships with several other groups in the city, particularly those also working to provide adult education. This included the Workers Educational Settlement (WEA)'s York Branch, who held meetings, classes and lectures at the Settlement's St Mary's premesis. In 1949-1950, the Settlement was affiliated with the York Film Society.
The York Settlement Community Players grew out of the St Mary's settlement and was equated with it until the YSCP became an independent group in 1922.
York Community Settlement Players (YSCP) and Workers Education Association (WEA), York branch.
See Also - Workers Educational Association (WEA) York Branch
See Also - York Settlement Community Players

York Family Service Unit was part of the larger charity Family Service Units. It is not known when the York unit opened, but FSU had been operating throughout England and Scotland since 1948. The charity provided children's services, particuarly for a number of local authorities.

In April 2006 FSU collapsed due to financial issues, with services in England being taken over by the Family Welfare Association.

York Fanteakwa Community Link shares fellowship and mutual support between the Fanteakwa district of Eastern Region in Ghana and communities in York, UK.

The Society was founded in 1788 by a group of York women led by philanthropists Faith Gray and Catherine Cappe. The original purpose was to provide a safety net for girls offering sick benefits, pensions and grants for medical care for those leaving York's Grey Coat and Spinning Schools, which they also ran. It continued to accept members up until the introduction of the NHS in 1948. Membership could be extended to other working women through a rule allowing limited nomination by honorary members. In 1976, the Society was dissolved and the funds divided among the remaining members. The remaining members of the Society continued to meet annually until 1984. Moyra F Johnson served as secretary of the Society from the early 1970s. The Society's office was situated in St William's College, York.

Formed by a merger of the two competing local private gas companies. The inherited Monk Bridge gas generating site was extended in 1847 and the Hungate site sold in 1850. The works and supply areas were extended various times by Act of Parliament. There was tension between the private company and the Corporation who sought to buy it in 1871 (unsuccessfully) and attempted to block its expansion in Parliament in 1912. Control was transfered to the North-Eastern Gas board in 1948 when electricity and gas were nationalised.
Formed by merger of York Gas Light Company and York Union Gas Light Company in 1844.
Changed name to York Gas Company in 1912

Formed in 1823 by 104 subscribing citizens. During 1828 the City Commissioners objected to the prices and returned briefly to oil lighting. In 1837 a rival company, York Union Gas Light Company was founded as competition but the two companies were amalgamated in 1844.
Amalgamated with York Union Gas Light Company in 1844 to become York United Gas Light Company.

The York Georgian Society was founded in 1939 to promote the preservation and care of Georgian buildings in and around York, while fostering the study and appreciation of them. It is the second oldest society outside London devoted to the Georgian era. The Society's remit extends beyond architecture and the crafts associated with building to include the arts, culture and society of the period from 1660, the year of George I's birth, to 1837, the year of William IV's death.

The Society succeeded in establishing the principle that York's rich heritage of Georgian architecture was worthy of protection and sympathetic maintenance. While no major Georgian buildings in York are now threatened with demolition, the Society is vigilant about matters such as the potential loss of interiors and fittings, the threat posed by ill-considered development, and the negative impact of inappropriate street paving and signage.

The Society organises an annual programme of summer visits to country houses and other Georgian buildings (for members and their guests), and a series of winter lectures (open to all but free to members). The Society's activities are recorded in an illustrated Annual Report distributed to members.

The Health and Housing Reform Association was set up in York to ensure 'the spread of knowledge regarding health and sanitation, and thus to improve the health condition in the houses of the public'. Amongst its membership was Oscar Rowntree, and it was supported by York's Medical Officer of Health. Members were due to pay an annual subscription, and a committee was appointed annually consisting of a Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman. Five members were to retire each year, but could stand for re-election.

The Health Food Store was originally called Wylie, Barr & Ross and was managed by Laura E Haw. It first opened in 1938 at 8 Gillygate. It is believed to be the first health food store in York. It is first listed in the York Directories in 1939. Laura Haw married James Tarrant in 1950 , and they continued to run the shop together. After Laura's death , James Tarrant continued to run the shop until it closed in 1986. The store is listed in Trade Directories under various descriptions - a 'health food store', a 'vegetarian store' and a 'retail grocers'. It remained on Gillygate until c1956/1957, when it moved to 11 Davygate. It moved again to 1Blake Street in February 1968, taking over the premises previously occupied by W. Kettlestring, grocer & florist. The store closed in around August 1986. The premises was purchased by Mannion & Co., grocers. Mannion's were fruit and vegetable specialists, and the family had traded on York market for more than 70 years by 1986 (c1916). Mannion's still occupy the premises today, but it operates as an upmarket deli/café.

York Hoboes Rambling Club was established in 1933.

York Hospital Radio is a volunteer run radio station serving the staff and patients at York Hospital. It's exact foundation date is currently unknown, however it was certainly in operation by 1975. It is a registered charity and relies solely on donations for it's operation.

Instituted in March 1940 by City of York Council and York County Hospital Committee.
Functions transferred to York 'A' and Tadcaster Hospital Management Committee in 1948 upon the instiution of the NHS.

York Inset Scooter Club was formed in 2003 by a group of individuals with a common interest in scooters and scootering. It is always on the look out for new members and meets in Heworth every Tuesday night.

The club also does ride-outs throughout the year, often for charity fundraising, multi-club meets and entourage at events.

The club supports many charitable causes, including the York Normandy Veterans, who are honorary members of the club.

The York Insurance Committee was established as a result of the National Insurance Act of 1911. It's purpose was to administer the panel of participating doctors, chemists and others who participated in the scheme under which insured working people had access to free medical care.

After the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948, the York Insurance Committee was superseded by the York Executive Council which oversaw NHS doctors, pharmacists and others.

York Light Opera Company is a York-based musical theatre company who produce and perform several productions each year. It is unknown exactly when the company started, however it was certainly before 1955. With both an Adult Company for 16+ and Youth Company (10-18yrs) the organisation has members from all walks of life and ages, all with a love of musical theatre. The company regularly works with creative professionals and performing at York Theatre Royal. Some of our members even continue to become professionals in the industry.

The company brings both new productions and old classics to York. The company includes a large family built up of performers, volunteers and backstage helpers who are dedicated to having fun and working hard.

Magistrates' courts replaced the Quarter Sessions and Assizes in 1971, and generally deal with the majority of all civil and criminal cases which are the less serious, or 'summary' offences. Previous to 1971 many of these cases would have been heard at the Police Courts. Defendants are tried by a single magistrate or a panel of magistrates rather than a jury.

Examples of the types of cases heard are drunk and disorderly, criminal damage, and common assault.
See Also - York Subscription Library

The idea of Mechanics Friendly Society was proposed at the Annual Meeting of the York Mechanics Institute held on Tuesday 26th June 1832, a committee was appointed by consider the best way of establishing one in connection with the Institute. This committee was later incorporated with the Committee of the Institute and the proposed rules and regulations of the Friendly Society were read at a public meeting held on Tuesday 21st August 1832 in the lecture room of the York Mechanics Institute.

The idea of a setting up a friendly society was proposed at an annual meeting of the York Mechanics Institute on 26th June 1832. A committee was appointed to establish one in connection with the Institute, with this same committee being incorporated with the Committee of the Institute. At a public meeting on 21st August 1832 in the lecture room of the York Mechanics Institute the proposed rules and regulations of the Mechanics Friendly Society was adopted with the Society being established in October that year. In August 1850 it was first proposed that a meeting be held to discuss the dissolution of the Society and to best divide up the remaining funds. The last of these funds were distributed by October 1850 after which time the Society was no longer in existence.
See Also - Mechanics Institute / Technical College

The first public meeting of the promoters of the 'York Mechanics Institution' took place on 21 June 1827 at the Red Lion Inn, Monkgate. The reason for the foundation of the institution was so that 'an Institute be formed in York for the diffusion of useful knowledge amongst the middle and working classes of society.' A committee was formed with the task of finding suitable premises for the library and to arrange a lecture programme for members.

In its early years the library was situated in a small room in Bedern, and by 1843 it had 1,500 volumes in its library. In 1846 the library moved to new premises in St Saviourgate, and remained at this site until its purpose built premises in Clifford Street were completed in 1885. The foundation stone of the latter building was laid by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).

The activities of the Institution included classes in art and science, an evening continuation school, lectures and a gymnasium, as well as a library and news room, but the library was the most popular department. The Institution's income was raised from subscriptions, fees and charges for activities or the letting of rooms. Unfortunately, the move to the Clifford Street premises did not increase public support for the Institution by as much as had been expected. The Secretary, Arthur Furnish, found that the Institution was in serious debt through its building fund, but still strived to make it a success.

In 1887, Queen Victoria's Jubilee year, York first suggested the idea of a free public library. The discussions which took place caused a reduction in the number of subscriptions to the Institution and discouraged further donations to the building fund. Despite this, in that year the library had a collection of 10,000 volumes and in the previous year had issued 33,449 books. When the public library suggestion was eventually shelved, the Institution had a new lease of life and membership once again began to increase. Funds, however, were still low and there were regular appeals for additional donations.

In 1891 City of York Council founded a Technical School in the city, which marked the end of the school at the Mechanics' Institution. The committee opened negotiations with the council and agreed to hand over the Clifford Street building for the sum of £4,100, the value of the library's outstanding debt. The council initially took over the instruction classes and leased the library, news room and central hall back to the Institution, however when it adopted the Public Libraries Act in 1892, the leased facilities were absorbed into the council function. The Library and its fittings were handed over to the council along with around 6,000 of the Institution's books. The Secretary, Arthur Furnish, also became the first City Librarian at the new public library.
Folded in 1891 due to outstanding debts due to the City Council. Its building and assets were acquired by the council in lieu of the debt and in 1893 went to form part of the Public Library collections, although there was no continuity of operations between the two organisations. The Clifford Street premises became the first premises of the new Public Library.

The York Motor Boat Club was founded in June 1933 by motor boat enthusiasts who moored along the River Ouse in York. The first President of the Club was Mr B Hudson who purchased the Clubhouse as a Prisoner of War Hospital in Silecroft, Cumbria. The wooden building was brought across to York and erected at Fulford, opening in 1954. The Club changed its name to York Motor Yacht Club in 1968.

The airfield was originally founded in 1936 as York Municipal Aerodrome, after an air circus had used the site previously. On 1 September 1939 the site was requisitioned by the RAF for Bomber Command. The site was returned to the York Corporation in 1946 when the airport reopened. However, in 1955 the airfield was closed for good.

Created in 2002 as a charitable trust to run York Art Gallery, York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and Gardens and York St Mary's. The buildings and collections remain the property of the council, who also provide part of the funding. Carried out various refurbishment and development work, and achieved growth in visitor numbers.
Independent to council but contractual arrangement for delivering service using council assets.

The York Musical Society was founded in around 1767 by several York musicians including the Organist of York Minster John Camidge (1734-1803). It is the oldest musical society in England. Originally the society was quite exclusive, being limited to sixty members and was more concerned with instrumental music. The original YMS was hostile to any public awareness, and still more scrutiny, of its activities. However during the nineteenth century the YMS relented a little on this policy. Women were admitted to its anniversary concert from 1826 and members were involved in music festivals in York in 1791, 1823, 1825, 1828 and 1845. The Society also publicly sponsored at least one choral concert in 1832.

It is unknown whether the original York Musical Society folded in the early 1850s, and the gap was replaced by the York Amateur Musical Society, or whether there is a direct link between the two (there was certainly a direct connection with some individuals being committee members of both organisations). In 1873 the York Amateur Musical Society agreed to accept vocalists as members and commenced organising public choral concerts.

In 1876 the York Amateur Musical Society was reformed as the York Musical Society. The driving force behind this was the Dean of York, though links with the Minster were otherwise coincidental until 1892 when John Naylor (Minster organist since 1883) became the conductor. 'This young society' (to quote the York Herald) presented The Messiah for its first concert in December 1876 with Handel's Acis and Galatea the following April.

At the end of the 19th century it merged with the York Choral Society and with the addition of conductor Thomas Tertius Noble in 1900, membership increased to over 200. It remains a large choir to this day.

The York Musical Theatre Company is York's longest established amateur theatre company. It was founded in 1902. It was originally called the York Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. It was renamed the York Musical Theatre Company in 2002.
The group gave its first performance in April 1903
The Society's meetings and performances were suspended during World War I 1914 - 1919, and reconvened in 1920. During World War II 1939-1945, performances were again suspended, but started up again from 1946 During the April 1942 air raid on York, many of the early records of the society(1902 - 1939) were destroyed.
The group gained charitable status in 1978.
See Also - York Musical Theatre Company

The plays were originally performed in York from the middle of the 14th century until 1569 when they would be performed and funded by local trade guilds who would each take responsibility for one play. The end of the feast of Corpus Christi in England after the Reformation meant the plays came to an end. Performances of individual elements of the Plays started again at the beginning of the 20th century but it was not until 1951 that they were fully revived by the York Festival of Arts as part of the Festival of Britain. The plays were then initially staged every three years, later being staged every four. Due to financial and practical reasons in 1992 and 1996 the Plays were held indoor at the York Theatre Royal. The modern Guilds of York, heirs to the original Mystery Plays presenters, were formally associated with an outdoor production for the first time in 1998. In 2002 they took charge of the production themselves. The Plays have toured outside ever since.

The club was formed by 1907.

York Ornithological Club was established in 1965 by people who attended an adult education class. It's original aim was for those members to continue with what they had learned. Over the years the club has developed, and how has at least 70 members.

The club publishes an annual list of bird records, runs trips for members and has a regular series of meetings and talks.

The club was founded in 1938.

The City of York was covered by three relief districts, with a Relieving Officer for each district. Each Relief Committee dealt with applications in one of the relief districts for a four-month period before moving on to the next district.

Established in 1906 when the guardians of the York Out-Relief Union applied and obtained a special order from the Local Government Board (later the Ministry of Health). The order gave the Board the authority to appoint three separate committees for hearing and assessing applications for out-relief. These were known as the Relief Committees Nos 1,2, and 3
Part of the York Out-Relief Union

Formed in 1894 along with the Escrick, Bishopthorpe and Flaxton Out-Relief Unions. All four out-relief unions were attached to the York Union, otherwise known as the Joint York Union.
Part of the Joint York Union

The York Pageant was conceived by Mr. George Kirby, Curator of the Exhibition, and produced by Mr. Louis N. Parker who was Master of the Pageant. It was intended that 'the York Pageant represent by dramatic means a continuous history of York from the earliest times down to the siege of York in 1644'. It lasted six days from July 26th - 31st and was held in the grounds of St Mary's Abbey in York.

The York Penitentiary Society was formed in 1822. In 1844, the late Dr Beckwith bequest his property at Bishophill to the York Penitentiary Society, and this was used to form the York Penitentiary Institution in 1845.

A motion was carried at the 1918 annual meeting that the name "Penitentiary Society" was unsuitable for the work of the Society, and "House of Mercy" was deemed more appropriate. In 1918, the Bishophill premises were sold due to their delapidated condition and new premises at Clifton Holme were purchased. These premises later became known as York Training Home for Girls, which was an approved school that operated by rules set out by the Secretary of State.

The Home Office responsibility for Clifton Holme ended on 31st August 1950. Clifton Holme was sold to the Corporation in 1953, and the profits from the sale were used to form the Clifton Holme Trust, the money from which was distributed to various charities.

Petty Sessions were responsible for hearing the less serious criminal offences up until 1971 (when they were replaced by the Magistrates Courts).

The courts were local to an area and heard cases without a jury (summary jurisdiction). The court was presided over by one or more volunteer justices of the peace or stipendiary magistrates (later district judges) who were paid officials. Petty Sessions were the lowest tier in the court system and developed at the beginning of the 18th century to take on some of the work previously undertaken by the Quarter Sessions. From 1848 it became compulsory for some cases to be referred to the Quarter Sessions. The session's work dealt with matters such as minor theft and larceny, assault, drunkenness, bastardy examinations, arbitration and deciding whether to refer a case to the Quarter Sessions. From 1872, they were also responsible for approving licences to sell alcohol in ale houses and public houses.
See Also - York Subscription Library

The York Philatelic Society was founded in 1948, as an organisation for individuals interested in collecting or studying postage stamps, postal history, items of philatelic interest, historical philatelic items, postcards and labels used through the post.

The Society meets on the second Tuesday of each calendar month, and is associated with The Yorkshire Philatelic Association (YPA) and the Association of British Philatelic Societies (ABPS).

The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir was founded in York in 1925, by a group of men from the Leeman Road Adult Boy’s Club. They came together out of a love of singing, rehearsing in the front parlour of a house on Leeman Road. The founding members sought the direction of conductor Cecil H. Fletcher, and over the next ten years Fletcher oversaw the growth of the choir to over fifty members.

The choir experienced a severe decline in membership as a result of the World Wars, followed by the death of conductor Fletcher. The choir survived this period, becoming informally known as the Cecil H Fletcher Memorial Choir into the 1980s.

Sefton Fearne took over as conductor, and worked to rebuild the choir following the drop in membership. In 1950 Fearne retired due to ill health and was succeeded by Archie W. Sargent.

Sargent retired in 1962 and was succeeded by Richard B. Lister. In 1962; with Robert Patterson, then curator at York Castle Museum; Lister helped initiate the first the ‘Carols in Kirkgate’ concert, which raised money for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund. The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir performed at the first ‘Carols in Kirkgate’ event, which continued for over fifty years.

In 1968 the choir formed a relationship with Münsterscher Männergesangverein (Münster Male Choral Society), a choir from York’s twin city Münster, in Germany. The choirs have done multiple visits to each other’s respective cities.

In 1972 the choir became a registered charity, to help improve public knowledge of the choir, and to help the choir to support other charities through their performances.

Richard B. Lister stepped down as Musical Director in 1980, at which point David Keeffe took over the role. Subsequent Music Directors also include Richard Bowman, Margaret Martin, Ian Colling and Berenice ‘Berry’ Lewis.

As well as performances and charity concerts, the choir have historically competed in competitions across Britain and Europe.

York Photographic Society (YPS), which was formed in 1887. It is the oldest camera club in York and was one of the very first camera clubs and photographic societies in Britain. After an enforced hiatus, the Society reformed in 1932.

The club is a friendly group with a growing membership covering all ages, abilities and photographic genres. It meets on Wednesday evenings at the Poppleton Centre on the outskirts of York with our season running from September to May.

The Police Court was an earlier form of magistrates court, formed in the 19th century. It dealt with the majority of all civil and criminal cases which were the less serious, or 'summary' offences, in a similar way to the petty sessions. Defendants were tried by a single magistrate or a panel of magistrates rather than a jury. The Police Court had two sittings - one for adults and one for juveniles, and each sitting kept separate records.

Examples of the types of cases heard are drunk and disorderly, criminal damage, and common assault.
See Also - York Subscription Library

One of the standing committees of the York Poor Law Union. Responsible for the assessment of the rateable value of properties for the purposes of collecting the poor rate. The poor rate was a tax levied on property owners and was the principle means of financing the poor law and provision of relief.
Reported to the Board of Guardians of the York Poor Law Union.

On its reformation in 1910 it became one of the standing committees of the York Poor Law Union. Under the Local Government Act of 1929 the Public Assistance Committee assumed responsibility for administering the Poor Law which had previously been the remit of the York Poor Law Union (1837-1930). Some committees, including the Boarding-Out and Children's Committees, had a continuous existence and function under both the York Poor Law Union and its successor body the Public Assistance Committee.
Replaced by the Children's Committee (1906-1910) then reinstated again in 1910 to replace the Children's Committee. In 1930 the Boarding-Out Committee became a sub-committee of the Public Assistance Committee (1929-1948).

Under the Local Government Act of 1929 the Public Assistance Committee assumed responsibility for administering the Poor Law which had previously 30)been the remit of the York Poor Law Union (1837-1930). Some committees, including the Boarding-Out and Children's Committees, had a continuous existence and function under both the York Poor Law Union and its successor body the Public Assistance Committee.
Formed as a sub-committee of the York Union Workhouse Committee. Replaced the Boarding-Out Committee (1902-1906) then replaced by the Boarding Out Committee when this committee was reinstated in May 1910.

The York Poor Law Union (1837-1930) was abolished under the Local Government Act 1929. However the Poor Law continued as the main system of welfare until 1948 and was administered by the Public Assistance Committee (1929-1948). Some committees, including the Collecting Committee, had a continuous existence throughout this period of transition and executed similar functions under both the York Poor Law Union and its successor body the Public Assistance Committee.

Reported to the York Board of Guardians

During its existence this Committee was responsible for the old parochial workhouse in Marygate, which from 1837-1849 served as the workhouse of the York Poor Law Union. In 1849 the Marygate workhouse was closed and replaced by the new Union workhouse on Huntington Road.
From 1837 this committee reported to the York Board of Guardians (1837-1930).

By the 1920s this committee comprised 18 elected members plus quarterly members (the remaining 65 Guardians were divided into 4 groups and each group sat on the committee for three months of the year). There was a changing array of sub-committees that reported directly to the Workhouse Committee, for example: the Farm and Garden Committee; Provisions and Clothing Committee; Timber Committee; Works and Repairs Committee; and Entertainment Committee.
Replaced by the Workhouse Visiting Committee (1906-1914); then reinstated in 1914 to replace the Workhouse Visiting Committee.

The Visiting Committee appears to have been a full committee that had an intermittent life along with the Workhouse Committee (see Relationships below). After 1914 there were several visiting sub-committees which inspected various aspects of the workhouse and reported directly to the Workhouse Committee.
Replaced the Workhouse Committee (?mid-19thc-(1906); then was replaced by the Workhouse Committee, which was reinstated in 1914.

Reported to the Workhouse Committee. Replaced the Building Committee (?1890s-?1900s) which was reinstated again in 1915.