AS always it has been an eventful year in Ilkley and the surrounding area and this is just the time to take stock of what has been happening. Many of the local millennium projects have come to fruition as fitting tributes to the hard work of the people
Unbeaten Bradford heavyweight Huggy Osman is quitting the ring. The 28-year-old bows out with a record of five wins and a draw and he now has big plans to try to help project the sport's profile in his home city. Osman is going to apply for a promoter's
Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble admits signing a top-quality replacement for Brad Mackay is proving a difficult task. Noble had earmarked New Zealand Test loose forward Logan Swann as the man to plug the gap. But with that deal now dead after the 25-
Eoin Jess was today discussing a three-month loan move to Bradford City. The Scottish international has fallen out of favour at Aberdeen after accusing the club of lacking ambition. He is keen for another crack at the Premiership after an unsuccessful
A CELEBRATION of pupils' achievements at Horsforth School was attended by a bronze medalist at this year's Sydney Olympics, writes John Baron. Horsforth's own Jonny Clay, part of the successful British Cycling Team Pursuit, awarded prizes and certificates
ATTEMPTS to preserve the character of Menston are well under way with the final stages of a village design statement and the formation of a new group. Menston Village Design Statement Group has now submitted a draft version of their document to Bradford
DUMP the Dome - that is the view of sixth formers disenchanted with the millennium celebrations this year The pupils, from Benton Park School, Rawdon, were scathing about the Dome - and also critical of the authorities for concentrating on too many showpiece
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott visited Leeds Railway Station yesterday. The station has been a hive of activity since December 16 and throughout Christmas as 350 railway workers battle to complete the station's major overhaul. It is planned the £165
MONEY continues to pour into an appeal to help an arson-hit junior sports and social club in Otley. Despite money being traditionally tight at this time of year, generous Wharfedale Observer readers have so far helped to raise almost £800 for the stricken
A SPECIAL autograph donated by Coronation Street favourite Liz Dawn is being auctioned by a green belt action group to help fund fireworks for this year's New Year Beacon at Aireborough Leisure Centre. Liz, the Lady Mayoress of Leeds, who earlier this
BORED youngsters in Pool-in-Wharfedale who are campaigning for a skateboard park to be introduced in the village are to meet in January to discuss ambitious proposals. The youngsters will meet with Pool Community Development Group to give their views
TOP flight Eur-MPs could meet in Otley to investigate a worldwide eavesdropping system. Campaigners fighting for the closure of the American base at Menwith Hill - believed to be the world's biggest listening station - are hoping that the MEPs will come
YOUNGSTERS at two Guiseley schools are playing 'Russian roulette' with their lives when they try to cross a busy road, it was claimed this week. Angry parents of pupils at both Guiseley School and Tranmere Park Primary say their children are dicing with
The problem of what to do with disruptive pupils has so far presented schools and education chiefs with a real dilemma. Should they be kept in the school and persevered with, taking up a disproportionate amount of teachers' time and possibly holding back
Congregational & General, the Bradford-based insurer, plans to bolster its turnover with a large-scale assault on the home and personal markets. Established in 1891 to insure churches against fire damage, the company has since established itself in
SILSDEN'S new swimming pool group could become a charity. Swimstart, part of the town's parish council, was set up to run the pool after school governors at Hothfield Street School could not afford to keep it running. The parish council is deciding what
AN Upper Wharfedale family of farmers has extended its successful rural office development. James and Simon Butcher, of Fleets Farm, Rylstone, have converted more redundant buildings to double the available workspace provided at the site. The brothers
A TINY beetle is threatening the future of Craven's renowned heather moors after attacking plants for the third summer running. The heather beetle has infested up to a quarter of the 50,000 hectares of internationally important upland moors in the Yorkshire
BOSSES at Airedale Hospital, Steeton, have apologised to patients forced to wait months for non-urgent scans. Some patients have reported waiting more than five months for a scan at the hospital, while patients at nearby Bradford and Lancaster Royal Infirmaries
KEEN shoppers eager to pick up the best of the post-Christmas bargains began queuing outside Next on Skipton High Street from 5am on Wednesday. The shop did not open until 6am but when staff arrived bargain hunters already stretched the length of the
SKIPTON residents have won their battle to see more safety measures introduced on the town's Brewery Lane swing bridge. The Brook Street and Bridge Street campaigners protested to North Yorkshire Highways department and British Waterways that they took
SIR, May I through the Wharfedale Observer thank all the people who have helped with the charity Hang on to a Dream. In these times of hardship, I am personally indebted to all the businesses who have made their donations and who have helped and assisted
THE question is: what was all the fuss about? I mean, the media was full of it for months, people invested millions into it and lost most of it, but in the end, the public refused to be conned. And now, of course, all is forgotten... We are talking here
Sir, Ref:- Your article 'Historic gravestones found dumped in cemetery wood' (Ilkley Gazette, December 21) This is just to point out that Mr. Briggs may have only just 'discovered' them himself but that full compilation and assessment from reliable and
Eleven people breathalised by police in the Spen Valley all tested negative during a Christmas drink-drive crackdown by police. Officers from Heckmondwike road traffic department were pleased with the result and felt their message of 'zero tolerance'
A shake-up to Bingley's business support services has been welcomed by a leading entrepreneur. Chamber Management Ser-vices (CMS) - which provides aid to firms which are members of the Chamber of Commerce - is set to expand its role in the light of a
POOL AFC..............2 SPA ATHLETIC..............1 HAVING not played for three weeks Pool entered this game knowing that the three points were essential to keep up with the leaders Kirby Malzeard. The first-half was a dreary affair with little flowing
Aireborough XV...............22 Wharfedale Dev XV........43 A RICH mixture of players from Aireborough's teams played their part in an entertaining game against slick opposition in front of an appreciative crowd at Nunroyd Park. Scoring an early try through
Supporters of a policeman forced to resign after making a racist comment hope he may still win back his job - thanks to another officer's victory. Rick Pentith resigned from his post as Shipley's community constable after allegedly referring to an Asian
BRIGHOUSE TOWN....2 OTLEY TOWN..............1 ANOTHER narrow defeat for Otley Town but, once again, they gave one of the league's high fliers a real shock and this, despite having a much changed side with Ben Hawley and Lee Grice their victims and a further
A shoplifter fled from the Longdish off-licence on Saltaire Road, Shipley, after grabbing two bottles of whisky shortly after 9.30am on Boxing Day. The thief is described as white, aged in his 20s and was wearing a checked baseball cap. Meanwhile, vandals
Christmas 2000 was a very special one for Bradford mum Kay Carroll. After years of waiting, the 55-year-old from Greengates was at last able to celebrate the day with her long-lost daughter Laura Di Giovanni (far left). Now 36, she was adopted at five
The wrestling world is in mourning after the death of one of its greatest champions. Bradford-born Eric Taylor, the former heavy middleweight champion of Britain, died on Friday aged 70 after suffering a heart attack. Gentle giant Eric, of Queensbury,
A new network of special units is being planned in a bid to avoid Bradford schools having to exclude disruptive pupils. Work will begin on the £1.5 million scheme in September and eventually every Bradford secondary school will have access to one of five
Traffic lights at the scene of a road smash which claimed the life of a Bradford father were out of action when the accident happened. Council workers confirmed today the signals in Manchester Road had been off for at least three hours and were awaiting
Motorists returning to work after the Christmas holidays faced treacherous conditions on the roads today as Arctic weather hit Bradford. Bradford Council's £1.4 million snow plan swung into action, through its ice prediction system where infra-red cameras
Frustrated Bradford rail travellers today demanded better information to help them heed a call to get back on the trains. Commuters said providing more news about services, and their changes, was the only way to ensure a £165 million revamp of Leeds station
WHARFEDALE's chances of gaining promotion to National Division One may well hinge on their performances in the next few weeks, starting with a tough assignment at Rugby tomorrow. The Dalesmen follow that up with a trip to Kendal, who beat them at The
Hampsthwaite........2 Ilkley FC...................3 A welcome return to action for Ilkley after playing only one game over the past four weeks, and revenge for the defeat by Hampsthwaite earlier in the season. On an increasingly boggy pitch, Ilkley allowed
SIR - "Guilty as charged". That must be the correct comment for the recent planning committee decision about the Provincial House site. While arguments might continue as to the merits or otherwise of the existing and proposed buildings (design is always
SO how was it for you? 2000, the dawn of a new millennium (albeit technically it wasn't) arrived with a large proportion of the population groaning in bed as a particularly virulent flu epidemic gripped the area. The start of the year saw an unusually
Bradford Bulls stalwart Trevor Foster has been rewarded for his outstanding service to the game by the Rugby Football League. Foster has been made a Life Vice-President of the game's ruling body - one of only five people to have the honour bestowed on
JOHN Burland reviews Blithe Spirit at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds. WHAT a great actress Thelma Barlow is. Known originally for her portrayal of the dippy Mavis in Coronation Street and more latterly as Dolly in Dinner Ladies, her playing of Madame
SIMON Ravens reviews Florilegium at I lkley Concert Club. IT is quite fashionable these days to scoff at the idea of genius. Great talent, the argument now goes, is produced more by nurture than nature. At first glance, the programme of Florilegium's
ELDERLY members of a village community were treated to tea, party games and magic tricks performed by a vicar. Members of Menston Methodist Church and St John's Church got together to organise a Christmas meal and party for more than sixty elderly residents
CAT news, cat features and cat interest stories have won Wharfe cat lovers national stardom. A monthly feature in the Wharfedale Observer and Ilkley Gazette, various lost and abandoned cat stories and a web site won Wharfe Valley Cats Protection first
POLICE surgeries set up for community consultation could face the axe if attendance does not improve, it has been warned. Inspector Paul Clynch, head of Ilkley police, said if numbers do not swell he may be forced to pull the plug on the idea. He said
COMPANY director Thomas Stevenson is hoping to move a step closer to his lifelong ambition of driving a powerful racing car in competition. Although he had not stepped into a racing car until a few months ago, Mr Stevenson could soon be driving around
REPAIRS to Otley's Chippendale Pool will cost £430,000 - £130,000 more than originally expected. And although the money will have to come out of a total of £3 million - to be spent over two years and spread between Leeds City Council's 24 sports centres
THE chronicler of a Yeadon aircraft factory's war effort hopes the New Year will bring recognition from Leeds Bradford Airport of the work of thousands of Aireborough people. Gerald Myers, of Tranmere Park, Guiseley, has spent the past five years pushing
A MOTHBALLED petrol station could remain an eyesore until councillors grant permission for new houses there. Since the Shell filling station, Leeds Road, Bramhope, was boarded up last week, residents of the successful Yorkshire in Bloom village have protested
WHILE everyone else tucked into boxes of chocolates and other festive goodies, one Otley woman stuck to her intensive training regime for a gruelling 400km bike ride in the blazing heat of East Africa. Nicky Taylor, 31, of Crow Lane, is bracing herself
ROBBERS threatened a shop assistant with a gun before stealing a small amount of cash and cigarettes. The two raiders swooped on the Adel Wood Stores, in Wayland Croft, Adel, at 6.50pm last Friday. Both men were wearing woollen hats pulled over their
In 1879, the Tay Bridge collapsed as a train was crossing, 300 were feared dead. In 1922, new 'one-man' trackless tramcars began operation in Bradford. From the Telegraph & Argus of December 28, 1975...Make the most of eggs, housewives. For over the
THERE is a special place in every little girl's imagination for fairies. Perhaps it is the hint that they populate not only the realm of fiction but every magic-looking dell, wood and glen. Or their central role, ranking only alongside Santa, in the myths
WEST Craven planners will see for themselves the site of a proposed 51-berth marina on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Barnoldswick, before deciding whether it can go ahead. Members of Pendle Council's West Craven committee - the planning authority for the
RESIDENTS have called for action after water, which has been running down a lane in Skipton, froze over, creating a hazardous ice-rink. The back lane between George Street and Dawson Street has been water logged several times because of water leaks and
A COUNTRYSIDE grant scheme is helping to secure the future of the Dales landscape and keep traditional skills alive. Around 240 kilometres of dry stone walls in the Dales have been restored with help from the Ministry of Agriculture's Environmentally
FLASHING Christmas lights in the centre of Ilkley are to be turned off this week because of protests from an epileptic man. Frazer Irwin, 52, of Queens Road, told last week how he feared that flashing Christmas angels on The Grove could trigger an epileptic
IT is a discovery that could rewrite the history of one of the world's oldest religions. Archaeologists Dr Robin Coningham and Dr Armin Schmidt, both from Ilkley, are awaiting results which they believe could settle a major dispute about where the Buddha
DRINK-FUELLED thugs in Ilkley have marred the town's festive celebrations, according to police. They say an unprecedented number of violent attacks has taken place this Christmas in pubs in Ilkley. And they believe a gang of youths - aged between 14 and
THREE young people with learning disabilities have received the Christmas present of a lifetime this week - a house to share in the centre of Ilkley. Stephen Whiteside, Melanie Wasser and Nick Green, will move into the house, which has been bought after
AN ILKLEY man says he is still suffering sleepless nights as a result of Tesco's round the clock opening hours. Eric Baxter says he cannot remember the last time he had a good nights sleep. The 71-year-old said despite measures introduced by Tesco to
AN ILKLEY woman has spoken of her relief after her missing husband was found safe and well. Sylvia Todd, whose husband, David, disappeared without trace in February, said she can now look forward to a peaceful festive period Mrs Todd, said: "I was initially
MANY tourists often believe that rural areas such as the Dales escape the ravages of society found in inner cities. But look deeper and you'll find that Craven too has it problems - drugs being one of them. Last year Christian Fellowship churches in Skipton
YEW TREE...........6 YEW Tree travelled to Queensway at Guiseley to take on league newcomers Park Row Associates. After a rather shaky start Yew Tree played some good football and controlled the game on a diabolical surface. They ran out comfortable winners
GARFORTH Town defender Rudi Coleano was sent off for the second time since his move from Guiseley when his side crashed 2-1 to Thackley in the Northern Counties East League. Thackley now include Yeadon-based Ally Long - the former Farsley Celtic defdender
UNISON..........0 BURLEY TROJANS RES.........6 BURLEY Trojans Reserves began their festive celebrations early with a resounding win which turns up the heat at the top of the table. Their hosts, themselves victorious at leaders Ripon in their last game
There was a time in the 1980's when any club runner who entered the Boxing Day Chevin Chase risked expulsion from the AAA because the race was a private promotion and not sanctioned by the powers-that-were in athletics. Those who competed in those races
Three year-old Charlie Dewhirst was proud to be mascot for Guiseley AFC in their match against Chorley on Saturday. Charlie, from Menston, was watched proudly by his Great Grandma Freda Collinson, of Guiseley. Freda has given a lifetime's service to Guiseley
A Shipley school has received an accolade in recognition of its commitment to staff training. Saltaire Primary School was presented with the Investor in People Standard after assessors had audited the Albert Road site. Rachel Wilson, chair of governors
OTLEY.........................15 WHARFEDALE..........14 OTLEY edged victory in the Boxing Day derby match at Cross Green fending off the challenge of the Green Machine. A crowd of around 350 braved the cold to watch this game which lacked the passion
Police are hunting burglars who fled with a collection of porcelain Nativity characters from a Christmas display. The thieves broke into a shed in the grounds of a detached house in Nab Wood, Shipley, and used an axe and hedge trimmers to force open a
GUISELEY gave their supporters little to cheer about over Christmas although they did rescue a point at Harrogate Town on Boxing Day. Neil Parsley's men look to be lacking in all areas with their midfield bereft of ideas, their defence failing in the
Shipley MP Chris Leslie has called for a major rethink on how Bradford treats its local heroes following the debacle over plans to honour Coronation Street actor Bryan Mosley. He spoke out after the Telegraph & Argus revealed that only £10 had been
One of Bradford's most historic clubs has closed because of lack of interest. Tong Horticultural Society has closed after 84 years because its dwindling number of members cannot find any youngsters interested in taking up gardening and keeping the society
The millionaire owner of Cannon Mills shopping complex has won government approval for a massive redevelopment plan. Officials at The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions have decided against calling in the scheme for a public inquiry,
Young animal-lover Tamara Swan's instincts stopped her home burning down -- and saved the lives of her three pets trapped inside. Tatania the kitten, Apache the boxer dog and Jemma the Alsatian-cross narrowly escaped death, thanks to Tamara and the firefighters
Bradford's stressed-out street cleaners are costing council tax payers hundreds of thousands of pounds in days off sick in their never-ending battle against grime. The staff were off an average of 13.4 days each in the last financial year, leaving an
ON the final Saturday before Christmas, the weather relented to allow the fullest football programme for many weeks with only a small number of games postponed. There were two cup matches as well as Grassington made it into the semi-finals of the Slater
NORTH Ribb will have derived a good deal of satisfaction from this display, proving superior in almost every aspect of play. The visitors, who had refused to perform a fortnight previously, were not too happy to return to the Dales so swiftly for this
SETTLE Cricket Club have decided on a major change of direction next season in an effort to make themselves more competitive in the Ribblesdale Cricket League. They have replaced long-serving professional Surendra Bhave with Stuart Hornby, a young bowler
WHARFEDALE registered their second league double in successive weeks over league newcomers Esher. This eventual clear-cut but less than fully comfortable win secures fourth spot in the table and closes the gap on the leaders to a single point with a game
PARENTS at two Guiseley schools have joined together to fight for a pedestrian crossing on busy Bradford Road. They fear that their children's lives are at risk, after several near misses and several incidents of road rage and rightly point to the fact
100 years ago A NEW stained glass window was unveiled at Carleton Church. It had been bought for the West Window by the family of the late William Slingsby, of Beech Hill, in memory of their father and mother. Meanwhile over at St Peter's Church, Stainforth
