100 years ago

COUNCIL elections were taking place in Skipton with three wards up for grabs, North, South and East. The various candidates had been busy rallying support in the dying moments before the polls closed. The results were thought to be too close to call.

Skipton rugby ream were given a bye in the first round of the Yorkshire Challenge Cup Competition. They were meant to face Halifax St Jude's who backed out at the last moment. Skipton were set to face Old Dewsburians in the next round and stood a good chance of winning.

There were calls to open the Whinnygill reservoir for angling once Skipton's new water scheme was operating. As many fisherman had to travel for many miles to find a suitable spot, it was thought that the council would be able to add to its coffers by changing its use.

50 years ago

JOHN Edward Stuart was presented with an MBE by the Queen Mother at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his public service. Mr Stuart had been a schoolmaster for many years and former pupils from all over the world sent him telegrams of congratulations. Mr Stuart said the day had been a wonderful experience.

One hundred members of the Old Girls' Guild of Skipton High School for Girls (whose future is in doubt as we reported last week) attended an annual meeting at the school. The president, Miss Bertha Peacock, welcomed all the members and the headmistress Miss Wise expressed her pleasure as seeing so many different generations at the school. She updated members on the refurbishments that had added two classrooms to the school.

A jumble sale at St John's School in Cross Hills attracted visitors from far and wide. As soon as the doors were open, visitors packed in to such an extent that many found it difficult to move. Thrifty shoppers were able to raise £67 for Cross Hills Tennis Clubs.

25 years ago

BRADLEY ratepayers were warned that the parish council would prosecute anyone damaging the playing fields. A resident complained that a newly erected sign only lasted one day before it was thrown into the beck. The council also announced that it would draw up plans to carry out much needed repairs to equipment at the park.

A local farmer praised milk tanker drivers for their perseverance during the awful spate of bad weather. Stanley Boothman, of Home Farm, Halton East, said: "Their unfailing courage and cheerful dedication are a shinning example to their urban brethren who are all too eager to call a strike at the slightest adversity."

Talking of strikes, ambulance workers across Craven took industrial action and soldiers were called in to deal with the sick and injured. The Scots Greys and Royal Hussars worked to maintain an emergency service across the district using army vehicles.

10 years ago

LINDA Harrison, landlady at the Ashfield House Hotel, Grassington received a surprise phone call from the AA. She was told that she had been shortlisted for Landlady of the Year by an AA inspector. Linda was one of only two women in North Yorkshire to have been nominated for the prize. The winner would be the subject of a short feature in a forthcoming AA Bed and Breakfast Guide.

North Craven residents were reminded that fame did not always bring adoration when Alan Bennett was quizzed by an audience after performing his Talking Heads monologues at Settle High School. Mr Bennett explained that when he was involved with Beyond the Fringe with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook, he was spotted by a young boy on an escalator who shouted: "Look mum, there's the one you don't like!"

The Bishop of Bradford joined the congregation at Kirkby Malham for a Palm Sunday service. The Right Rev David Smith joined worshippers on a walk around the churchyard in recognition of the ancient preaching cross which is thought to have been in the churchyard since 700 AD.