100 Years Ago

GRASSINGTON Reading Room members who lost a vote to allow cards to be played in the building wanted the parish council to overturn the decision. They pointed out that the Reading Room had been given to the village by the Duke of Devonshire specifically for use as a reading room and allowing cards would obviously change it into a games room.

The post office announced its arrangements for Christmas. Intriguingly, on Christmas Day there would be one delivery, from 8am, and one collection, from 7.15pm. The post office in Skipton would also be open on Christmas Day from 8am for two hours for the collection and sending of parcels, telegrams and letters.

Six Earby workers were brought before the magistrates in Skipton for the terrible crime of playing football in the back streets. They were each fined two shillings and six pence. Swearing in public could also result in an appearance before the bench and one man had to pay five shillings for using bad language.

50 Years Ago

THE FA Cup was on show at Barnoldswick's Victory Park ground. Holders Blackpool brought the cup over with their B team who were playing Barnoldswick in the Lancashire Combination. A good crowd came to see the cup, on display alongside Barnoldswick's own West Riding FA County Cup, and also saw the home side win 4-1.

Conistone St Mary's Church was causing concern as the belfry was deemed too heavy for the supporting walls. Glass detectors were to be installed in the walls to see if there was any movement.

A renovation scheme would be undertaken on what was described as the oldest building in Craven. The source of the claim was Dr Whitaker's book of 1805.

A secondary modern school was urgently needed in Settle said the Settle Education Sub Committee. Children had to go to Ingleton School and transport costs alone were £2,000 a year. A school had been planned for Settle for some time but had never been pushed and, in consequence, Settle was said to be in Division C when it came to new schools.

Glusburn School governors decided to admit the press to their meetings. They said it was only right that the general public, especially in Glusburn, should know what was being done at their school.

25 Years Ago

THE Yorkshire Dales National Park Committee changed its mind about allowing a plot of land at the rear of its Colvend headquarters in Grassington to be used for a bowling green. The national park informed the Grassington Parish Council that the original plot it wanted was now available and the council should submit its plans.

Long Preston Parish Council was dismayed at the contents of a surveyor's report into plans to flood the Ribble valley south of the village. In particular they were horrified at the prospect of several thousand visitors each day in summer descending on the reservoir for recreational purposes.

It was going to be a harsh Christmas for Rolls Royce workers, whose strike entered its fifth week with no prospect of a settlement before the factory, which stood idle, closing down for the two week break.

10 Years Ago

TRUSTEES of Grassington's Devonshire Institute defended their decision to allow flea markets to take place in the building despite complaints that they lowered the tone. The trustees said the flea markets were crucial to the financial well-being of the institute.

Traders in Skipton were bemoaning the fact that late night shopping in Skipton had met with atrocious weather for the third year in a row and most businesses did little trade.

Wharfedale rugby supporters were preparing for their big cup clash against rivals Otley in the Pilkington Cup. The match had giant killing potential and had attracted television cameras from BBC, Yorkshire TV and Sky to Threshfield for Wharfedale's training session.

A national debate criticised the NHS for employing more managers than doctors. But Bob Allen, chief executive of Airedale NHS pointed out that in the last two years Airedale had taken on 10 times as many doctors as managers - 20 of the former and only two administrators.