From the Archives of the Craven Herald

100 years ago

A NEW reservoir at Ingleton was officially opened by the chairman of Settle Rural District Council, Coun W Rhodes, JP. Sewerage and water supply works in the district were ongoing, but the 100,000 gallon reservoir was a major part of the scheme. The reservoir replaced a 600 gallon tank system built in 1879, which left houses on higher ground without water in dry weather. The new reservoir now held nearly three days supply for the population of Ingleton and its businesses.

The coronation festivities committee had decided upon the design of a commemoration medal, which was to be presented to local schoolchildren. The work had been entrusted to Skipton jeweller T Fattorini.

Barnoldswick Council was described as apathetic for ignoring calls for a new highway between Barnoldswick and the road to Colne, via Salterforth. It was felt the council had been reluctant to commit the necessary money to the scheme, and had dropped it like a "red hot brick" without giving the electorate a reason. The Herald reminded councillors they were servants of the rate payers, and they had a duty to be as open as possible about their decisions.

50 years ago

A proposal to close the Methodist Church in Water Street, Skipton, was being discussed. The congregation would unite with the Methodist Church on Gargrave Road, but the authorities had yet to agree to the scheme.

Labour regained control of West Riding County Council. The party won all three seats contested in Craven, taking two from the Conservatives and holding on to one. A far cry these days when the party struggles to put out a single candidate

The question of providing dustbins for homes in Sutton sparked controversy. Due to public health reasons, Skipton Rural District Council had introduced the bins to replace ash pits in 90 per cent of homes in Craven. However, owners of mill houses in Sutton, T and M Bairstow, contested that while ash pits in their properties were still in good repair, they should be allowed to stagger the introduction of dustbins to reduce the immediate cost.

25 years ago

Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton, wanted to retain its single sex status and was fighting a review by North Yorkshire County Council. The council favoured creating two comprehensive schools in the town, based at Ermysted's and Aireville, with Skipton Girls' High School used for a sixth form. However, governors at Ermysted's had asked the council to consider a single sex comprehensive school, with the girls educated at Aireville and the boys remaining at Ermysted's.

Silsden councillors and education leaders were jeered and told to sit down and shut up over plans to introduce bus fares for children travelling to South Craven School, Cross Hills. The parish council was against the plans, and had asked for the parents to support its protest. The parents wanted plans to build a secondary school in Silsden to be re-examined and blamed Bradford councillors for not securing free transport when they agreed to the school being built at Cross Hills instead.

Residents in Settle stormed the town council in protest over plans to resurface the market place with stone. They presented a 500-name petition and demanded a straw vote, campaigning for the area to be covered in Tarmac instead. Members agreed in the face of such opposition they should not go ahead with the plans.

10 years ago

A Crown Court judge ordered an investigation into what was described in court as a "cover-up" by Upper Wharfedale Rugby Club following an incident in which a visiting player suffered a fractured skull. The trial of a Wharfedale player accused of grievous bodily harm collapsed when two team mates said a different player had swung the punch which seriously injured a Wetherby Fourth team player in the match against Wharfedale's Fifth team. Under cross-examination the players said they had been told to say nothing about the incident but gave their evidence because they did not want an innocent man to be convicted. The club strenuously denied ordering a cover-up and said that on the contrary, they had fully co-operated with the police. Recorder Benjamin Nolan ordered the acquittal and North Yorkshire Police launched their investigation.

A meeting was held to discuss the growing need for an arts centre in Skipton. One suggestion was to use the town hall, building an extra storey above the existing Craven Museum, and modifying, extending and bringing into use the rest of the building. Other ideas included using the health centre at 9 High Street and part of a new development at Coach Street. A brand new arts centre was also mentioned, at a figure in excess of £600,000.

A feature film entitled Leon the Pig Farmer was being shot near Clapham. The comic love story starred Connie Booth, Gina Bellman, Brian Glover and Janet Suzman.