100 years ago

THE craze for "grandmotherly legislation" came under fire from one of the Herald's columnists after a town council proposed a set of bye-laws telling the housewife how to organise her household duties. The governing body at Sunderland had drawn up the proposals, which said every occupied room in an inhabited house should be swept before a given time each day and every bedroom window had to be opened at a certain hour, irrespective of the conditions outside. "It makes one ask, in wonder, what next," quipped the writer.

Information from the Emigrants' Office at Westminster informed readers that it was the best time of year to emigrate to Canada. There was a good demand throughout the country for farm and general labourers, carpenters, blacksmiths, iron and steel workers and female servants. Over in Australia, female servants, carpenters and mechanics were in demand.

50 years ago

A PROUD angler landed what was believed to be the biggest trout ever caught in the River Aire. The fish weighed five pounds four-and-a-half ounces, measured 26 inches long and had a girth of 13 inches. The angler was fishing on the Heslaker Lane length of the river and his companion had to dash for help as their nets weren't big enough to haul the fish in. The helpless angler was left grappling with the trout for 15 minutes.

The bells of St Mary's Church, Kettlewell, could not be rung due to damage to the belfry. An insect, known as the "Kettlewell Beetle" had damaged one of the beams and was working on the second, in a similar manner to the death-watch beetle.

Controversy once again arose over the cobbled main street in Grassington. The street was described at a parish council meeting as "the worst in the country" and also the most picturesque. The controversy had lasted seven years and arguments had arisen over whether the surface should be Tarmacced or kept as it was.

Bette Davies, who was due in Malhamdale to film Another Man's Poison, appeared at the Odeon Cinema in Skipton - but only on screen. The actress was starring in a special preview of the film All About Eve which was due on general release at the same time as her visit.

25 years ago

A SKIPTON folk singer and song writer looked set to hit the top of the charts with his single Bertie the Bronto. The song told the story of a brontosaurus which escaped from a London museum and played havoc at Windermere, in the Lake District. The single was released to coincide with a new Disney film and to cash in on the Dinosaur mania sweeping through the country.

Pendle Council came under fire for its high expenditure at a time when it was feeding school children soya instead of meat to save money. The cause of the scandal was a £3,000 carpet that had been put into the new chamber room. The total cost of the refurbishment had been £50,000.

County councillor Kenneth Robinson passed away 25 years ago this week. He had worked for Skipton urban and Craven district councils for 31 years before entering politics and had been responsible for planning the town's Aireville swimming pool. Mr Robinson was an influential man in the town, also chairing Skipton Civic Society and being a member of Skipton Rotary Club.

10 years ago

THE Herald continued to publish local reaction to the closure of Skipton's Raikeswood Hospital. The decision was described as "vicious" and fears were expressed for the elderly people who had to be moved. The money from the sale was to be used to improve Airedale General Hospital.

Abbeyfield House was opened in Settle after four years of waiting and at an expense of £480,000.

Great Mills store paid a £1,000 fine and £1,200 costs for illegally trading on a Sunday.

Barnoldswick's independent Methodist church, the New Ship, looked set for closure just one year before its centenary. The church wanted to sell up due to a dwindling congregation, but it was felt it would be difficult to find a buyer as it was a listed building and so alterations to the interior would be restricted.