100 years ago

RESIDENTS of Malhamdale said a fond farewell to popular postie Tom Jowett. For 20 years and in all weathers, Mr Jowett had trudged daily between Malham and Bell Busk to deliver the mail. Whatever the conditions he would have a "laugh and a quirk" with every passer-by and was described as the "soul of good humour, full of the news of the dale". Unfortunately, being exposed to all weathers had left him suffering from rheumatism and this had forced him to hand over the reins.

The vicar of Giggleswick was concerned at the lack of space in the village churchyard. He wrote to Settle Board of Guardians requesting that the interment of paupers who died in the workhouse should take place in the parishes to which they belonged. The guardians agreed to discuss the matter at a forthcoming meeting, but it was thought they would approve the scheme.

News surrounding the death of Queen Victoria was still filling the Herald's columns. There was a detailed report on her funeral, and on how towns and villages throughout the district marked the occasion. Most held memorial services while factories, mills and shops closed for the day.

50 years ago

PLANS were afoot to utilise Skipton's Aireville Hall for educational purposes. Local education chiefs visited the building and agreed it would make a useful addition to the Skipton Secondary Modern School.

The entire stock at a Gargrave farm was slaughtered following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. This was the ninth outbreak in the West Riding since January and movement of all stock in the area was restricted. Officials were carrying out further tests and farmers were advised to avoid visiting other people's stock if at all possible.

Skipton's coat of arms had no heraldic significance, it was discovered. The clerk to the Urban District Council was asked to look into the matter and in the meantime "competent persons" would be invited to submit drawings of suitable armourial bearings.

Residents in Skipton were to be afforded the long-awaited opportunity to see a film of the Bikini atom bomb test. The photography was described as "remarkable" while the film itself was said to put the tremendous power of the atom bomb in its right perspective." A commentary would be provided by the area's civil defence officer.

25 years ago

SKIPTON's Almost New Shop handed over £3,000 to good causes, including Airedale Hospital, Burnside Children's Home and the Salvation Army. Over the past seven years the shop on Coach Street, run by volunteers, had handed over £11,000 to charitable causes raised through the sale of used clothing. The shop continued to help good causes until it closed last year.

Cross Hills and District Young Conservatives were congratulated for succeeding in the difficult job of establishing their new group and keeping it going during its initial 12 months. Secretary Sally Cassidy outlined an active year in which the group had enjoyed social activities and fundraising.

Remember the Tufty Club? Young members of the Skipton branch were pictured 25 years ago before their meeting at the town hall. The highlight was a talk by the area road safety officer about the new pelican-type crossings which were to be adopted in Skipton. The Tufty Club was attended by youngsters aged between three and five who enjoyed games and stories based around road safety, helping them learn to cross the road safely.

10 years ago

TROOPS in the Gulf would have no excuse to miss Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or birthdays thanks to Skipton firm Kingsley Cards. The firm sent out 100,000 cards to the Gulf along with a range of other goodies collected by staff. Meanwhile, a survey by Herald work experience student Robert Marr revealed most local folk supported the action being taken in the Gulf.

Embsay's Simon Wallbank was named Mr Young Farmer 1991. Simon, 21, won the title after a successful interview with three judges. He had been a member of Skipton-in-Craven Young Farmers' Club for 15 years and described it as the "cheapest form of entertainment" available.

A planned £8.3 million dual carriageway between Skipton and Kildwick had been shelved, it was announced. The Department of Transport said it would be looking again at ways to link the Skipton bypass and Aire Valley Road and would be putting forward proposals as soon as possible.