100 years ago

THE recurring problem of leaks and defects in the gas supply to Silsden once more raised its ugly head. The distance between the source at Kildwick Parish Gas Company to the consumers was blamed for problems being experienced. The local council was convinced drastic measures would soon have to be taken, and was considering experimenting with electric lighting.

Applicants for the position of accountant to Skipton Urban Council included a milkman from Lancashire who, having made his "bit o' brass", was looking for a comfortable appointment in which to enjoy it, leaving his capital untouched. He argued that his lack of qualifications was compensated by his proven capacity to accumulate money. He didn't get the job.

The Herald reported that a curious old custom of lighting "bale" fires on Midsummer Eve was still being kept up in some Dales villages. Children raced through the embers to ward off evil spirits. Meanwhile, when reaping was finished a few stalks of corn were made into a cross, decorated and hung in the farm kitchen - called a "kern baby". If there was no kern baby, the next harvest would be bad, although it had to be removed by Christmas.

50 years ago

Skipton went global when a service held at the town's Congregational Church was broadcast overseas by the BBC. The united service for the Anglican and Free Churches of the town was transmitted to central and south America, Africa and the West Indies but not in Skipton! The reception was so bad in the town, no-one was able to tune in.

Two men were marooned on an island in the River Wharfe when the river rose suddenly by two-and-a-half feet, leaving them stranded. They were rescued by four men.

One hundred Craven farmers left their farms for the day to enjoy a trip to Liverpool, courtesy of their supplier J Bibby & Son. They spent the day touring famous Liverpool mills and experimental farms to witness for themselves the manufacture of the cattle food they bought. They also had the opportunity to see well-known products such as Glee Soap Flakes, Brownie Dish Washer, Araby Toilet Soap and Clozone patent soap being made.

Local women were prominent among speakers at the annual meeting and conference of the National Federation of Women's Institutes held in London. Mrs. W D Ward, of Glusburn, was the sole protester against a resolution carried by the meeting which deplored efforts being made to encourage mothers of younger children back to industry. She argued that working women of Glusburn were the backbone of the textile industry and that children suffered no harm. Another local woman urged the Minister of Food to increase the sugar rations, fearing for the loss of domestic crafts such as home made cooking and preserving.

25 years ago

After 50 years at the Craven Herald, 35 of those as editor, John Mitchell OBE retired. Ex-pupils of journalism and former colleagues gathered to celebrate his retirement at a special dinner held at the Midland Hotel, Skipton. Mr Mitchell's association with the paper covered half of its 100 year existence at that point and he recalled his first day at Skipton, describing the town as "a sleepy hollow" with no pedestrians and no vehicles to be seen in the High Street.

An urgent submission was made to the European Commission for money to construct the M65 link between Preston and Colne.

Following a successful history exhibition held in Barnoldswick the previous week, a Local History Society was formed. The society, which still runs today, elected Rev P Andrews as its chairman and declared its purpose as forming an organisation to maintain an interest in and preserve items of local history. Under consideration was the establishment of a museum.

10 years ago

THE headmaster of Barnoldswick's West Craven High School, Alan Cooke, retired after almost 22 years of service. Mr Cooke supervised the transition of the school from secondary modern to comprehensive status in the 1970s and would be well remembered by former pupils of the school. In the same week, Salterforth School's headmaster Alan Tootill left to take up a new position in Horsforth.

Sebastian Coe, Olympic Gold medallist and then prospective parliamentary candidate, was guest speaker at the annual summer ball organised by the Pendle Industrialists Club. In his speech he talked mainly of his sporting achievements but also of his decision to move from sport into politics.

Craven District Council was given the power to stop acid house parties by the policy and finance committee. The proposal was put forward by the council after a spate of parties in the area which was part of a national phenomenon.

Hair and Beauty courses at Skipton's Craven College moved into new premises at the old Fire Station in Coach Street.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.