100 years ago

Settle's weekly market looked like it would become a thing of the past due to regulations being introduced banning cattle markets held in the open, on streets not constructed from asphalt and concrete. The aim of the act was to facilitate cleaning the streets afterwards with water.

Skipton Rural District Council called upon its MP to campaign for a uniform speed limit of 12 miles per hour across the country.

Keasden, near Clapham, was due to get a water supply but at a high cost to the residents. The water needed to be tapped from a reliable spring four miles away raising the cost of the scheme to £3,000 - to be paid by the householders.

A 15-year-old telegraph messenger was killed on the railway line at Skipton after he was hit by a train while crossing the line.

50 years ago

"ONE of the biggest blasting operations in the history of quarrying" took place at Swinden quarry, near Threshfield. Twelve thousand tons of rock were blasted at the quarry, creating a 'Hiroshima-like' cloud. Ten tons of explosives were needed to create the blast.

Seven Skipton inns were scheduled by the Government as being of outstanding historical or architectural interest. They were: The Devonshire, the Red Lion, the Hole-in-the-Wall, the Black Horse, the King's Arms, Castle Inn and the Royal Oak.

A gymkhana with a difference was planned for Barnoldswick. The event was to include a motor car version of musical chairs with six vehicles, each with a lady passenger circling five tyres. When the music stopped the ladies would leap out of the cars and stand within the tyres, thereby eliminating a contestant.

25 years ago

EARBY doctors revealed plans for a new surgery unit which they hoped would provide a more comprehensive service to patients and cut the number of visits to hospitals for minor injuries and tests. The new unit was to be built on land in Boot Street and Edward Street where a factory unit was currently located.

A Cowling artist got more than he bargained for when he lost his young female kestrel. Phil Blackburn launched a massive appeal to find her and ended up finding homes for three more stranded birds!

A major reconstruction and enlargement scheme at Barnoldswick's sewage works was officially opened. The scheme had cost nearly a quarter of a million pounds.

Around £5,000 was needed to restore the church of St Michael the Archangel at Kirkby Malham to its former glory. Little restoration work had been carried out since 1879.

10 years ago

SKIPTON Woods were "a disgrace and an embarrassment to the town", said walkers. However the Woodland Trust officer, who took over the management of the woods 18 months ago, assured the public that the problem was in hand. Walkers had complained that paths were overgrown, there was stagnant water around and benches were broken. The Herald reported that an extensive improvement plan was under way.

A public meeting was called to protest over a one-way system that had been introduced in Ingleton. Traders claimed that the main street had become more dangerous.

The Cross Hills and District Women's Section of the Royal British Legion celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

The Herald took an in-depth look at proposals to either turn Craven into a unitary authority or join forces with Harrogate to create the West Riding (Dales) Council.

A Barnoldswick Gala queen showed both bravery and beauty when she was involved in a house fire drama. Retiring queen Nancy Cryer raised the family and called the fire brigade when she discovered her nephew's bedroom in flames.