100 years ago

MORE men were needed for the front in South Africa. A recent appeal for volunteers from the 3rd Voluntary Battalion of the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment to form the third active service company had been poor, with only four men coming forward. The reason was thought to be the larger rate of pay given by the Imperial Yeomanry.

A wine and spirit merchant from Glusburn appeared before the court for being drunk in charge of a horse and cart. He had been spotted in a drunken state by a police officer in Barnoldswick, who said his horse was walking about in an "aimless way". He was fined 10 shillings.

Restoration work was being carried out at Kildwick Church and a special service was held to mark the laying of four foundation stones for pillars in the chancel. Silver trowels were presented to the people who laid the stones - John Clough, of Steeton, FE Slingsby, of Farnhill Hall, Dr Fletcher, of Cross Hills and Vicar's wife Mrs Brereton.

50 years ago

Skipton Cricket Club agreed to apply for membership of the Ribblesdale League for the following year's season. No reason was given for the decision to transfer from the Airedale and Wharfedale League, but the club had been assured its chance of acceptance by Ribblesdale was "rosy". It was said the second team should play in the Craven League where the cricket would be "entertaining and far less expensive". Meanwhile, the club made history by appointing its first lady life member, Mrs RG Billows, in recognition of her services to the club over a long period.

The first hot lunch was delivered by the new mobile meals service run by Skipton Old People's Welfare Committee. In another show of support for the town's old folk, more than 300 over 65s enjoyed the annual party and tea hosted by the Skipton Cinderella and Benevolent Fund. Another 100 people too infirm to attend had teas sent out. The oldest man and woman at the party, aged 90 and 83 respectively, were presented with 10 shilling notes donated by the committee president and handed over by the Skipton Gala Queen. After enjoying refreshments the party-goers were entertained with music, song and drama by local groups including Embsay Youth Club and Rylstone Young Farmers.

Bolton Abbey was about to be connected to the national electricity supply. The Yorkshire Electricity Board was due to carry out the work, laying underground cables so as not to spoil the look of the village. Arrangements were also being made for the installation of an electric blower for the church organ, which had been powered by a paraffin engine for the past 20 years.

25 years ago

STAINFORTH farmer George Staveley never forgot the young schoolboy who helped him out on the farm. For when he died, aged 84, Mr Staveley left him the farmhouse and land in his will. He also entrusted Bernard Capstick with his beloved flock of Dalesbred sheep.

Young Thomas Morgan was the envy of his schoolmates after receiving a letter from the Queen. The seven-year-old Embsay School pupil had sent a Christmas card to Her Majesty wishing her a nice Christmas and including a school photograph. Thomas received a reply from the Queen's secretary thanking him for his good wishes.

Thirty years of motorsport in Craven was celebrated at the annual dinner of the Craven and District Motor Club. Founder member Bill Nelson was the chief guest, and estimated that 1.5 million miles had been travelled on local roads since the group began.

10 years ago

A JADE necklace donated to the Skipton Cancer Research Shop turned out to be a real treasure. At first, it was thought the necklace was worth just a few pounds but it had been sold for £1,485. Judy Thomas, of Thomas's jewellers in Skipton, had found buyers for the necklace in London. "As soon as I saw it I knew it was special," she said.

British Rail launched an investigation after a passenger train and quarry freight train collided at Skipton Railway Station. Luckily, no-one was injured in the crash.

Just days after local school pupils smartened up a bus station in Barnoldswick, vandals undid their good work by covering it in graffiti. As reported in this column last week, pupils from West Craven High School had painted a mural in the shelter in a bid to stop the graffiti. The local police inspector described the offenders as "moronic".

The Fountaine Inn at Linton, said to be one of Wharfedale's prettiest pubs, was sold by Christine Heys to Mr and Mrs True, from Hebden. It had been on the market for £335,000. Meanwhile the 12th Century Austwick Hall, where Winston Churchill was once reported to have stayed, was sold to a private individual for an undisclosed sum. Centred around the "peel tower" the hall had been a residential home for the elderly until two years before.