CRAVENERS were turning into an unromantic lot, according to the Herald, for the popularity of Saint Valentine was waning. The number of "love tokens" sent on the Valentine's Day just gone was considerably fewer than normal. Meanwhile, the marked increase in the duties of postmen on December 25 was tangible proof that Old Father Christmas was gaining ground, while the "Love Saint" was losing favour.

Skipton Town Hall was packed to an "uncomfortable level" for a musical performance by pupils at the Parish Church Schools. The town hall was inadequate for the performance, said the Herald, with people sitting on the windowsills and many others turned away. The concert featured a selection of entertainment, including the operetta Whittington and his Cat, and was held to raise money for school funds. It was described as an "unqualified success".

A tender was provisionally accepted for a fire engine in Skipton, although the committee in charge of the matter couldn't decide whether it should be a 450 gallon/minute engine or 350 gallon/minute. In the meantime, Skipton Fire Brigade hosted its annual dance at Skipton Town Hall.

50 years ago

A FINE example of craftsmanship was reported in the Craven Man's Diary. A Skipton cricketer, a former club professional and groundsman, had bought a pair of cricket boots in 1904 and had enoyed 21 seasons' play out of them. No mean feat in itself - but that wasn't all. After retiring from the game, the ex-player had the spikes removed and walking soles fitted in their place. He then used the boots as everyday footwear for a further eight years - and still he refused to part with them. The boots had been made by a local shoemaker who had, incidentally, long since died.

The Skipton branch of the Royal Air Forces Association was looking forward to having a home of its own. The group had acquired a building in the grounds of Moorview Baths and a band of workers had been busy making it fit for use as a club room and headquarters. The completion was now in sight, and the association was looking forward to hosting an opening ceremony.

25 years ago

A PUBLIC meeting at Upper Wharfedale Secondary School discussed the reorganisation of education, and came out in favour of a small comprehensive school for 11-16 year olds. The meeting was concerned at the prospect of sending youngsters to Skipton for a comprehensive education and rejected the prospect of a three tier system with a middle school at Threshfield. It was thought that this would pose a threat to many small village schools in the area.

Roads in Skipton were among the worst in the country, the local council claimed. Those that had avoided damage during the conversion to North Sea gas were now being pounded by heavy lorries, with the worst area being Keighley Road, from Newtown to the hospital.

Thieves broke into Skipton Working Men's Club and stole three safes. Fortunately for the club, the largest one, which contained all the previous days' takings, appeared to have fallen from the back of a getaway truck as it was found in the middle of Keighley Road in the early hours of the morning. The two smaller safes contained only a small amount of change.

Back in 1973 Dacre, Son and Hartley was offering some real bargains in the paper. A four bedroom property in the middle of Hebden could be bought for just £8,500 while a four bedroom house in Buckden dating from the 17th century with a large garden and "romantic" views was on offer for £14,000. Offers were also invited for Manby Castle in Embsay.

10 years ago

THE vicar of Sutton, Canon Charles Trevor, was planning an exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the village's Bairstow Mill. The site was 150 years old but was no longer in textile use, having been taken over by Silentnight.

The national park was expecting to hear details of a plan to turn the former Grassington Hospital into a "time share" holiday location with a hotel. However, judging by the comments of some members who had got wind of the imminent sale to a property development company, the plan was in for a rough ride.

A Settle woman was showing she was a dab hand at stocks and shares. Marion Hemingway was one of four contestants in a Channel 4 competition in which they invested an imaginery £10,000. At the halfway stage of the 12 week competition, Mrs Hemingway, a senior lab technician at Settle High School, was in the lead with a profit of £1,446.

Returning to the property market, the Halifax agency was offering Kettlewell post office and stores as a thriving business at £150,000. A four bedroom property on Grassington Road, Skipton was £95,000 and a detached bungalow in Ings Drive, Bradley was advertised at £49,500.

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