100 Years Ago

THE Craven Football League was gearing up for its second season. Two founder members, Long Preston and Airton, had dropped out and were replaced by Niffany Rovers and Gargrave. Meanwhile Skipton Rugby Club was holding its annual meeting and the Herald commented: "A fervent hope must be expressed that the supporters of the Skipton rugby club would rally round their old institution once more and thus prevent the possibility that unfortunately exists of its becoming a defunct organisation. It is also hoped that the players will refuse the tempting bids offered to them by other rugby clubs."

The Prince of Wales, on his grouse shooting expedition to Bolton Abbey, was indisposed by a bad eye which required Dr Bates of Addingham to be called in. The Prince was so delighted with his treatment that he sent a gold pin with the Prince's famous three feathers crest in appreciation.

A charity cricket match, concert and dance was arranged in Grassington to remove the debt of £12 incurred through "unfortunate monetary result of a recent brass band contest". After the events the debt was virtually removed, prompting the contest's organising committee to express their thanks to the community.

50 Years Ago

IF and when Skipton Urban Council acquired the car park in Jerry Croft, behind the town hall, it would probably be used to provide free parking "as the wisest thing to do to benefit Skipton". The declaration was made at a meeting of the Road Safety Committee.

There were only three ponies on parade at the Skipton Horse Fair, but that was two more than 1954. Skipton horse trader JW Miller said that if ever no horses were presented for sale, the tradition would die out.

Phyllis Crone spent almost all her life savings to buy her house at 12 Albert Street, Skipton. A year later the council told her to pull it down as part of a clearance programme. She launched a campaign calling for full and fair compensation to be made, saying it was unjust that government could order a person to demolish a serviceable property. "It is not a fair exchange to be bundled out of one's home into a council house," she declared.

Barnoldswick and Earby Manufacturers' Association took out a half page advert in the Herald addressed to the people of Craven district. It read: "When purchasing cotton or other textiles make sure they have been spun and woven in Great Britain. Purchase of imported textiles, or textiles marked 'Empire Made' not only affect your employment but the prosperity of the district. They may look cheap at the moment but they will be very expensive if it means unemployment."

25 Years Ago

THERE was drama at the Burnsall Sports where a little girl got into trouble as she fell into a deep hole while playing in the river Wharfe near the bridge. Fortunately her cries were heard by a St Helens man on the riverbank and he jumped in to rescue her. He said he had been very surprised at how deep the water was in parts.

The Herald editorial described plans to reopen the Skipton to Colne railway line as a "hopeless pipe dream". A group calling itself Stella - the Support the East Lancs Line Association - was soliciting support but the Herald said that if the line was reopened the first train would be packed, but within a fortnight they would be running empty. Today Stella has gone, but Selrap - Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership still has the same aims (and probably considerably more support).

A referendum in Lothersdale saw only 26 out of 200 residents vote to be connected to the mains water supply. Instead they agreed to pay towards the cost of bringing the existing supply up to health standards. The mains supply would cost £273,000 but up to 40 per cent of households, those away from the village centre, would still not be connected reported the Herald.

10 Years Ago

POTHOLERS were against a coroner's advice to put danger signs at the entrance to caves following the death of an 11-year-old boy. Their organisation said common sense should prevail rather than dotting ugly signs all over the Dales.