100 years ago

The outbreak of smallpox in Addingham had now reached five cases. The first had been discovered in February and at that time the medical officer had posted bills around the district recommending vaccination. Around 400 villagers had already taken the advice.

In what was deemed an unusual occurrence in Skipton, a cabinet minister came to speak at a political meeting in the town. The Marquess of Londonderry was the President of the Board of Education and was due to be the principal speaker at a meeting in the town hall, organised by the Roundell Habitation of the Primrose League.

St Patrick's Day was celebrated in style by the Skipton branch of the United Irish League with its first annual ball. About 60 couples attended the event, which was held to further the aims of the League: to fight for self-government and to protect the rights of Irish people at home and abroad.

A novel entertainment was held in the Mechanic's Institute on Tuesday night by Professor Mills of Blackpool - lecturer and hypnotist. He spoke on the selection, suitability and temperaments of husbands and wives, palmistry and hypnotised two boys to demonstrate the power of the mind.

50 years ago

Craven folk were urged to shoot the well-loved grey squirrel on sight and there was a price of a shilling on its head - or more accurately its tail. The animal had been branded a 'killer' and a 'menace' by the Forestry Commission which was pursuing a campaign to eliminate 140,000 of them a year.

A new political party was formed in Silsden. The Liberty Party was formed by Thomas Webster, 26, who was fed up of 'petty laws' which he felt was unfair. Mr Webster announced he would stand as a Parliamentary candidate in the Keighley division in the next general election.

A locally trained and locally owned horse was due to run in the Grand National. "Happy Days" belonged to Mr J S Kirkham of Skipton.

For the first time Sunday games were to be allowed in the parks and grounds owned by Barnoldswick Urban District Council. Sunday games meant more revenue for the council but some members were opposed to the move as it was considered a day of rest. Other authorities in the area had already allowed them to take place.

25 years ago

The 'tedium' of Settle's annual parish meeting was broken up when an object came flying through the council chamber's window shattering the glass and waking up the several members of press, public and council who had "dozed off". It turned out to be a snowball thrown by someone from the street 15 feet below.

Craven Council decided to set up its own lottery in order to raise money for special projects. Councillors were split over the decision to hire a specialised firm to run the lottery on its behalf. The central argument was whether it counted as gambling or the equivalent of buying a raffle ticket.

It was a saddle sore and weary couple who arrived back at the Black Bull, Rimington after a sponsored tandem ride to Blackpool and back. John and Fred Cowgill took around 12 hours to complete the ride to raise funds for Earby Brass Band.

Plans were submitted to create a geological and mining museum at White Scar Caves, near Ingleton. The proposed museum was to measure 2,000 square feet and would have a section of local geological interest as well as other aspects of geology and mining. The argument was that the museum would prove a useful addition for visitors to the cave, particularly school children.

10 years ago

Bentham student William Mason took up a coveted place in the Cambridge University Rowing Team. William, 20, was preparing to compete in the annual university boat race at the end of the month. William was no stranger to top competition after competing for Great Britain at the Coup de Jeunesse three years before.

Record breaking 103-year-old Jenny Newhouse was to open the new £45,000 classroom extension at High Bentham School. Mrs Newhouse featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the country's oldest organist.

Trevor Wear was appointed the new head of Settle High School this week and was to start the role in September. Mr Wear, from Leicestershire, was to replace the retiring Roger Haslam.

An application to knock down the Palace Cinema in Barnoldswick and replace it with seven flats was welcomed by the town council. In the past the building had housed a supermarket, dance hall and bingo hall but residents had said they would prefer to see it go for flats.