100 years ago

RENOWNED novel writer Cutliffe Hyne moved from Bradford to Kettlewell. He was the author of the rather appropriately titled "Captain Kettle" adventures. It was hoped that as the author intended to spend his summer months in the Dales more stories would emerge based on the mystic folklore of the area.

The Herald noted that a complaint published in the first volume of the paper in January 1853 still rang true. The "desecration" of the Sabbath - whereby inn keepers were allowing sheep pens to be erected on a Sunday night in anticipation of the following day's fair - was still a grievance.

A public meeting was held in Skipton to urge the urban council to use Eastby stream to augment its water supply. It was felt the health of the residents was put in danger by not having a pure water supply in the town.

A "high and mighty" tramp appeared in court after refusing to break stones at the workhouse. The tramp told Skipton magistrates he had never broken stones in his life and never would while there were machines to do it. He said there was no sympathy for the poor and that he considered it hard to be made to break stones, sleep in a cold cell and live on nothing but hard bread and water when he had fought for his country. The magistrates laughed at him through his speech and sent him to jail for a month.

50 years ago

Malhamdale's branch of the British Legion, which had almost 100 per cent membership of ex-servicemen in the Dale, had its standards dedicated at Kirkby Malham parish church. Two hundred men from branches across the district marched to the church to witness the blue and gold standards blessed.

Craven Motor Club supported the Duke of Edinburgh's appeal for all motorcyclists to wear crash helmets. The president stated that all well-run motorclubs should contribute to safety on the road.

Funding was provided for much-needed furniture for Barnoldswick's Gisburn Road School. At the time there had been no new furniture in the school for five years and there were only three staff room chairs between eight teachers.

Wheatlands Cemetery at Earby was handed over to the urban district council by Earby Mount Zion Baptist Church. The move meant a weight lifted off the church's shoulders. The cemetery opened in 1887 and had up to that time been run voluntary by members of the church.

Craven Museum in Skipton was seeking larger premises. The present accommodation in the library was seen as inadequate as all the exhibits could not be put on display. The museum is now based in Skipton Town Hall.

25 years ago

Sutton-In-Craven Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Amateurs were immersed in rehearsals for their Golden Jubilee production of The King and I.

Giggleswick writer Julie Majzlik found fame after penning three successful historical romance novels. She commented at the time: 'I don't want to carry on writing historical romances all the time, but I find it very hard to turn my back on something that pays me money.'

Folk singer Mike Donald returned to Skipton after a 10-day tour around Holland. Donald had answered the request of two Dutch doctors looking for someone who knew about Yorkshire customs to visit Dutch schools as part of an English education programme. He was particularly impressed by the young audience's ability to sing along with Yorkshire songs and understand local jokes.

Overnight snowfalls coated Craven white, blocking roads and creating treacherous conditions. A Skipton couple got a rude awakening as a fully laden articulated lorry ploughed off the road and into their garden at 7am.

10 years ago.

Craven District Council agreed to invest over £50,000 on improving facilities at Skipton's Aireville Swimming Pool. Plans included a new foyer, which the council hoped would make the pool more enticing to visitors.

Students from Settle High School visited Denmark as part of a cultural exchange. The students returned with many stories, even suggesting that our Royal Family could learn a lot from the Danish Queen, who was often spotted cycling round Copenhagen.

The owner of Skipton's first Chinese restaurant retired after more than 30 years in the town. In 1962, Mr Lee set up the Yi-din-Haw restaurant in the town's third oldest building. He said that he considered himself a Yorkshireman and would be sad to retire. However, he looked forward to going shopping more often.