100 years ago

AN area of Skipton known as The Square was likened to the "wretched and debauched" East End of London. Refusing to renew the off-licence for a shop in the square which had been selling alcohol for the past 25 years, Skipton magistrates said they were as likely to grant permission as make a square peg fit a round hole.

A group protesting over the Education Bill met under the auspices of the Skipton Free Church Council. Speaking at the meeting was Rev J Hirst Hollowell, congregational minister of Rochdale and secretary of the Northern Counties Education League. The Education Act of 1902 established a comprehensive system of local government for secondary and elementary education. It created new local education authorities and empowered them to provide secondary schools and develop technical education. Previously secondary education was provided largely by voluntary fee-charging grammar schools and public schools.

Gargrave Parish Church celebrated its jubilee under the guidance of a young and enthusiastic vicar, Rev J A V Magee. He was doing his best to make it an event to be remembered in the history of the parish.

Dietary regulations from the Government were adding extra stress to the life of the workhouse cooks. One resigned from Settle after the change in the rules came on top of extended duties. Not only did she now have to cook meals she had never heard of, but she also had to clean down the female vagrants - a combined role she didn't consider very hygienic!

50 years ago

PLANS to upgrade Keighley's Victoria Hospital caused concern among residents in Skipton, who feared their own promised hospital refurbishment would be put on hold. A vigorous protest ensued against the plans proposed by the Bingley, Keighley, Skipton and Settle Hospital Management Committee. The Herald said as Skipton was the recognised geographical centre of the Dales, it was best placed to serve the needs of the population. Plans to upgrade Skipton Hospital had already been agreed, but now it was feared the improvements would not be made, and that it would be left as nothing more than a glorified nursing home.

The historic Petyt library in Skipton received £500 from the Coulthurst Trust. The library, which was partly owned by Ermysted's Grammar School, comprised 1,700 volumes dating back to the 17th century. It was accommodated in Skipton Public Library and the money was to be used for the maintenance of the volumes. An expert from the British Museum had said the collection would be of value to scholars from nearby universities.

Twelve years after the foundation stones were laid, the new Cononley Methodist Chapel and Sunday School was opened. The ceremony was to be carried out by Mrs Redman, of Cross Hills, a generous benefactor. The new premises had been built on the site of the Old Wesleyan Chapel and the stone from the dismantled building and stone from the local quarry had been used, making it entirely built of Cononley stone.

25 years ago

AN improvement programme in Glusburn Park suffered a setback when one of the two shelters was destroyed by fire. It was thought teenage vandals were to blame.

The Herald welcomed a new editor, Ian Plant, who was appointed at the age of 29. Mr Plant had worked at the Herald as a chief reporter for the previous two years after a career in other publications.

Pendle Council made a firm commitment to spend £95,000 on a swimming pool in West Craven. A further £40,000 had also been pledged for an industrial estate behind Barnoldswick's Wellhouse Mill and £12,000 to adapt the Coronation Hall at Earby for use as a community centre.

A Bentham woman set up a business with her horse, Blossom. The pair, armed with a range of horse-drawn implements and carts, were hoping to find employment for haulage and promotional work.

10 years ago

celebrations were held to mark the twinning of Settle with Banyuls sur Mer, in France. The link had taken 18 months to set up and a French contingent had spent a week in Settle prior to the official twinning ceremony. Settle Rugby Club, the high school, town councillors, Settle Harriers, local brownies and Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band were among the groups taking part in the celebrations.

Silsden publicans moved a step nearer to setting up a Licensees Association. Local landlords and the police met with licensees who were already running successful schemes in Bradford, Shipley and Baildon to discuss the possibilities of a similar group in the town. The scheme would allow licensees to meet regularly and discuss problems such as violence, underage drinking and general problems associated with alcohol.