100 years ago

A serious outbreak of measles hit Barnoldswick to such an extent that the town's schools had to be closed. Three children had already died in the outbreak.

A gala in aid of the formation of Addingham Brass Band was held on the cricket field. Silsden Brass Band was invited to play, but its players drowned out by the sounds of the other attractions and ended up playing in the Main Street instead.

The council decided to adopt Sheep Street, Skipton, and bring it up to an acceptable standard after it was decided the whole street was in an unsatisfactory condition.

Medals commemorating the King's Coronation were available to buy from the Bank of England. Specimen coins were also available as a special momento of the event.

50 years ago

A SERVICe was held to commemorate the closure of Water Street Chapel in Skipton. The church, the largest Nonconformist place of worship in the Craven district, with accomodation for 1,000 people, was to be offered for sale (it is now the Skipton Registry office). It had been established in 1865 and was to be amalgamated with Gargrave Road's Methodist Church.

Kilnsey Show was severely affected by foot and mouth, and the committee decided to restrict entries to exhibitors from the area between Buckden and Bolton Abbey. Despite fewer entries, visitors to the show increased to 5,000 - almost double the previous year.

Desks at Skipton primary schools had to be replaced because they were too small for modern infants. The desks had been there since 1882, but children were no longer able to get their knees under them.

More than 200 people employed by John Binns & Son Ltd, at Croft and Carrs Mills, Cowling, celebrated the firm's centenary. A day's outing to Blackpool had been arranged including lunch at the Savoy Caf and a trip to the tower circus. A book was published of the firm's history and achievements and a new pension scheme was launched.

25 years ago

SKIPTON Town Council narrowly voted not to pursue the introduction of car parking charges in the town. The council was split six to five as to whether to ask Craven District Council to look into charging for parking. Some felt a 10p charge would not put people off coming into Skipton, and would bring revenue into the town, but they were defeated by those who felt that with the bypass, people would not stop in the town if they knew they had to pay.

Calendar's Marilyn Webb was guest of honour at Carleton Gala. She opened the event and judged the fancy dress. In the afternoon, the Duke of Wellington's Army cadets gave a display of battle tactics.

Members of St Peter's Methodist Church in Cross Hills welcomed their new vicar, Rev P Hedley Cousin. He was also to be the minister for the Methodist churches at Eastburn and Steeton.

Starbotton's Formula One stock car racer, Mike Close, drove the race of his life to win the coveted gold top as BriSCA's world champion. He powered his way to victory over 19 top class British drivers and five foreign competitors, including Silsden's Frankie Wainman who was placed second.

Eleven antique Victorian curved half back pinewood armchairs were stolen from the reading room at the Devonshire Institute, Grassington. The chairs had been in the town hall since it was built 80 years before.

10 years ago

A Cowling man celebrated his 70th birthday with a special day at Burnley Football Club. Kenneth Foster had supported the Clarets for over 40 years and, as a special birthday present, he not only received a card signed by the whole team, but at the start of the match was invited onto the pitch to hand over the ball to the referee. After the match the ball was presented back to Kenneth, signed by all the players.

The site of a new farm building in Yockenthwaite, near Buckden, could provide a wealth of archaeological data, said the Herald. Trial digs at the National Trust-run Yockenthwaite Farm revealed archaeological deposits and cobbled surfaces with supporting drains. It appeared a settlement dating back at least as far back as the 15th century could have been on the site.

The crew of HMS Vesper, a destroyer which served in both world wars, was united at a 50th anniversary celebration of the ship's adoption by the town of Skipton. Mayor Coun Betty Campbell hosted a reception for former members of the crew, their wives and friends.

Barnoldswick councillor Sally Lambert was overwhelmingly elected as the first ever woman president of Pendle Labour Party.

A Settle caf was shortlisted from 720 entries for a national small business awards scheme aiming to find the best retailers and caterers across Britain. Settle Down Caf was one of only 61 to be shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Excellence in Retailing and Catering.