100 years ago

CONCERN about the number of local folk shopping in neighbouring towns was raised at the annual dinner of the Skipton Traders' Association. Members decided the situation was out of their control, but were unhappy that people were coming back laden with goods they had bought with cash and then going to the "poor Skipton shop trader" and taking between six and 24 months' credit. It was up to the association to combat that practice, said President Mr W Graham.

A man by the name of Isaac Hall applied for a summons to be served against Skipton Urban District Council in respect of 15 deaths from diphtheria. Taking the stand in court, he said the council had been given plenty of time to provide the town with a proper water supply, but instead residents had to drink "the dregs of nothing better than the sewer or a cesspool". His request was turned down, but a determined Mr Hall said he would take the matter to a higher court. "The incident was witnessed with undisguised amusement by those in court," commented our reporter.

The Children's Dinner Fund continued to benefit the poor children of Skipton by supplying them with a daily dinner. Funds were sufficient to continue the service, but it was suggested sympathisers living in the country might want to show their support in a practical way by contributing a few rabbits in a bid to provide a varied menu.

50 years ago

A SHORTAGE of funds donated to the Skipton War Memorial Committee meant a planned garden of remembrance would have to be abandoned in favour of a memorial gate at the entrance to Aireville Park. The fund had been launched in 1948, but the result had been disappointing. It was felt the £1,620 at the committee's disposal was insufficient to provide a garden of the desired quality.

Local hospitals were taking advantage of the latest cinema offering at the Ritz in Keighley. A showing of the Florence Nightingale film, The Lady with the Lamp, was being linked to a recruitment campaign for student nurses.

Approval was given for Skipton's largest post-war housing contract. The 84 Airey flats were to be built on the Horse Close estate at a cost of £104,932. The contract was described as an important milestone in the town's post-war housing programme, which, once finished, would result in over 340 houses. The programme had been delayed by a shortage of masons and bricklayers, however.

25 years ago

THE possibility of Skipton twinning with a continental town was to be investigated. Town councillors said the benefits of twinning were "tremendous" with opportunities for youth and school exchanges. Members heard a small French town near Toulouse was looking for a twinning partner in Britain, but felt they should look for somewhere of a similar size and population to Skipton. As readers will no doubt be aware, the town is now twinned with Simbach, in Germany.

Damart was to take over Earby's Albion Mill which had been vacated by textile company Booth and Speak. Bosses at the Bingley-based Damart had yet to decide whether the new acquisition would be used for manufacturing or warehousing.

After 22 years of delivering meals on wheels in Skipton, Joan Fisher announced she would be stepping down from the role. She told the Herald she had lost count of the number of meals she had delivered, but said she had seen the service grow from a small band of helpers delivering just a few meals to one which would take out up to 200 meals a week. The Skipton meals on wheels service would be celebrating its silver jubilee the following week.

10 years ago

SETTLE'S Dr Barry Brewster, who had shot to nationwide fame through the BBC television series The Doctor, announced he would be retiring later in the year. Dr Brewster had worked at Settle for some 30 years, and played an integral role in the development of Townhead Surgeries which had grown considerably since he ran it single handed from his home.

Skipton Chamber of Trade members were being urged by their chairman, Thomas Randell, to say "yes" to Sunday trading. Craven District Council was surveying shopkeepers and traders on the issue and was looking for two thirds in favour.

Raikeswood Hospital in Skipton would close permanently, Airedale Health Authority announced. The decision came as no surprise, for plans had already been submitted for 67 homes on the site. The authority's chairman said the decision had been taken to balance the books, and would provide an opportunity to establish a "very worthwile" new wing at Skipton General Hospital. Alas, the new wing never materialised.

The music of Steeton Male Voice Choir was proving popular with overseas visitors, particularly the Japanese. Tapes and CDs of the choir had been selling well, with Howarth Tourist Information Centre reporting that they were being snapped up by the Japanese.