100 years ago

IT appears Craven residents 100 years ago could teach today's locals a few things about partying. Two events were held a century ago this week - Kirkby Malham Parochial Dance and Ingleton Football Club's social evening - and the dancing continued until 3am at both. At Kirkby Malham, the room was decorated in red, white and blue for the occasion, with dancing to Henry's string band from Skipton. All proceeds would go towards buying a piano for the church hall.

The water shortage was still a cause for concern, with levels at their lowest yet. Residents were warned in the strongest terms to use water carefully and some had already been reported for swilling yards which, along with watering gardens, was banned. Councillors in Skipton were looking at increasing the size of Jennygill (known as the Duckpond) to hold a further 20 million gallons of water in a bid to fend off any future crisis.

A capacity audience turned out to watch the annual concert organised by the Skipton branch of the Railway Servants' Orphan Fund. The event took place in Skipton Town Hall and had always been noted for the good array of talent provided. The railway servants established the orphan fund in 1880. Eleven years on and it provided weekly allowances for 1,800 fatherless children.

50 years ago

WE all know what problems leaves can cause on the railways - but half a century ago they were causing problems for the mills. Over at Barnoldswick, Crow Nest Shed was brought to a halt after autumn leaves and other waste blocked the pump for the engine.

Meanwhile workers in Lancashire's cotton industry were fearful for their jobs as a result of falling exports and a market flooded by imported textiles. Sir John Grey, president of the Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers Association, commented: "Vast quantities of foreign cloth are now on the home market at prices with which Lancashire cannot possibly compete." The largest suppliers of cloth were Japan and India.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds, Rt Rev Dr Heenan0 ,paid his first visit to Skipton where he took part in services at St Stephen's Church. He also visited Grassington Hospital, where 170 patients were receiving treatment for tuberculosis, and Raikeswood Hospital at Skipton.

25 years ago

SKIPTON'S popular Otley Street youth centre had been given a new look. Funds raised by the youths themselves had paid for refurbishment work, meaning the centre now had a lounge area with television and magazines, a cafeteria, games area and art room. Young people attending the centre could take part in a variety of other activities including drama, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and the table tennis league.

Skipton Hospital Friends launched one of their biggest fundraising appeals to date, to convert the laundry at Raikeswood Hospital into a modern physiotherapy department. The Friends were hoping to raise £13,000 for the work. Over the past 25 years the group had raised a total of £35,000 to benefit staff and patients at local hospitals.

Athlete Carol Atkinson, of Langcliffe, crowned a successful year by being named Lakeland Junior Sports Personality of the Year. The award was presented annually to the most outstanding athlete, cyclist or wrestler belonging to the Lakeland Sports Association.

News that the queen had granted borough status to Pendle was greeted with enthusiasm by councillors, although West Craveners remained sceptical. Residents were left wondering what benefits it would bring - "frankly, nothing" said the Herald - and more importantly, how much would it cost. The fear was the cost would be considerable, possible outgoings including a new coat of arms and chain of office. The change would also mean the chairman of the council becoming mayor.

10 years ago

AN experimental traffic ban on Skipton's Otley Street was lifted following complaints from businesses who said it was affecting their custom. The temporary ban had been imposed by North Yorkshire County Council back in August. However, councillors were told the environmental benefits gained from pedestrianising the street did not outweigh the concerns raised.

Arsonists struck at Skipton's Otley Street Nursery gutting a classroom and destroying toys and equipment worth thousands of pounds. The offenders had first broken into the premises and made off with the staffroom tea money amounting to 50p.

The first chairman of the new Airedale health service trust was named as former wool textile consultant Peter Bell. The district had been granted self governing status three weeks before.