100 years ago

A NEW maypole was to be erected on Long Preston village green. Alderman Lister, of Bradford, who had "close associations" with the village, had contributed half of the cost and the rest had come from 39 subscribers. The 40-feet maypole had been provided by Messrs Beecroft, of Long Preston, and because the last two had succumbed to "worms and weather", was said to be of a substantial character. The blue and white pole was topped with a gilded weather cock. Meanwhile it was rumoured that the landlord of local hostelry The Eagle was to rename it The Maypole.

One thousand spectators turned out to watch the annual Grassington sports held in Harry Harker's field near Town End. Events included trotting, galloping and children's races.

There was concern among the Board of Guardians of Skipton workhouse following three resignations, the assistant master, the assistant nurse and the laundress. It appeared the assistant master took exception to the fact that he had to eat at the same table as the temporary cook and demanded to be served meals in his own rooms. The master and matron - his superiors - took exception to his demand, however, and so he tendered his resignation. The laundress, was thought to object to looking after the female tramp wards while no reason was given for the resignation of the nurse.

50 years ago

ST Peter's Church at Rylstone celebrated its centenary with two special services. Although St Peter's was 100-years-old there had been a church in the village for centuries. It was believed the site on which St Peter's sat was an ancient one, with at least three churches, and possibly four standing there.

A profit of £300 from the 51st Skipton Charities Gala was shared between 15 local causes. The money was presented by gala queen Betty Phillip.

Cross Hills Picture House manager Charley Nuttall retired after 39 years. Mr Nuttall had worked there since the picture house opened and saw it go "talkie" in 1930. He had also served on Glusburn Parish Council and during the war was chairman of the Civil Defence Committee.

25 years ago

OBJECTIONS in the "strongest terms" were raised against plans to convert Mearbeck House, near Long Preston, into a centre for "young delinquents". Members of Long Preston Parish Council felt the house was unsuitable as a residential centre for Borstal boys and were worried about the effect it would have on the surrounding close-knit farming community. The plan was to send boys for a two-week stay at the centre during which time they would be responsible for a handicapped boy.

News that Glusburn Institute could close because not enough people were using it prompted 200 villagers to run up to a public meeting. It had been called in an effort to safeguard the public amenity for the future. A number of locals agreed to join a committee to spearhead the institute's revival and were calling for suggestions on how it could be used.

Disputes over the ownership of Burnsall village green and common had been resolved at a public inquiry. An inspector concluded that the Chatsworth Estate Co was the rightful owner of the small piece of common adjacent to the Old Turn Road but upheld the village's claim to ownership of the green.

10 years ago

FORD dealers Peter Clarke Autos was to be put up for sale after going into administrative receivership. Just two years before the 21-year-old business had moved to prestigious new premises at Airedale Business Park. Managing director Peter Clarke blamed the situation on overborrowing at a time of high interest rates and falling car sales due to the recession.

After two years of fundraising the Gargrave Playground Association finally realised its dream when the village's new play area was officially opened. The association had raised £26,000 through fundraising events and grants in a bid to breathe new life into the previously derelict playground. Children from the village playgroup and school performed the opening ceremony.