Craven through the years

EXTRAORDINARY storms with vivid lightning and unusually loud thunder broke out across the Craven district. Torrential rain threatened to swell the banks of the River Aire and Wharfe to the point of flooding, and buildings and livestock were endangered by the rain and strong winds. A Gargrave courier was rendered helpless when he was struck by lightning and there were reports of damage in towns and villages throughout the area. Such ferocious thunderstorms had not been known in the region for the past 20 years.

An article in the Herald warned readers of the dangers of excessive cycle riding, comparing it to the dangers of excess in drink. It was argued that cycling, being a powerful stimulant to the heart, produced a feeling of exhilaration which was a pleasure in itself, especially to the owner of a "fagged brain or jaded nerves." This effect, once experienced, was naturally craved for and overcame the consciousness of fatigue, preventing the rider from judging accurately when he had had enough.

50 years ago

THE Regal Cinema in Skipton changed its name to the Odeon as part of its 21st anniversary celebrations. It was originally known as the "Morriseum" after its founder, Mr M H Morris. The manager reported that westerns were the most popular films, but the three top box-office attractions since it was built had been The Wicked Lady, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and The Singing Fool (never heard of this last one). The manager prophesised that audiences would soon be enjoying directly televised newsreels, stereoscopy - a system whereby the sound followed the speaker's voice across the screen - and three dimensional films. To mark the anniversary, Mr Morris and the cinema's chief projectionist, Mr Rennison, showed their own film, Skipton Gala Through the Years 1913 to 1934.

A man was summoned before court for standing on his head in Newmarket street one afternoon. He was charged with being drunk and disorderly, though the officer who brought the charge claimed the defendant was "just daft."

Grassington Parish Council sold two old-world cottages and a shop in the village's main street at public auction. They were bought by Mr C Curtis, of Grassington, for £1,310. The buildings, thought to be about 400 years old, belonged to the parish council. It was believed the buildings came to be owned by the parish as a residue from the Poor Law when Skipton workhouse was built. The money raised from the sales was intended to be used to purchase a children's playing field and recreational ground in the village.

25 years ago

SETTLE swimming pool was about to open its doors for the first time. The opening followed nine years of hard work and fundraising throughout the Settle district, although efforts would have to continue to ensure its future success. In a separate report, Craven District councillors agreed to make a grant of £6,000 and a loan for the same amount to the pool committee but did not approve a request for the council to take control of the pool for financial reasons.

Bernard Riley was appointed Nursing Officer at Skipton General Hospital, and was believed to be the first man ever to hold the position. Mr Riley had worked at the town's Raikeswood Hospital since 1960 as a pupil nurse teacher in the training school. When the training school moved to Airedale Hospital Mr Riley stayed on as assistant matron.

10 years ago

THE Duke of Gloucester visited Settle as part of the 21st anniversary celebrations of the North Craven Heritage Trust. The Duke looked at various trust projects in the area, in a journey which took him from Settle, to Austwick, Ribblehead, Horton and finally to Langcliffe. The Duke was accompanied by the trust's president, playwright Alan Bennett.

A Giggleswick school pupil was badly hurt when a detonator exploded in his study. The 14-year-old had picked up the detonator at a disused slate mine in the Lake District while camping with his father, and had taken it back to the school unbeknown to anyone. The detonator exploded when the teenager attempted to attach a battery to it while alone in his study.

In a marathon effort lasting five hours 15 minutes, Settle Parish Church Choir sang all One Hundred Hymns for Today. They were raising money for new surplices.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.