Craven lights up the sky to mark the dawn of the new millennium

For 19-year-old Gill Fozard, the dawn of the new millennium will be something to remember.

Not only because it was the start of the year 2000, but because boyfriend James McAdam chose that day to pop the question - and she said yes!

And he picked the perfect spot, above Sutton to propose, as the village's millennium beacon was being lit and fireworks were zooming across the Aire Valley.

"I knew it was on the horizon, but I wasn't quite sure when he was going to pop the question," a delighted Gill told the Herald.

Gill, an assistant accountant, lives in Sutton and James comes from Wigan, so they only get to see each other at weekends.

And, just to show romance is not dead, James gathered Gill's family and friends around them and went down on one knee before handing her a beautiful diamond ring.

Gill's family were so pleased that they started handing out celebratory bottles they had bought originally to see in the millennium.

In Skipton crowds poured on to the High Street to witness the Holy Trinity bells herald in the New Year. A single bell tolled the closing minutes of the old millennium, the church clock struck midnight and then the church bells rang in the new millennium to an accompaniment of fireworks all across the town - and indeed villages further afield.

Leading up to midnight, members of all the Skipton churches met in an ecumenical service based around the National millennium resolution: "Let there be respect for the earth, peace for its people, love in our lives, delight in the good, forgiveness for past wrongs, and from now on a new start. Amen".

Then the churchgoers gathered in the churchyard holding lighted candles. On New Year's Day itself bellringers rang a millennium peal comprising 2000 changes of Plain Bob Major. It was composed and conducted by one of the local ringers, Chris Enzor.

Grassington greeted the millennium with a star-spangled evening.

Flags and streamers were added to the Christmas decorations in the village with music and a barbecue in the cobbled square. A torchlit procession made its way round the village to Town End Field for bonfire and fireworks and the sky was alight with rockets at midnight.

A fire was lit on Beacon Hill, as is traditional on extra-special occasions.

In Carleton at least 200 attended the celebrations.

A lantern procession stretched the entire length of Beckside and had no fewer than 30 impressive lanterns. The parade arrived at the field at 11.55 and a minute's silent contemplation was observed before a magnificent firework display lasting 20 minutes.

The crowd then filed into the church where 180 cups of hot chocolate were dispensed.

At noon on New Year's Day a "hangover party" attracted some 70 people to share coffee, tea and sandwiches.

Hebden has marked the new millennium with the reinstatement of the stepping stones across the river Wharfe plus a photograph of all the village's residents outside their homes taken by Peter Hodge.

On New Year's Eve at 4pm the singing of carols took place in the Old School Tea Rooms with Mr R Stockdale playing the electronic organ followed by light refreshments and a glass of mulled wine.

Ian Douglass welcomed everyone in his inimitable style and then Muriel Hargraves, a fellow trustee and secretary of the Beckett and Ibbotson Trust for 26 years presented all schoolchildren and under-5s with a souvenir china mug on behalf of the trustees. This was followed by a grand firework display in Bank Side field with Simon Fearnley officiating.

Later that evening there was a party at the Clarendon with a carved buffet meal provided by "mine hosts" Ken and Christine Lakin.

At St Peter's some of the villagers attended a silent vigil at quarter to midnight. The pathway to the church was lit by lanterns and everyone had a millennium candle holder and candle. At the dawn of the new millennium, Jan Simpson rang the church bell and Colin Maude played the millennium hymn, the winning entry of the national competition run by St Paul's Cathedral.

In Cononley nearly 300 villagers gathered in the square outside the Post Office to see the New Year in. The event had started with a small street party but at around 11.45pm villagers from other parties came along and the throng was swelled even further with all the visitors to the New Inn coming outside to see in the New Year. Pam Chesworth, of Cononley Post Office said: "There were fireworks going off all over the place and the singing and dancing went on for at least an hour and a half after midnight."

At Appletreewick a large farm building was pressed into service with coloured lights, streamers and balloons to create a special venue for the village's celebrations.

There was a television in one corner with armchairs and even a mattress for any tired children. An excellent buffet, party games and fireworks ensured the evening went off to perfection.

At Long Preston, a lantern procession up Moor Lane to the Edge was the precursor to the lighting of a beacon at 6pm.

Later the village hall was the venue for a party where villagers could enjoy a meal cooked by K and J Caterers, followed by music and dancing. Just before midnight the Maypole Green saw a crowd congregate for the singing of Auld Lang Syne and a fireworks display.

A special service of prayer was held at mid-day on January 1. The church bells were rung along with many others throughout the country. A joint service was held at St Mary's on the Sunday.

The Slater's Arms in Bradley held a ticket only display with fancy or smart dress and there was a smashing array of wing collars and bow ties - not a pair of jeans in sight!

A special moment was shared at Lothersdale on millennium eve. At 5pm, more than 130 people of all ages gathered at Christ Church. All were bearing lamps or other forms of light.

Canon Simon Hoare welcomed them and after the singing of a carol, they walked in procession through the village, passing by the Hare and Hounds to sing. They concluded their walk at the Methodist Church.

The Rev Mollie Greenwood led a short act of worship to mark the importance of the occasion and a large cake with "Happy Birthday Jesus" was cut and enjoyed by all.

Ingleton welcomed the third millennium with flame, fireworks and faith. A millennium beacon was lit high up on the fells above the village on Hunts Cross at 5.30 pm. It was tended by Pat and John Garner, and their son David, along with neighbours Barbara and Denzil Brooks. They had a steady stream of visitors, but struggled with dense cloud until it lifted and cleared at 11pm. Down below in the village itself the Community Association ran a dinner dance in Ingleborough Community Centre. In St. Mary's Church the vicar, Rev Tim Ashworth, led a millennium service.

Addingham villagers marked the millennium with a glass or two of mulled wine on top of Beamsley Beacon.

More than 50 villagers decided to welcome the dawn of a new century by getting in a little exercise while enjoying the celebrations of surrounding communities.

Addingham Civic Society member Don Barrett said: "Although it was rather murky right at the top, once we had come down a few hundred yards we were able to enjoy the fireworks. We had a particularly good view of the display put on at the Devonshire Arms."

The millennium celebrations also allowed the opportunity for some serious fundraising. A couple of villagers raised about £300 for the George Street millennium project by agreeing to climb the beacon in time to welcome the first sunrise of the new century.

Mr Barrett said: "It was a memorable occasion and one I'm sure we will all always remember."

A lantern procession comprising of approximately 60 local children led Settle's millennium celebrations on New Year's Eve.

The children displayed lanterns they had made in workshops the week previous and led them into the town's Market Place around 7pm.

Followed by their families, the children made their way through the town before returning to the Victoria Hall for a disco and party.

Later in the evening, a free street party was held with live entertainment, music and dancing which started in the Market Place as a crowd began to gather to bring in the New Year. There was also the opportunity to watch the fireworks and listen to the Parish Church bells at midnight.

There were a number of specially built braziers scattered around the Market Place, but the combination of the cold weather and the festive spirit, meant the best way in which to keep warm was to join in the dancing.

Alan Richer was compere for the evening, leading the community in singing as the crowds increased for the dawn of the new century.

Shortly before midnight, a beacon was lit on Castleberg, the brainwave of John Arnold and Barbara Spencer, whilst the building of the bonfire was organised by Settle Town Councillor Tom Foster and members of the local scout troop.

Newcomers to Settle, John and Barbara decided that lighting the beacon was the perfect way to mark their new association with the town and decided to make it a moment to remember.

John wore formal evening dress whilst Barbara wore a 1940s period costume - only their walking boots necessary for the climb contrasted with their elegant outfits.

In the Market Place an increasing number of people crowded around and joined in with the final countdown that culminated in a mass popping of corks and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. The last revellers left the square at around 2.30am.

Thanks have been expressed to all those who were involved in the celebrations including Peter Huby, Kay Askew, Gillian Walton, Alan Richer, all the entertainers, Sue Lord, Sue Rodgers, David Clements, Jane Edwards, and anyone else involved.

Members and friends of Settle Parish Church marked the start of the new millennium with a sunrise vigil in the church grounds. About 50 adults and a large number of children were present. On Sunday the church hosted a Churches Together Service in the afternoon.

During the service, three speakers, Coun Beth Graham, Clarice Howarth and Polly Ridley spoke about their hopes for the millennium in terms of local, national and world-wide projects.

They touched on subjects including the development of a local community centre and the need for a young people's centre in Settle. The service concluded with the congregation joining in the millennium resolution pledging forgiveness for past wrongs and a new start.

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