100 years ago

AN article in the Herald related to records lodged in the Records Offices at York and featured a few which were relevant to Craven. Notes published in the Lonsdale Magazines dated 1822 to 1824 referred to Gisburn and its neighbourhood. It read that Gisburne Park was described as being a remarkable estate, well-stocked with deer. Lord Ribblesdale would kill regularly twice a week and would make soup of one of the deers to feed the poor of the adjoining hamlet (though it doesn't give the name). Also on the estate was a remarkable breed of sheep with four horns -- two curled and two straight and of great length - possibly Jacob sheep? It also speaks of wild white cattle.

Other records referred to more of the area's ancestors. It said Captain Heber of Marton, Sir John Assheton of Downham, near Clitheroe, Roger Coates of Kildwick Grange and Thomas Lister of Gisburn, were the only magistrates in Craven under Cromwell. The Craven families which followed the Royal Standard were the Earl of Cumberland, the Tempests of Bracewell and Broughton and the Malhams of Elslack.

50 years ago

Skipton's rayon weaving mills dropped four per cent in production due to sickness among the workers. Meanwhile, it was decided an exhibition of Skipton Rayon Fabrics should be held at the town hall to promote Skipton's textile industry, and show the variety of fabrics produced.

Grouse suddenly became more plentiful on the higher fells in the Craven district. Numbers were also said to be improving on the moors, but prospects for shooting remained poor with so few gamekeepers to look after the grouse, and no feeding stuffs or labour available. In contrast, it was noted that the numbers of pheasants and rabbits had reduced.

The Craven Potholers' Club believed that they were close to making an important discovery at Malham Cove. Members had spent years attempting to find the sink hole above the cove where water from the fells disappeared into the limestone, and re-emerged at the base of the cove. The source of the water had intrigued geologists for years.

25 years ago

BURNSALL saw a new breed of animal in its green and pleasant fields after farmer Jeremy Daggett introduced the Chianina species to the area. An old European breed of beef animal, Mr Daggett, of Wharfe House, had crossed the breed with a Friesian. The first calf had been born, and was pictured in the Herald alongside watchful farm man Allan Jones. The breed was reported to be around 3,000 years old and had been used for generations as a draught animal. It was now being used in field trials under the West Cumberland Farmers' mating scheme as a beef cross.

St Alkelda's Church in Giggleswick saw organist Hartley Warren pack away his music sheets after 42 years' ivory tickling. He had been involved with the church since joining the choir at the age of six and his father, Andrew, was choirmaster. After 40 years' service he was presented with a stereo record player in appreciation and recalled the days when the choir was 50-strong. He had played at around 300 weddings and had served under six vicars.

Barnoldswick Wren, 17-year-old Janet Greenwood, was considered to have a 'natural eye with a rifle' after sharing first place in the .22 shot competition in the Royal Navy's Medway Command. She served at HMS Pembroke, the Royal Navy Supply and Secretariat School at Chatham, and was said to have had the equal highest aggregate score in a contest against the men.

10 years ago

A VIDEO machine with a cash payout at a former Cross Hills spiritualist church was tempting children to play truant from school, residents and parents feared. Craven district councillors had refused the owner a gaming licence for an amusement arcade after fierce opposition to the plan. It was feared it would be a bad influence on the children, and the council decided to take enforcement action to remove the machines.

Pub grub was getting 'deerer' at the Plough Inn at Wigglesworth. Venison sausages had appeared on the menu after owner, Brian Goodall, was persuaded to try them. The venison came from Rushtons of Hammerton Hall Farm in Wigglesworth. The pub was being filmed for a Granada TV Good Morning Britain slot with food presenter and Giggleswick resident, Susan Brookes.

A rare 11-month-old Belgian Blue bull, from Stainforth, was being flown to Ontario in Canada as part of a breeding programme. The half-a-ton beast, Greystoneforeman, had been bred by Eric Coates, of Rainscar Farm, and was particularly rare as it was completely black in colour. It had been spotted by a Canadian breeder on a previous visit to the area and was sold for an undisclosed sum.

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