100 years

A MEMORIAL stone-laying ceremony took place at the site of the new Skipton and District Cottage Hospital. It was being built in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, and would benefit the whole of Craven. The cost of the 12-bed hospital was an estimated £3,000, and fundraising had realised that total with some to spare. The site, off Brook Street, Skipton, had been given as a gift from the lord of the manor, Lord Hothfield, and it was planned to create two wards, one for men and one for women. The original intention to include a children's ward had been abandoned with the suggestion that it could always be added at a later date. There would also be a matron's bedroom and three nurses' bedrooms, sitting rooms, a kitchen, scullery and servant's room.

The first stone, which was hollow, was laid by Lady Wilson. Into the cavity she placed a sealed bottle containing copies of the Craven Herald, documents recording the history of the scheme and a list of committee members and officials. Skipton Traders' Association loaned streamers and Union Jack flags to the masses of people who attended the ceremony, and it was reported to have resembled a gala day such was the enthusiasm. What happened to the Victorian 'time capsule', we wonder, when the building was knocked down.

50 years

FARMERS were criticising the reduction in the allocation of supplementary petrol in Craven. At a meeting of Craven Tenant Farmers at Skipton Town Hall, chairman Mr J R Dodgson said many farmers had approached him to say how upset they were with the unfair rationing. He suggested they appealed to the petroleum officer at Leeds and make it clear they could not run their farms with such drastic cuts. Many lived miles away from the nearest town and needed the fuel to do any shopping.

Settle Camera Club was about to re-form. Both professional and amateur photographic enthusiasts were urged to go along to a meeting which was being held at the Adult School in Kirkgate, Settle.

Grassington cinema-goers were being treated to "Young Widow" with Jane Russell and Louis Hayward, and "The Mighty McGurk" with Wallace Beery and Dean Stockwell. Meanwhile at Settle, residents were being similarly entertained with Burt Lancaster in "Desert Fury", and Barbara Stanwyck and Errol Flynn in "Cry Wolf". Abbott and Costello fans could also chuckle their way through "Rio Rita".

25 years

UPPER Wharfedale residents were teed-off after discovering they were not going to have a golf course. The Secretary of State for the Environment had rejected an appeal against a refusal to develop the course on land at Chapel Lodge Farm, Kilnsey. It was said that the laying of the greens and the removal of field walling, plus the introduction of car parking, would interfere with the traditional agricultural land, causing disruption to the exceptional character and appearance of the surroundings. It was accepted that the need for a local golf course existed, but this wasn't enough to override the basic objections, on planning grounds, to the proposed development in such a scenic part of the National Park.

A tanker carrying a highly inflammable liquid crashed through a bridge at Ingleton. The Gilbraith's of Accrington tanker was carrying butyl-alcohol when the accident happened at Greta Bridge. The tanker plunged 18 feet into the river and the explosion sent a sheet of flame across the bridge. Although the driver was thrown clear, the flames engulfed him and he sustained extensive injuries.

A doctor from Riddlesden was found unconscious and injured on moors near Silsden. Over 200 people were involved in the search, co-ordinated by the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Asssociation, after he had been reported missing after failing to turn up for evening surgery at Keighley.

10 years

COUNCILLOR Derek Swinglehurst labelled Gargrave's Summer Seat as "just a snogging seat". The comments were made after the council's leisure services committee was asked to discuss a request from Gargrave Parish Council for financial assistance towards a £5,000 renovation. The committee had to decide whether the seat could be described as part of a sporting or cultural organisation. Chief Financial Officer, George Murray, wondered whether Coun Swinglehurst's description of the seat could be termed as a sport or culture!

Craven planners accepted in principle plans to set up a home for the mentally and physically handicapped in Little Stainforth. The final decision on the change of use application for The Boskins rested with the Dales National Park Authority. The applicants already ran a home in Long Preston and proposed to create six permanent and eight holiday places at the Little Stainforth site. Letters of support were received from existing neighbours of the Puckeys' and the local doctor was also in favour of the plans. However, objections about the lack of facilities in Little Stainforth had been received and the National Park was asked to satisfy itself that permanent occupation was suitable.

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