SUPPORT was gathering for the proposed electric tramway to the summit of Ingleborough. Neighbouring magistrates and principal landlords were supporting the scheme, together with 450 householders, because they believed it would be of benefit to the district. The proposed starting point for the tramway was out of the village and the highest point was some 70 feet from the top. The flat, mile-round summit was ideal said the Herald, and it had even been suggested that it would make an excellent and novel football and cricket ground. The peak was also rich in granite and slate and it was hoped this could form a new industry once the transport was provided.

A local government inquiry was held into an application by Skipton Urban District Council to borrow £1,200 for a new sewerage scheme and £400 to buy a new steam fire engine. The inspector was told that the sewerage scheme was needed for a new weaving shed and accompanying houses on Broughton Road. Meanwhile, Skipton's manual fire engine was said to be of little use and the council was anxious to supercede it with a thoroughly good steam engine.

A huge flock of starlings was creating plenty of interest in North Craven. The birds, which could be seen in their thousands, had retreated to a small wood just outside Settle. "To see them execute their aerial evolutions with such military discipline is well worth the journey," said the Herald. The mild weather was believed to be the reason for the starlings' delay in making their journey north.

50 years ago

PROFESSOR W R Niblett outlined his vision for the future as guest speaker at the first speech day of Silsden Secondary (Modern) School. Mr Niblett predicted that in 50 years time the school leaving age would be 16 (got that right) and that boys and girls in their last two years at the school might spend part of their time working in factories and the fields (not so good). He looked forward to the time when local education authorities would erect special factories in which schoolchildren could do part time work. For the girls there would be domestic science and mothercraft training. Perhaps a more realistic hope was that schools would send out parties on travelling expeditions abroad.

Meanwhile, the school's governors were discussing the problem of absent pupils. Minding the baby while mother went to work, or doing the shopping because mother was not well were the most popular explanations given for persistent absence, the governors were told.

A Hellifield man Rev Harold Bird returned home from India where he had spent the previous 10 years as a missionary in Hyderabad.

25 years ago

TRAFFIC problems in Skipton were under discussion 25 years ago at a public meeting called by the Civic Society. County Councillor K Robinson opened the meeting by expressing his conviction that the High Street would be for pedestrians only.

The "new" South Craven school was opened at a special ceremony by Lord Boyle, vice-chancellor of Leeds University, who had opened the original buildings as junior education minister 16 years previously.

Councillors representing villages in Settle Rural District protested about a grant of £500 towards Settle Civic Society's planned facelift for the town. Why should residents of places like Austwick, Clapham and Long Preston have to pay for Settle, they inquired? The council argued that the scheme would enhance Settle district, not Settle Civic Society.

10 years ago

THE widow of a former head at Ermysted's School planted an oak to commemorate her husband Jack Eastwood, who had died the previous year. He had been head at the school for 15 years and an integral part of many Skipton organisations.

A packed public meeting in Gargrave gave a resounding no to plans to relocate Craven Auction Mart in the village. A 30 acre site next to the Anchor Inn and bounded by the A65 and canal had been proposed but, with standing room only in the village primary school, speaker after speaker denounced the plan.

The district was gearing up for the visit of Prince Charles, who was to open Craven Court in Skipton. Local shops were reported to have run out of flags.

Skipton Civic Society and Skipton Operatic Society had joined forces to try to save the British School, off Otley Street, which was coming up for auction. Built in 1846 by John Dewhurst, of the cotton mill fame, it was Skipton's second elementary school and was owned by the United Reform Church, which was seeking to demolish it.

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