From the archives (From Craven Herald)

From the archives

9:20am Saturday 30th May 2009 in

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100 years ago

Skipton’s new skating rink was due to be erected next to Midland Saw Mills. The site was near the station and on the route to the cricket field. The floor area would be 9,000 square feet, a modern maple floor would be laid and provision made for retiring rooms.

The lambing season at Ingleton, which was drawing to a close, had not on the whole been a very successful one. The long and severe winter had left its mark on the sheep, which were in poor condition. Many had died.

50 years ago

Skipton Chamber of Trade discussed the town’s status as a holiday town and whether shops should open at Easter time and Whitsuntide. Large numbers of visitors came to the town during the holidays and gained an unfavourable impression when shops closed.

The lack of bathing facilities for children at Settle was raised. It was said that everyone appreciated the sun, but the warm weather was making children rush to the River Ribble to swim. The river was very low and filthy and resembled a cess pool.

The Skipton Permanent Orchestra, formed more than half a century ago, needed new members, particularly in the string and woodwind sections.

25 years ago

Nuclear experts were put to the test in Hellifield when British Rail simulated a disaster involving nuclear fuel being carried to Heysham Power Station. Fire, police and ambulance services, along with railway staff and physicists, were called to Hellifield Sidings where they were told a nuclear fuel flask had fallen from a passing train. “We wanted somewhere that would cause least inconvenience to the public,” said a BR spokesman.

Two Grassington postladies, sisters Florrie and Winnie Whitehead, were putting their feet up. After 30 years of delivering letters and parcels in the area, they had decided to retire. And they were thanked for their dedicated service at a party at the village’s Foresters Arms.

Two Barlick residents became instant stars when they were called upon to play minor parts in the film A Private Function, which was being shot in the town centre. Schoolboy Glen Walling was filmed running across the road while David Normanshire was seen driving his 1938 Standard Flying Eight. The film was written by Alan Bennett and starred Michael Palin and Maggie Smith.

10 years ago

Devices, described as a human form of animal trap, were found on a popular cycle track in Skipton. The flat metal plates, with inch-long spikes and 18-inch metal poles, were recovered from the moor at the top of Shortbank Road. PC Chris Howarth said they were so dangerous anyone falling on one would probably suffer a punctured heart or lung.

The final stone flag was laid on a £250,000 scheme to revitalise Skipton Canal Corridor. Coun Janet Gott, chairman of Craven District Council, performed the official ceremony at the revamped canal basin. Other improvements included resurfacing 1,500 metres of towpath, installing lighting, new seats, fencing, signage and landscaping.

Craven Tories fired their first broadside after taking control of the district council by promising a shake-up of parking charges. They wanted to lower fees to attract visitors. “There is a terrific amount of alterations to be made,” said party leader David Crawford. “However we must remember car parking charges are a major source of revenue for this authority.”