8:20am Saturday 6th June 2009
There were some alarming rumours in Craven concerning the fate of a party of cavers. The Yorkshire Ramblers Club members, who were investigating Gaping Ghyll, near Ingleborough, were alleged to have been entombed and in danger of losing their lives. Happily, it turned out the explorers were detained in the caves longer than anticipated owing to a rush of water and there was little danger.
Efforts were afoot to commemorate the devoted service of Father Sharp, head of the Roman Catholic Mission in Skipton. He had a 35-year connection with the town and his ability was demonstrated by the flourishing community at St Stephen’s.
Whitsuntide at Gargrave saw an unusually high number of visitors, chiefly from East Lancashire towns, the weather being delightful. The Midland Railway provided one excursion to Morecambe.
An ominous note appeared near the Ingleborough Estate Office, stating: “The lake is low”. Ingleborough Lake, from which Clapham folk drew their water, was not taken over by the new Craven Water Board because the supply had been provided by the Farrer family for more than a century.
Craven’s 19th mystery fire occurred in Earby. It was in a store adjoining Earby Urban Council’s baling shed, in Red Lion Street, and destroyed the nearly- new car belonging to the public health inspector.
Urgent steps were being taken by the health committee of Barnoldswick Urban District Council to find an alternative to tipping. The possibility of an incinerator was discussed. The main problem was the high cost of installation, but it was thought to be the best method.
Eastburn toddler David Childs was to get pioneering treatment on the NHS. It had been feared the three-year-old, who was born with his bladder outside his body, would have to go to America for the operation. But his parents, Robert and Lorraine, discovered a surgeon at Shaftsbury Hospital, London, was doing pioneering work on his condition and was willing to treat him.
Earby police sergeant Bob Lodge was badly beaten when he tried to stop a fight in the town centre. He was found lying semi-conscious in the road and was taken to Airedale Hospital. Police said trouble flared as guests left an engagement party.
Local craftsmen designed and produced a Yorkshire rose emblem for a roof boss in the renovated West Tower of the Priory Church at Bolton Abbey. The 17-inch centrepiece was the final touch to the work – one of the last projects in the church’s £300,000 restoration programme.
An inquest was held into the deaths of four people who drowned after their holiday barge became stuck on a lock gate and then crashed into the canal, letting in water. The four victims, who had learning difficulties, were on a holiday organised by Cumbria Social Services. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
Barnoldswick postman Ken Holden was looking forward to a relaxing retirement after 48 years with the Royal Mail. He joined the Post Office straight from school in 1951, starting as telegram boy.
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