Craven through the years

3:01pm Thursday 27th September 2007

100 years ago

NEW soccer facilities in Skipton were expected to draw the crowds. Skipton United and Skipton Niffany Rovers had joined forces with the town's association team to provide the facilities.

The chairman of Skipton Rural District Council was humorously described as being a "Goth" for advocating the demolition of an old bridge in Buckden on the grounds of it being dangerous to life and limb. However, having regard to the fact that the architecture of the new bridge had been criticised, the appellation was deemed appropriate.

A new canal boat, built for Skipton Urban District Council for the conveyance of coal from the collieries to the gas works, was launched in Shipley. The christening ceremony of the boat, "The New Era", was performed by Coun Graham.

50 years ago

A letter read out at a meeting of Barnoldswick's Public Works Committee struck a note with people who were finding the "hurly-burly of ever-expanding civilisation" just a little too much. A resident expressed his grievance that a new scout hut blocked the last view of open country from his house. One councillor said that inch by inch, England's pleasant countryside was being swallowed up by "factories, council houses, dance halls and goodness knows what". Another councillor commented that the "disappearance of space is sure to inspire a little sadness in some bosoms".

Also in Barnoldswick, the Urban District Council agreed to paint the door numbers of its houses a contrasting colour following a letter from a local doctor. Dr JW Pickard said he had difficulty tracing houses, especially at night. It was decided that if his suggestion was carried out in the town and even universally, it would make life easier for people like himself. It was hoped the public would follow the council's lead.

Two days after reaching the grand old age of 100, Grassington's Martha White died in her sleep. The whole family had been "greatly thrilled" when Mrs White received a message from the Queen congratulating her on reaching the milestone.

25 years ago

ACCORDING to the judges of the final of a champion pie contest, Skipton produced the best pies in Craven. Farmhouse Fayre won the top prize in the competition, which was launched after an argument between friends over who made the best pies in the area. Roger Wilman, John Hayes and Bill Peyton decided the only way to find out was a contest. The trio sampled meat pies from throughout the area, before narrowing the choice down to three. The independent judges - regular drinkers at the Tarn House - gave their verdicts on the final three. First prize was the "privilege" of becoming official pie supplier to the Tarn House.

An outside consultant was poised to be brought in to move forward Skipton's central area redevelopment scheme. Craven District Council's Policy and Finance Committee had expressed concern about the lack of progress on the project, which had been ongoing for a number of years.

Settle Chamber of Trade was ready to mount swift opposition to any further attempt to introduce car parking charges in the town. Members said it would adversely affect the quality of life for locals and unfairly penalise visitors.

10 years ago

THE Dales were invaded by an army of film-makers who used Yorkshire as the backdrop to their epic production of Wuthering Heights. However, London Weekend Television, which was filming in Grassington, said it was experiencing the "wrong type of rain". Residents were kept amused by the antics of cast and crew, with crew members dashing to local shops to stock up on wellies and waterproofs.

A radio jingle produced by the children of Kettlewell School was judged the best in Yorkshire. The school entered a national competition to advertise library services. The 90-second jingle featured the children singing "You don't have to buy it, you can borrow it". The school won a collection of books, and a presenter from Radio Yorkshire visited the school to record the jingle to be transmitted on air.

Bunnies were causing havoc in Craven. Wild rabbits were proving to be a headache for allotment holders on Stamp Hill, Addingham. The rabbit population was ever-increasing and the fluffy creatures were eating everything in sight. Parish councillors decided to "employ someone with a ferret and a gun" to solve the problem.

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