100 years ago

SHIRTS, socks, handkerchiefs, belts, and other clothing for the Skipton Company of the 6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, were being sent to Skipton Castle, from where they were dispatched to the proper quarters.

The Lunesdale Bell Ringing Association held its periodic meeting in the belfry at All Saints' Church, Burton-in-Lonsdale. Ringers came from Hornby and Low Bentham, in addition to the local band.

A public meeting was held in the schoolroom, Bolton by Bowland, to discuss the ways and means by which the people of the parish could best serve their country at the critical time.

50 years ago

THE problem of cars being parked on council house estates, some of them apparently abandoned, was discussed by local councillors. It was agreed to send letters to the owners of the cars telling them to apply for a garage site or remove the vehicles within 14 days. It was also agreed to send a circular letter to say it was not permissible to park cars on verges or in gardens.

Concern was expressed at Skipton Rural District Council on the number of planning applications being rejected by the Yorkshire Dales National Park, particularly when they had been recommended for approval by the district council. It was resolved that the two authorities should meet to discuss the whole issue of planning in the national park.

Gargrave Village Hall Dramatic Society performed the romantic comedy Your Obedient Servant. Members included Charles Ideson, Mike Brook, Kathleen Butt, Eileen Gibb, Wynn Abbott and Eleanor Grimshaw.

25 years ago

A CALL My Bluff event was held at Skipton Town Hall to raise money for the RSPCA. The team captains were former Herald reporter and cricket commentator Don Mosey and TV new presenter Marylyn Webb. Other panellists were John Baxter from TV’s It’s A Vet’s Life, RSPCA superintendent Sid Jenkins from Animal Squad, weatherman Bob Rust and Alan Mason, presenter of Grass Roots Gardening.

Five generations were present at the christening of little Chantelle Louise Cheetham at Skipton’s Christ Church. Among the guests were great great grandfather James Howard, 89, grand grandmother Rita Cooper, grandmother Susan Cooper and mum Tracy. All the family lived in Skipton.

Barnoldswick Rolls-Royce trainee won the Chairman’s Award for the most outstanding trainee in the company. Nigel Buck, of Earby, was taken on in 1981 and trained as an electrical engineer. Training manager Ray Aspin said: “We saw his potential because of his dedication and commitment.”

10 years ago

A DALES sheep farmer had his lifelong mission to rebuild dry stone walls around his farm recognised. Stan Bargh, 67, had, for many years, devoted his time to rebuilding walls around his 233-acre Springcote Farm at Chapel-le-Dale. And his efforts won him top place in the CLA’s dry stone walling competition. Judges were astonished that Mr Bargh never used a line to ensure the wall’s line was straight. “Dry stone walls are an essential and much-admired feature of the Yorkshire landscape,” said CLA’s Yorkshire president James Goodhart.

A paramedic from Silsden was awarded a top honour for his care of patients, team spirit and commitment to the service. George Bennett scooped the WYMAS Emergency Care Award. Mr Bennett had worked for the ambulance service for 20 years and it was his commitment above and beyond the call of duty that impressed the judges. WYMAS chief executive Kevin Ellis said: “It was George’s community spirit that really shone through.”

World-acclaimed writer Bill Bryson returned to visit the school he claimed was “the best in the universe”. The American-born author opened a new ICT suite and classroom at Kirkby Malham Primary School. Mr Bryson lived in Kirkby Malham for a number of years and his four children attended the school. “These new facilities will be of enormous benefit to the children and staff at what I have always truly claimed to be the best school in the universe. The area is still my favourite place in the whole world and it is wonderful to see this prettily situated school going from strength to strength.”