THE Rev ET Hartley resigned as headmaster of Skipton (Ermysted's) Grammar School at a meeting of governors. The Herald reported how his resignation was accepted with great regret and the governors placed on record their appreciation of his valuable services to the school during his 30 years of office.

The annual hiring fair was held at Long Preston. Farmer boys from 15 years of age were most in demand at wages ranging from £15 to £20 for the year.

A report of a meeting of the urban council revealed that Skipton's old, antiquated, obsolete but interesting fire engine had been sold for £5. It was last seen on the premises of a marine store dealer whose employees were "demolishing its structure with determination".

50 years ago

PARLIAMENTARY Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Sir Edward Boyle, was to be invited to open the new secondary school in Cross Hills. It was due to open its doors within days and the Craven Divisional Education Executive was busy taking on staff. The latest recruit was Donald Taylor, who was to be master of arts, crafts and physical education.

The Yorkshire Dales Tourist Association held its inaugural meeting and promised to give its full support to any organisation committed to preserving the scenic beauty and heritage of the area. In his report, secretary Eric Lodge stressed the association did not advocate the introduction of anything artificial into the Dales. "Fears that we are about to bring fun fairs, hurdy gurdies into the Dales in order to attract tourists are completely without foundation. We are, perhaps, more conscious of the real beauty of the Dales than many of the people concerned with agriculture. We have no wish to see any part of this delectable land despoiled in any way."

Work started to convert Mill Brow Cottages, Earby, into a youth hostel. The new facility would be a memorial to Katherine Bruce Glasier, who was one of Earby's best known women because of her pioneering work in the field of politics and social reform. The 30-bed hostel was due to open in the summer and would include a museum room. The wardens would be Mr and Mrs A Holt, who had cared for Mrs Glasier during the latter years of her life.

Skipton Rural District Council was being asked to back a recommendation calling on the county council to ban roadside snack bars. But Skipton members were not convinced this was the right course of action. Mr JW Whitham said without roadside snack bars, more lorries would be forced to go into town centres.

25 years ago

HIGH court writs were served on several stall holders on Skipton High Street seeking an injunction and damages for trespass. The writs were issued on behalf of Barclays Bank, Ledgard and Wynn, the Midland Bank and Halifax Building Society and concerned stallholders trading outside their premises. A joint statement from solicitors JP Mewies and Savage Crangle said: "This course of action has been taken in the hope and belief that the arguments that have arisen over the years concerning alleged market rights may finally be resolved."

Hellifield Parish Council saw red over proposed train cuts on the Skipton to Carnforth line. Members described the cuts as deplorable and said it was an ill-disguised attempt to artificially downgrade the line to within the closure criteria. However, prospects were better in South Craven, with the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive confirming that Steeton was to get a new station.

Two Craven girls, both students at Cambridge University, were chosen to compete in the ladies' boat race. Jane Nicholson, of Sutton, and Elizabeth Newbronner, of Skipton, were training six days a week for the race.

Pupils living near South Craven School, Cross Hills, were sent home for lunch after teachers withdrew lunchtime supervision in pursuit of their pay claim. The industrial action also hit Aireville, Settle High and Upper Wharfedale Schools. A statement for the Skipton National Union of Teachers said the pay offer for teachers was the lowest in the public sector at 3.4 per cent.

10 years ago

Carleton woman Barbara Summersgill was left speechless when she visited an art exhibition in Skipton. For, by an amazing coincidence, she came face to face with a picture of her father -ploughman and horse breeder William Norbury. "I was absolutely stunned," she told the Herald. "My father lives in Wales and the portrait was painted from a photograph taken in Ireland by a Leeds artist." The picture was on display at an exhibition organised by the Yorkshire Itinerants Artists for Charity and Barbara managed to speak to the artist, Dennis Foster. He told her he had taken a crowd picture of a ploughing competition in Ireland and picked out her father to paint as he "liked" his face.

Craven District Council was to increase its council tax demand by a massive 14 per cent. With other precepts from the county council and police authority, an average band D householder would have to find £618.50. (This year, the equivalent figure is £1,326).