100 years ago

A PETITION signed by several people came from a village in the Dales appealing to the Skipton Military Tribunal to review a case in which exemption had been refused. It was for a 39-year-old man who had sought exemption on domestic grounds. He had a wife and seven children.

At a meeting of the Labour Exchange in Keighley, there was an urgent appeal for 100 weavers for Silsden. Ladies were told it was a matter of national importance that workers were found to carry on the work which was paying for food and munitions.

A garden party was held at Kildwick Hall with the object of raising funds for the British Society for the Relief of Wounded Belgian Soldiers. A splendid concert was given on the lawn by a party of Belgian artistes.

50 years ago

AT a meeting of Skipton Urban Road Safety Committee, it was felt there should be two distinct police forces to deal with traffic. One would be devoted to dealing with road traffic offences, and the other concerned with accident prevention.

A grand clothing bazaar organised by the Skipton Division Women's Conservative Association, and held in the town hall, was a huge financial success, raising over £600. The town hall was packed to capacity with enthusiastic buyers.

The annual rally of the Craven Group of Women's Institutes took place in Gargrave Village Hall. Nearly 300 members from the ten institutes filled the hall, which was beautifully decorated with spring flowers, greenery and pot plants.

25 years ago

PLANS for a new £250,000 sports hall to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Skipton's Ermysted's Grammar School were submitted to Craven District Council. The proposed building would include tennis, basketball and volleyball courts and other sports facilities. The school launched an appeal to cover the costs and it was hoped that contributions from the Old Boys would enable the project to start before the end of the year.

Silsden racing driver Frank Greenway won his first major race, taking top honours in the Esso Superlube 500k event at Donington Park. Frank was driving a Sierra RS Cosworth and, with his co-driver Andy Middlehurst, beat off 37 other competitors. The championship comprised 15 events and, after four rounds, Frank was in second place in the over 3,000cc category.

Retiring Earby postman Francis Forrest was treated to a surprise helicopter flight over the route he had walked for 32 years. Francis was one of the best-known characters in West Craven, winning many friends with his cheery smile. And, there was another surprise on his final day at work - a saucy kissogram girl booked by his colleagues. "I've really enjoyed my job and wouldn't have been happy doing anything else," he said.

10 years ago

LANGCLIFFE parents and governors wept tears of joy and relief when they learned they would not be losing their village school. The previous year, North Yorkshire County Council announced its plans to close the school amid fears that falling pupil numbers could lead to a reduced quality of education. But, following a campaign, the School Organisation Committee, a body comprising key education providers, decided that the school should remain open. Sadly the stay of execution was shortlived.

Football-mad Cowling schoolboy was the envy of his friends after winning a Blue Peter competition to attend England's opening World Cup match. Eight-year-old Aaron Wright won the top prize after coming up with the slogan "One world, one ball, fair play for all" to sum up the ethos behind the World Cup. The Burnley FC supporter found out he had won during a live telephone link-up to children's TV programme and thought all his Christmases had come at once when his prize was revealed.

One of the leading lights behind Grassington Festival went to Buckingham Palace to pick up the MBE she was awarded in the New Year's honours list. "It was absolutely wonderful, " said former Bluebell Girl Rowena 'Bunty' Leder. She was recognised for her tireless work in organising the festival and concerts for Skipton Music Society. The award ceremony was witnessed by Mrs Leder's American-born husband, Bob, son Chris and step-daughter Beth, who had flown over from California.