100 years ago

WHILE returning to the barracks at Raikes Wood Camp, Skipton, in company with other soldiers, Private George Virr, 47, from Bradford, broke his right leg through falling into an open drain. He was taken to Skipton District Hospital.

A good many Silsden people were considerably alarmed by the sound of loud reports, which presumably came from near distance. The sounds were as if explosions were taking place, and visions of a Zeppelin raid quickly excited people's minds.

Members of the Silsden branch of the Workers' Educational Association travelled to Haworth to take part in celebrations to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Charlotte Bronte. A public service was held in Haworth Parish Church.

50 years ago

IN order to encourage the people of Skipton to take a greater interest in their town, the civic society held an exhibition of paintings and photographs in the castle gatehouse. Unfortunately, some of the photographs in the foyer were rather too gloomy, giving a false impression of the whole.

Barnoldswick Urban Council decided to make immediate plans for the purchase of a trampoline for Victory Park playing fields. Inquiries were also to be made for a 'play leader' during the school holidays to supervise the trampoline and play generally.

Amoride Ltd, of Earby, sought a meeting with Earby Council to discuss the problem of acute labour shortage, with a view to providing houses for industrial workers.

25 years ago

COMEDIAN Ken Dodd opened a new extension at Skipton's Sunwin House. Arriving half an hour late, he swept up in a Mercedes, waving a handful of tickle-sticks through the sunroof and then sprung quickly out and into the crowd for some banter. He was surrounded by fans wanting a signed photograph and he took time to speak to young and old alike.

Kelbrook-born Ron Rishworth was conferred with the Oranje Nassau award by Queen Beatrice of the Netherlands. Mr Rishworth, 58, was honoured for his services to sport in Holland, sitting on the Dutch rugby and cricket selection committees. And, back in the UK, the British monarch awarded MBEs to Barnoldswick man Ray Aspin for services to training and Embsay's Jack Lavin for services to the environment and BEMs to Norman Heap, of Earby, for his service to the community and church and former Skipton man Howard Youdan for his charity work and police service.

The controversial wind turbine scheme proposed for Chelker Reservoir near Draughton won the back of Craven District Council's planning committee. However, because of the significance of the plans, its decision had to be ratified by full council. "These turbines have their need and if we do not accept them, heaven help this country in the next century," said Cllr Malcolm Riley.

10 years ago

BARNOLDSWICK'S European Market almost went up in smoke when cannabis-like plants sprouted in the Town Square. Around two dozen of the distinctive five-leafed plants were spotted in a flower tub, which was re-planted as part of the town council's Operation Facelift. It appeared that pranksters had sneaked seeds into the soil alongside officially-sanctioned perennials. However it transpired the plants were not actually cannabis, but were a closely-related hemp species.

Slimline Carole and John Manley have shaken off their chubby childhood, frumpy clothes and health worries by losing 18 stone between them. Mrs Manley, a Skipton town councillor and deputy mayor, started her Lighterlife diet before Christmas and pledged to lose ten stone - half her body weight.

And, six months ahead of target, she achieved the amazing feat and dropped from 20st 5lb to 10st, 3lb. Mr Manley joined his wife on the diet in February and watched the scales drop from 19st 6lb to 11st 12lb. The loss came hand-in-hand with dramatic improvements in their quality of life.

Three panels, depicting Dales scenes, were unveiled in the recessed archways of Grassington Methodist Church. They were commissioned in memory of Elsie Dewhurst, a lifelong member of the church, who was often seen walking or riding tandem with her late husband, Harry.