From the archives (From Craven Herald)

From the archives

9:00am Saturday 11th February 2012 in Pick of the Past

100 years ago

The patrons of the Airedale Beagles had an enjoyable day after meeting at Chelker Reservoir where the first hare found was hunted for about 45 minutes and then lost owing to fog.

A visit was paid to Skipton by the F R Benson Shakespearean Company. The pieces selected were The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice and Hamlet, each of which was well patronised.

On the Ghyll Golf Links, Barnoldswick, a record was created when Jas Lindley, of Earby, performed the remarkable feat of doing the sixth hole in one. He was the first member of the club to achieve it.

50 years ago

A 22-year-old was accidentally shot and seriously injured by a companion while trespassing in pursuit of rabbits at Draughton. He had to spend six weeks in hospital.

Gargrave Meals on Wheels service began. Mr J Hargreaves, of River Place, was the first to receive a meal and Mrs Platt, also of River Place, received the second.

While 2,000 operatives helped their wives to wash, Arthur Noble, of Earby, once again chose to be the “odd one in” at Rolls Royce, Barnoldswick. For the second time in a month, he chose to defy the token strike.

25 years ago

Black ice turned Craven roads into a huge skating rink – and many people were caught out. Airedale Hospital’s casualty department treated more than 100 people as a direct result of the treacherous conditions. Unit support service manager Peter Warburton said the staff had rallied around magnificently to deal with the increased workload.

Four new headteachers were appointed. Diana Chambers, 44, was to take over from Muriel Kent as head of Skipton Girls’ High School while James Mansley, 38, was named as the new head of Settle Middle School. And Settle Middle School teacher Anne Michelmore was moving up the road to take over the headship of Giggleswick Primary School. The fourth appointment was Richard Hellewell, 43, who was moving to Low Bentham Primary School.

Country Holidays was about to move to new premises in Earby. The multi-million pound company – set up in 1978 by Philip Green – had outgrown its previous base in Gargrave and was moving its entire operation to Spring Mill on Stoneybank Road. New jobs were expected to be created.

10 years ago

Pub landlord Derek Breckon was furious after being scarred for life by two young hooligans – whose punishment was to be bound over in the sum of £25 for a year. The youth court heard that under-age drinkers were removed from the Craven Hotel, Skipton, and a glass was broken. But magistrates were not told that the glass was smashed into the back of Mr Breckon’s head, narrowly missing the jugular artery. He needed eight stitches. “It makes you weep with frustration,” said Mr Breckon. “These two have got away with it almost Scot-free.”

Skipton’s Meals on Wheels service celebrated its 50th anniversary. “I have a fantastic band of volunteers who stay and have a laugh and a joke with the old people,” said co-ordinator Helen Hartley. Forty-five volunteers worked in pairs to deliver meals, made at Ashfield residential home, on Mondays and Thursdays.

The future of Barlick Gala was in doubt after the organisers – Barnoldswick and Earby Round Table – decided to step aside. They said there was too much work for too few people. It was hoped another group would take on the organisation. Among those affected was 13-year-old Emily Mitchell, who had been chosen as the 2002 gala queen. “I was looking forward to it,” she said.