From the archives (From Craven Herald)

From the archives

2:27pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in Pick of the Past

100 years ago

A committee of Skipton Council inspected the allotments behind Park Avenue and resolved that rents be reduced to half a penny per yard.

A discussion took place on whether the library left in the custody of Skipton Parish Church by Sylvester Petyt had been diverted from public use.

A landslide of considerable geographical interest occurred at Sherwood Farm, near Bentham. A portion of wood side moved down a sloping bank causing a gap of some ten to 20 feet wide and varying in depth from six to 12 feet and about 50 yards long.

50 years ago

Skipton council was concerned at the increasing number of shops in the High Street being converted to banks and offices. It was felt it reduced the life and activity in the street and made it less attractive as a shopping centre.

Several hundred people watched the wedding at Skipton Parish Church of Stephen Herbert Kay Butcher, the only son of Lt-Col and Mrs G Butcher, of Rylstone, and Moira Anne Fisher, of Skipton. The service was conducted by the Archbishop of York.

25 years ago

A Giggleswick schoolboy was looking for sponsors for a 350-mile trip from Glasgow to Manchester – by skateboard. Matthew Nuttall, 18, who was studying for his A-levels at Giggleswick School, had only recently taken up the sport again. He was aiming to complete 35 miles a day and raise £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Coun John Spencer was to serve a second term as mayor of Skipton. He was elected by eight votes to seven – with him casting the decisive vote. Coun Claire Brooks declared it was greedy and selfish for someone to take the post twice.

Craven College student Elaine Lea, of Malham, was the best in the land. Out of 5,865 students taking the City and Guilds General Catering Certificate, she was awarded the bronze medal for the top student. She gained distinctions in all three aspects of the course, despite being a mature student of 42, with a husband and a son to care for.

10 years ago

Building work was about to start on Skipton’s new £3.9 million swimming pool and fitness centre in Aireville Park. Once completed, it would offer a 25-metre, six-lane pool, a learner pool, a 35-station fitness suite, steam room and café. Construction was due to take 55 weeks.

Skipton firemen were helping to get the town ready for the Queen’s golden jubilee. They used their skills to get decorative bunting and flags to some of the highest reaches of the town. And the firemen donated their £250 fee to the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band took top honours at the inaugural Wigglesworth Brass Band Contest. More than 600 people descended on the Plough Inn for the competition, which saw seven bands compete. It was one of a series of events held to help the area recover from the foot and mouth crisis.