100 years ago

A horse attached to a spring cart being driven through Silsden took fright at a passing motorcycle and bolted through Kirkgate, colliding with a wagon.

Skipton was invaded by an army of 11,000 citizen soldiers from the East Lancashire and Cumberland districts.

Around 3,000 people attended the Glusburn Educational swimming gala at the River Aire at Kildwick .

50 years ago

Skipton people starting their annual holidays were setting off in search of the sun. Holidays on the continent were getting more popular and Spain was the choice of many.

The West Riding Educational Committee authorised the installation of telephones in all schools in the county.

A Barnoldswick man saved a ten-year-old boy from the River Thames while holidaying in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

25 years ago

Skipton’s most famous entrepreneur was remembered in a ceremony at his birth place. Thomas Spencer – co-founder of retail giant Marks and Spencer – was born in Queen’s Court, Skipton, in 1851. A plaque was unveiled at the site – occupied by Woolworths and Superdrug – by mayor John Spencer (no relative).

Barnoldswick woman Mary Ferguson found her long-lost brother in Australia. Retired Mrs Ferguson, 64, had last seen her brother, Arthur Driver, 20 years ago. He was traced with the help of the Salvation Army. “I am absolutely delighted,” said Mrs Ferguson.

Dwile flonking came to Kettlewell . The mysterious and ancient game involved running down the streets, supping ale. The contest was won by the Bluebell Hotel.

10 years ago

Craven residents were to be given a second wheelie bin in a £250,000 scheme to improve recycling rates. In total, 10,000 homes would receive the extra bins, with residents expected to sort through their household waste ready for collection. “We have no choice but to think of ways to reduce our household waste,” said Craven District Council’s head of operations Greg Robinson.

Craven Cassette – which provided a tape- recorded version of the Craven Herald – celebrated its 25th anniversary. The charity, run by a band of volunteers, was set up in response to a request from Grassington butcher Harry Binns, who wanted to keep in touch with the local news despite failing eyesight.

Craven artist David Hoyle was to have four paintings on permanent display in the JB Priestley Library at Bradford University. David, from Cowling , got involved with the university through Dales writer Bill Mitchell.