From the archives (From Craven Herald)

From the archives

3:50pm Thursday 16th August 2012 in Pick of the Past

100 years ago

His Majesty the King visited Bolton Abbey as a guest of the Duke of Devonshire. The King travelled from St Pancras in a Midland train consisting of four coaches, including the royal saloon and royal dining car.

Bradley was quite deserted owing to the holidays and both mills were closed. There had been a general exodus to the various seaside resorts.

Addingham Cricket Club’s new pavilion was formally opened. It consisted of two dressing rooms, a balcony, tool house and overhead scoring box and cost £75.

50 years ago

Residents of Broughton Road, Skipton , were up in arms about the erection of 30mph signs on either side of the road, which were causing problems for people walking along the pavement.

Miss World, Miss Rosemarie Frankland, of Lancaster, signed autographs when she appeared at Barnoldswick Gala.

Mr GB Drayson, MP for Skipton, said goodbye to his wife before setting off on his annual tour of the towns, villages and hamlets in his constituency.

25 years ago

A revolutionary new discovery by a Craven research scientist, which could prove a boon to arthritis and bone softening disease sufferers, was likely to be tested by America’s National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA). Dr Rex Newnham, founder of the Arthritis and Rheumatism National Therapy Research Association, had been invited to submit his findings that certain tree minerals taken orally could be beneficial to sufferers of bone diseases – a particular problem among astronauts.

One of Craven’s biggest hotels, The Wilson Arms at Threshfield, was set to become a home for the elderly. Negotiations between the owner of the three-star hotel and Alpha Care and Leisure were nearing a conclusion. The development was expected to create 40 jobs. Although no firm figure had been placed on the deal, it was thought to be in the region of £500,000.

Barnoldswick Gala was hailed an unqualified success. Dubbed the greatest show on earth by organisers Barnoldswick and Earby Round Table, the event was attended by thousands of people. Chief guest was comedian Norman Collier, who delighted the crowds with his funnyman antics.

10 years ago

Former Settle High School pupil George Roper had been nominated for his third Emmy award for his special effects work.

He had already won awards for his work on the films Merlin and Alice in Wonderland, and had now received a nomination for his work on the acclaimed Walking with the Beasts.

One of South Craven’s biggest employers had been rescued from the brink of disaster, securing 300 jobs. A management buyout at Transtechnology, in Glusburn , had turned around the company’s fortunes, and hopes were high that the move could create more jobs and improved productivity. The company was to be known as Cirteq – an abbreviation of circlips, technology and quality. “We are in a position where we can give people a positive outlook,” said joint managing director Vic Stevens.

Skipton Girls’ High School headteacher Diana Chambers ended her reign with the school’s best-ever A-level results. Twenty- seven pupils achieved across-the-board A grades and Emily Stirk set a new record, with six As. “This is the very nicest present the girls could have given me,” said Mrs Chambers.