100 years ago

A man was walking close to West Marton Dairy when he came across a huge German airship of the Zeppelin type. He ran back to his house and kept watch all night, expecting to see a fleet of German airships appear. He set off the next morning with rifle in hand to discover that the cause of his fears was a large boiler being installed at the dairy.

The Skipton Traders Association was busy trying to influence the Skipton Urban District Council to move in the matter of coronation celebrations. The association felt to leave things until after the meeting of the first council, on April 20, would be leaving things too late.

Despite the warnings given against the Mormon “propaganda”’ in Skipton, several young women have been ‘captured’ and preparations were being made for their dispatch, free of cost to themselves, to the Mormon city in the States. One of them was a Skipton domestic servant who could not be persuaded otherwise.

50 years ago

An 18-year-old from Exeter was trapped for two hours at a place called Fat Man’s Misery in Attermire Cave, above Settle. He was a member of a party from Malham Tarn Field Centre, who were carrying out a geological study on the limestone scree.

GPO engineers traced television interference in Barnoldswick to a band three amplifier in use in a private house. The operator gave an assurance that the apparatus would not be used in the future.

Skipton Town Young Conservatives staged a Juke Box Jury, based on the popular television programme. The jury included Stephen Butcher, Pauline Pratt, Mary Webster and Mr C Beasley. About 50 members attended the event held at The Conservative Rooms, High Street.

25 years ago

Skipton’s long-established and highly respected high street store Ledgard and Wynn was re-opening – thanks to the efforts of some former members of staff. They had banded together to form new company Goodwin (Skipton) Limited and had acquired a large section of the former premises and the famous store name. It would specialise in furniture, soft furnishing and accessories. The store first opened in 1922, was taken over by Schofields in 1981 and was closed in February.

Yorkshire Dales National Park warden Jean Reinsch was rewarded for 20 years of voluntary service at the park’s annual conference. Mrs Reinsch, of Grassington, received a special plaque from the park committee. She had initiated the Walk with a Warden project, had led many walks and had helped with a survey of the Pennine Way.

Thirty-two Airey houses in Skipton’s Horse Close estate were to be demolished and more suitable units built in their place, Craven District Council’s housing committee decided. Committee chairman Val Cutter said members should look at broad options for the site bounded by Pinhaw Road, North Parade and Rombalds Drive.

10 years ago

Two police officers who saved the life of a man in Silsden were honoured for their actions. PCs Robert Young and Michael Dean brought the man back to life by giving him the kiss of life and massaging his heart. The officers were awarded Royal Humane Society resuscitation certificates.

The cost of building a new railway station in Cross Hills had more than doubled over the past seven years. And, the Herald said, it could be years before any work was carried out. In 1994, the costs were estimated at £1 million but by 2001 North Yorkshire County Council put costings at £2.4 million. Three options for the station were being considered.

A couple who had provided Barlickers with their daily bread for almost 40 years were retiring. Ron and Ann Sainty were due to hand over their popular bakery, Saintys, to new owners John and Edwina Ellis. The couple had worked side by side for 37 years and were looking forward to watching some TV after 8pm! “It has been our life’s work,” said Ann.