100 years ago

Two engines, connected with the newly- erected Barnsey Weaving Shed, Barnoldswick, were formally christened, marking a new development in the industrial life of the town.

An exhibition by Skipton artist Reg Smith took place in the town. Mr Smith, an associate of the Royal College of Art, had carried out commissions for Queen Alexandra.

Skipton Council asked the Automobile Association to place a man at the corner of Mill Bridge, Skipton, because of the dangerous way motorists dashed around it.

50 years ago

Skipton man Roger Pethybridge was to have his important book, A Key to Soviet Politics, published. A former pupil of Ermysted’s and Sedbergh Schools, he had a distinguished career at Oxford and spoke six languages, including Russian.

Silsden Council considered whether to support claims of Elvington, near York, to become a major international airport serving Yorkshire east of the Pennines.

A Settle councillor called for greater regulation over campers because of the disposal of rubbish and sanitary arrangements in the countryside.

25 years ago

About 1,000 children were affected by school strikes. At Aireville School, Skipton, 24 of the 33 teachers took part in industrial action, affecting 17 classes and 400 pupils. At South Craven School in Cross Hills, 300 pupils were affected when 48 of the 92 staff walked out. Ermysted’s was also hit, with 11 of its 34 teachers going on strike. The protest was about the Government’s decision not to allow teachers and their employers – the local education authority – to negotiate pay rises.

Eighty-four-year-old Wilf Johnson, from Settle, had to cut short his trip to Siberia after being taken ill. The intrepid octogenarian had planned to travel on the trans-Siberian railway from Irkutsk to Moscow and then round things off with a trip to Yalta, on the Black Sea. But he was taken to hospital in the Siberian town of Khabarovsk and was eventually flown home by Russian airline Aeroflot. However, the pensioner – who got the travel bug when he retired – was planning to continue his globetrotting.

BBC television presenter Judith Stamper married London-based architect Michael Henville at St Peter’s Church, Addingham. The couple, who had a home in Addingham, held their reception at the Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey, and spent their honeymoon in Italy.

10 years ago

The Conservative Party expelled Coun David Ireton, claiming he had openly canvassed for the Independents during the May elections. “This is all silly nonsense and part of a witch hunt because the Conservative Group lost control of the council,” said Coun Ireton, who would continue to serve on the council as an Independent. Ten years on, Coun Ireton has once again returned to the Tory fold.

Seventy police officers raided a number of addresses in Skipton and made nine arrests. The high-profile raids were part of an initiative to target drug activity in Craven. “I want to make it quite clear to anyone who thinks Craven is an easy touch for drugs that this is not the case. Our work to take out dealers will continue and more arrests are anticipated as the operation gains momentum,” said Chief Insp Nick Smedley.

Daredevil motorcyclists wowed audiences at Skipton Gala with their fire stunts, wheelies and motorcycle jumps. And 20 brave members of the crowd laid side by side as the bikers leapt over them. It was just one of the attractions of the gala, which drew huge crowds. Gala queen Kimberley Sulliman was crowned by Craven District Council chairman Ken Hart. Her attendants were Nicola Brooks, Kerrie Jackson and Lydia Harvey.