100 years ago

THE inter-regimental boxing contests between the Duke of Wellington's Battalion and the Bradford Pals attracted a crowd to Skipton Town Hall. There were several spirited encounters.

Esther Lund, of Bennett Street, Skipton, believed to be the oldest person in the town, died at the age of 92. She was born at Stone Gappe, Cononley, in 1823, where her husband, who died aged 95, was head gardener. She had been in remarkable health until a bout of bronchitis.

The 5th company of the 1st Bradford Pals Battalion was to leave its headquarters in Manningham Lane for their march to the Skipton camp, where additional huts had been built for its accommodation.

50 years ago

KEIGHLEY-based West Yorkshire Services applied to the Traffic Commissioners to change some of their bus routes when the railway passenger services in South Craven closed on March 22. The main change was that three buses per hour would run between Keighley and Silsden.

The George Inn, Hubberholme, one of the few remaining pubs owned by the church, was sold at auction for £5,750. About 60 people attended the sale held at the Black Horse Hotel, Skipton. New owner was London salesman William John Hartley. The Rev J Stringer said the sale had been forced upon him due to economic pressure.

The Keighley and District Disablement Advisory Committee expressed concern at the number of firms failing to employ the required number of disabled persons over a number of years.

25 years ago

A MASSIVE campaign should be launched to save closure-threatened Neville House, Gargrave, a county councillor said. The home was one of eight being considered for closure as part of plans to improve the remaining county council-run homes and day care facilities. But Cllr Beth Graham, who represented Ribblesdale, said she was not happy with the proposal and called on the people of Craven to join her in her fight. "What concerns me is whether private sector homes can give a good standard of service to clients supported by the public purse," she said. The council emphasised no decision had been made.

Three members of the Skipton branch of the Royal Air Force Association were presented with certificates of appreciation for their efforts, collecting money for the Wings Appeal, over a number of years. The recipients were Henry Ingham, who had given more than 40 years' service, Paul Elmer and Arthur Hallam. The certificates were presented by president Richard Titterington.

Scouting was to open its doors to girls following a decision by the Scout Association. South Craven District Commissioner Ted Berry said: "It is the way forward and we are coming into line with other youth groups. We are not trying to compete with the Guides but will cater for girls who want more adventurous activities. The Scout programme will remain unchanged and the girls will have to accept the programme as it is."

10 years ago

A MULTI-MILLION pound home furnishing empire which started life as a Skipton market stall was sold by its founder for an undisclosed sum. Barry Brookfield, a former RAF dog handler, started Ponden Mill in 1968. Initially he traded from a market stall in Skipton, but in the 1970s started selling duvets from an old mill before opening his first shop. Eventually there were 132 shops across the country and the company had a turnover of £50 million. Mr Brookfield, 68, sold the business to Blackpool Tower boss Trevor Hemmings, who ran Marston Mills.

A businessman was flabbergasted when he opened his mail to find an apology from a shoplifter. And Ken Johnson was even more staggered to find a cheque for £75 to compensate him for the theft several years ago. The letter arrived at his business, Kay Jay Print, in Cross Hills, with a Glasgow postmark and was written by a woman who lived on one of the Scottish Islands. She said she had undergone a dramatic change in her life and wanted to apologise for stealing from the business while at school in the village. Mr Johnson said he would give the money to the Tsunami Appeal.

The mother of schoolgirl Rochelle Cauvet, who drowned in Stainforth Beck, burst into tears when she heard that vandals had snapped the tree planted in memory of her daughter. But Kim Cauvet was full of praise for the villagers, including one who had offered a £50 reward for information about the culprits. Mrs Cauvet, who lived in France, said: "It is really comforting to know that people really do care."