125 Years Ago - 1891

On Wednesday afternoon a deputation from the West Riding County Council, including Lord Lascelles and Mr Edwards, visited Addingham to consider the project which has been contemplated for some time of erecting a bridge over the River Wharfe. The site suggested was about half-way between the High Mill and the present ferry.

We recently called attention to the sad state of the Otley Fire Brigade depot, but apparently nobody has yet moved in the matter. We emphatically repeat all we have said; the premises are in a dangerous state and they are not at all conducive to the efficiency of the service of the safety of the men. We have undoubtedly a creditable body of men who work earnestly and well when their services are needed and the least our representatives can do is see that the buildings are kept in good order.

100 Years Ago - 1916

Recruiting has been fairly brisk at the Otley Drill Hall since the group system was re-opened less than a month ago. Altogether about 200 men from the Wharfedale district have been attested , the majority for the groups, and others for immediate service.

Mr C Flint has received the following letters from Addingham lads in Flanders and with the Mediterranean Force. It is pleasing to know that the parcels sent out to men serving in the latter force have been received and have not gone down at sea, as was believed by the men. Pte. Reuben Smith, of the 10th Dukes says: "There might be a chance of getting on pass if we are lucky. I hope so, anyway, as I would just like to see old Addingham once again, as you will be able to walk about without getting into much danger, and we cannot do that here, for we are under shell fire a long way back behind the line."

75 Years Ago - 1941

Mr William P. E. Gill, 58, Football, Yeadon, has been presented with an inscribed gold watch by the directors on completion of 60 years service with the firm of William Murgatroyd and Co, woollen manufacturers, Moorfield Mills, Yeadon. Mr Gill, who is 76 years of age, is still following his employment as night overlooker in the scribbling department, and in an interview this week said he felt almost as fit as when he played football nearly fifty years ago with the old Yeadon Rugby Union F.C. He began his working life at the age of eight years as a half-timer at an Esholt worsted mill, receiving wages of 1s. a week. The four miles there and back from Yeadon, via Gill Lane, was done on foot. In those days pieceners had to work three weeks for nothing while they learned their jobs.

You and thousands of your fellow citizens may soon be dealing with fire bombs for the first time. While you are waiting to receive official training it is essential that you should know the elements of fire-bomb fighting. Here are some hints from the Ministry of Home Security. Remember that success in dealing with this menace to you home and business will depend on your keeping a cool head, a keen eye and on quick movement.

50 Years Ago - 1966

The Otley General Hospital has become such a valued part of local life in these post-war years that it came as something of a surprise to find, from our "Twenty-five years ago" feature that it is only in 1941 that it was decided that the Otley Workhouse should be converted into a general hospital.Its official title was the New Hall Institution and it was put up as a workhouse in 1873 at a cost of £15,000 as a poor law institution.

From the pen of a journalist who started his career in the Otley office of the "Wharfedale" and is now a sub-editor with "The Times" in London, comes yet another novel. Mr Denis Robertshaw, who writes under the name of Michael Gaunt, has previously turned out three historical novels and a children's book entitle "Brim's Boat."His most recent publication, "Brim sails out", featured some animal characters.

25 Years Ago - 1991

Arrangements have been made to make it easier for servicemen in the Gulf to telephone home more easily and more cheaply. Coun. Dr. Graham Kirkland, of Otley, who is a member of the Leeds Telecom Advice Committee, said this week that Telecom has started a scheme named 'Desert Direct' under which servicemen can reverse charges on calls to home at a cost less than the current standard rate direct calls.

Over four tons of warm clothing, toys and school stationary collected by members of the Sacred Heart Church were despatched from Ilkley to the depot in Shipley where it is awaiting collection for Romania.