125 Years Ago - 1891

The death occurred on Sunday at the advanced age of 73 years, of Mr James Jackson, who resided in Park Row, Burley. He was an old and valued servant of Messrs Wm. Fison and Co., having been in their employ for over 40 years. His occupation was that of foreman in the twisting department.

The English and Irish Ladies' Distress Fund - The societies which have charge of this fund, supported by many of the nobility of the country, including Her Majesty the Queen, (who is the patron of the Irish Distressed Ladies Fund) are doing philanthropic work and deserve the hearty support of the people of the country. The object of the societies is to enable the distressed ladies both in this and the sister isle to dispose of the needlework made by them. A Sale for the disposal of this work was held at Cathedine, where Mrs Arnold Forster had kindly made the necessary arrangements on Saturday last, and it was well attended. The sum of £40 was obtained.

100 Years Ago - 1916.

Five more beds have been provided at the V.A.D. hospital in Guiseley, and the wounded soldiers in occupation now number 30. Two of the men who have been in residence since the hospital opened, left on Tuesday for other scenes, and seven fresh soldiers were admitted. The "lads" continue to have a real good time in the township.

We are pleased to learn that Lieut. Geoffrey Brook is on the way to recovery. He was severely wounded in going over the parapet with Lieut. Maurice Benn, of Burley, and was treated in a French hospital. About a fortnight ago he was brought to London, from whence the news comes that he is going on as well as can be expected.

75 Years Ago - 1941

While we hear many encouraging reports about the way in which evacuees have settled down in Wharfedale, there are also stories on the other side. A discussion at the meeting of the Bramhope District Education Committee this week revealed that some of the evacuee children at Pool have brought a disturbing element into the village. So perturbed are the committee that they have asked the County Education Committee to billet them elsewhere. The Committee were told a few of the tricks which the evacuees have played, and one can understand the feeling of those responsible for maintaining discipline. At the same time, we do not think the youngsters should be judged too harshly.

A number of the Christmas parcels sent out to Otley men and women in the Forces, by the Comforts Fund Committee, have already been received and acknowledged. These come from naval men who have reached port where their gift was awaiting them, the 10s note and pair of socks have been none the less welcome for being early.

50 Years Ago - 1966

The impending closure of another of Wharfedale's textile mills has been reported to Otley and District Employment Committee which covers the Otley and Ilkley area. About 100 work-people have been, or will be, affected, it was stated. Most would be placed in other work. A report to the committee stated another of the area's textile factories is to close after meeting outstanding orders.

"Fifty years of progress" in and outside the home was described by a member of Addingham Women's Institute Mrs J.J. Barker. Mrs Barker said even in the comparative short space of her own lifetime many changes had taken place. She instanced the replacement by gas and electric fires of the old black-lead fireplace which required endless black-leading and which was supported by endless gleaming pieces of black fender, and fire irons. Hot water bottles have been replaced by electric blankets and mattresses. Vacuum cleaners took the place of brush and dustpan.

25 Years Ago - 1991

Two small oval pastels of still life, said to have been painted by Adolf Hitler, were entered in an art sale in Ilkley.

They were put forward by a vendor who had found them some months ago in a small country sale somewhere in England, totally unsung and bought for a song. Having despatched them to Christie's they were returned with the view that "They may well be genuine," but were beneath the artistic merit required by the august house.

After only six months as a Punch and Judy man, Alfred Robinson, of Otley, is entering the national championships next week. Alfred, 60, of West Busk Lane, will be up against competitors from all over the country to find the British Punch and Judy champion. Alfred has been a children's entertainer for many years under his pseudonym of Bobo super Clown, but took up Punch and Judy only in the Spring.