This picture of the Ilkley RUFC first team of the 1950s was rediscovered by team member Geoff Thompson, now of Knaresborough. We believe they were: Back row - Leslie Dolby,Eric Dalrymple, Peter Richardson, Alan Pedley, Stuart Herdman, Geoff Thompson, Geoff Hunter, Walter Holmes, Geoffrey Brook, - Laing. Second row: Tom Ackernley, Harry Loveday, Geoffrey King, \joe Dove, Peter Burtm Richard Armitage, Christopher Green, Sib Atkinson, Ken Murgatroyd, Harold Dolby, Derek Newsome, Mac Crawshaw, Sidney Hobbs. Seated: Maichae; Watson, Michael Dixon, Jack Taylor, John Gaunt, Clifford Wood, Michael Brook, Ronald Green (president), Peter Atkinson (captain), John Mounsey, Gerald Atkinson, Robert Shelton, David Riley, Michael Green. Front row: Paul Roberts, Ben Downs, John Moisley, Michael Clapham, Bernard Wilkinson, David Myers, Peter Waterhouse, Roy Arundel, Frank Hobbins, Christopher Hulme.

Grouse prospects are looking grim 3:11pm Thu 8 May 08 125 years ago We understand that the grouse prospects on Ilkley Moor are very disheartening. As many as 20 well-grown birds have been picked up dead in one day, and there has been a less average of eggs in the nests. Two birds have been packed up and sent to the Field newspaper for examination. It is believed that the mortality has been caused by scarcity of food and intense cold.

School examination boosts pupils' attendances

3:01pm Thursday 24th April 2008

125 years ago At a meeting of the Ilkley School Board members commented on the very marked increase in average attendance, the cause of which was explained to have been the examination, and it was thought that if scholars could be got together on an occasion like that, they should endeavour to keep up the average attendance. The chairman remarked on the apathy of poor parents applying to the relieving officer for the granting of school fees.

Earl Beaconsfield remembered in Ilkley 9:25am Thu 17 Apr 08 125 years ago The second anniversary of the death of Earl Beaconsfield was duly honoured at Ilkley in common with other places, and admirers of the departed statesman appeared to be pretty numerous. The wearing of the primrose seems to have been general amongst the Conservative Party but how long the custom will last remains to be seen.

Lecture on Palestine given at college 10:36am Thu 10 Apr 08 125 years ago In the hall of Ilkley College, Edward Worsdell BA, delivered a lecture on Palestine to the students attending the college and other guests. The lecturer was attired in flowing robes and turban, and would have passed muster in a crowd for an intelligent Oriental. He was further assisted in his illustrations by a large map showing the route travelled. A tall college youth, with the aid of a white tablecloth and veil, made a very presentable Eastern lady.

Across the Years

10:21am Thursday 3rd April 2008

125 years ago A woman who lived in Ash Grove, Ilkley, was charged with stealing a bag of coals from the coal crops on Railway Road. The defendent, having expressed her sincere contrition, the Bench at the Otley Police Court, dismissed the case.

Across the Years

12:31pm Thursday 27th March 2008

125 years ago Good Friday and the Easter holidays, times of recreation and enjoyment as well as seasons for the performance of specific religious duties, have this year fallen on evil days, and human arrangements, hopes, longings, and aspirations, together with pre-concerted schemes for the spending of the time in the pleasantest and most agreeable fashion, have been rudely blown aside by our common enemy - the east wind.

Death of an old fashioned publican

11:22am Thursday 20th March 2008

125 years ago Mr William Kendall, proprietor of the Rose and Crown Inn, Church Street, Ilkley, breathed his last. His health began to fail about 12 months ago, and gradually declined. The deceased, aged 60, a brusque but good hearted man, was a type of the old-fashioned host now fast becoming so rare. He was well known to a large class of travellers as he drove the bus between Ilkley, Arthington and Leeds until 1865.

Across the Years

2:09pm Thursday 13th March 2008

125 years ago A waggoner in the employ of Mr Horsman, nurseryman, Ilkley, met with an accident. He was returning from Bradford, and when near Sunset View, at about eight o'clock at night, got down from the wagon. He caught his heel under the wheel and in consequence it went over him, breaking his left leg. He was removed to Leeds infirmary where it is reported he is progressing favourably, A series of revival services in connection with the Weslyan Church in Ilkley, have begun. Miss Brewster addressed a meeting in the schoolrooms on the question of 'What Shall I do with Jesus - who is called Christ'? Miss Brewster, who is a remarkably eloquent and effective speaker, delivered a powerful and stirring exhortation to her hearers on the memorable words of Pontius Pilate.

Reports of a shoemaker's death were premature

1:20pm Thursday 21st February 2008

125 years ago A report got afloat that John Waddington, shoemaker, of Ilkley - who was taken to Leeds Infirmary in consequence of an accident five weeks ago - had died at the institution after having his leg amputated. On inquiry the rumour turned out to be unfounded. It is intended however, to amputate his leg as soon as he is fit to bear the operation this being the only chance, it is said, to save his life.

Snow and hail leads to floofing in Ilkley 3:47pm Thu 31 Jan 08 125 years ago THE incessant fall of snow, hail and rain which set in towards the end of last week increased in volume, swelling the river Wharfe and its tributaries to such an unwonted degree that the natural channels were quite inadequate to carry away the flood; consequently the waters burst their natural boundaries and rushed in an irresistible torrent over the valley doing great damage to property and in several instances placing the lives of people in imminent jeopardy.

More ...