125 Years Ago – 1890 There have been no less than three very sudden deaths during the past week. The first was that of a child of Mr S Rawling, of New Scarbro’, who died from convulsion on Thursday in last week. Then on Friday morning Mrs Marshall, wife of Mr Marshall, painter, High Street, who was in her usual state of health on the previous evening, was suddenly taken ill and died in a few hours, and lastly, a man named Joseph Exley, of Henshaw, who was hawking milk on Monday, died suddenly.

The funeral of Miss Emily Whitaker, second daughter of Mr John Whitaker, of Glendair, Ilkley, who died on Wednesday, in last week, took place in the family grave in the Ilkley Parish Churchyard, on Saturday afternoon, the remains being laid with those of Mrs Whitaker, the mother of the deceased, who was interred so recently as the 18th ultimo. Miss Whitaker was known to have a wide circle of friends in Ilkley, to whom by the kindness of her disposition, she had endeared herself.

100 Years Ago – 1915 Sir – I read your paper every week and take a deep interest in the doings of my native town, but I was rather shocked when I read in the Topical Tattle column of an Otley woman who said that only the scum had gone to the front. It was one thing stopping at home and having every night in bed and another standing waist deep in water and mud for a week at a stretch. Let her think of the empty chairs and homes caused by this war. If all people were in the same mind, our country would be in rack and ruin just like the country out here. From an Otley man who is not scum (This letter has been written at the front and passed by the Army Censor).

A meeting of the textile operatives of the Yeadon and Guiseley district was held last night at Yeadon on the war bonus question, the demands and counter-offers in regard to which are outlined in another column. There was a crowded attendance.

75 Years Ago – 1940 Hitting Back at the Bully – After the long strain of months of inaction, events have moved so rapidly these last few days that we are left breathless and excited for any further scrap of news. In the confusion of the conflict we can be sure of only two things – that German aggression has again raised its head in the familiar form, and that this time – for the first time let it be remembered – Hitler has found someone to hit him back. The Navy, as always, has smashed into action without any preliminary publicity or screamed threats.

As a result of the efforts of the Addingham Women’s Knitting and Sewing Party, 500 articles have now been knitted.

Every member of His Majesty’s forces from Addingham has been supplied with a pullover, scarf, helmet two or three pairs of socks and either gloves or mittens.

Parcels of comfort have also been sent to the B.E.F. forces, W.V.S. Skipton and Finland.

50 Years Ago – 1965 “Wild insinuations” at Otley Council about a Mafia in Otley market have aroused deep feelings among stallholders and council staff, it was stated at the Estates Committee of Otley Council on Tuesday. It was suggested that the committee should meet reps of the market traders and council staff as soon as possible to get to the bottom of the matter.

25 Years Ago – 1990 It was a case of chopper and chips for a London couple when they flew up to Guiseley to enjoy a traditional Yorkshire meal. As winners in a national competition run by Rowntree’s, Mr and Mrs Boddy flew up from London by helicopter and landed in the car park of Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip restaurant at White Cross, Guiseley, where they were served fish and chips.

Yeadon charity worker Mrs Pat Freeman, of Banksfield Ave, celebrated her 70th birthday in style.

Mrs Freeman, wife of Herbert Freeman, chairman of Yeadon Charities Association, and a past chairman of the old Aireborough Urban District Council, took the controls of a Cessna 152 aircraft for her first flying lesson.