125 Years Ago - 1891

Information has been received of a house robbery at Otley. It appears that between the 7th and the 8th of the present month several articles of clothing were extracted from the house of Mr Whittaker, stone mason, Danefield Terrace, but as yet no clue has been discovered as to the thief. Besides the articles of clothing, a silver lever watch and albert guard are missing. Rumours are current of several attempted burglaries in the district, but these are, so far as the police inquiries are concerned, not well founded.

The following extract from a report by the medical officer of health ( Mr E Atkinson) was read out at the Skipton Rural Sanitary Authority on Saturday: - "There is no regular and proper system of sewerage in Addingham. In the upper part of the village the house drains pass under the road and discharge direct into the beck. In other parts they discharge into the highway drains, which eventually empty into the beck or river. In the case of houses built by the side of the beck or river, all slops are thrown directly into it.

100 Years Ago - 1916

There arrived at his home, at 5, Walkergate, Otley, quite unexpectedly, on Thursday morning, Gunner Christopher Bushby, who was one of the rescued crew of the "Warspite". Fears had been entertained by his relatives that he had gone down with the ill-fated vessel, particularly in view of the fact that one of the crew bearing a similar name had gone missing. Bushby joined the navy about nine years ago, he being then about 15 years of age.

Among those who it is believed were on board when the "Hampshire" was sunk is Edmond Stead, son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Stead, formerly residing at Danefield Terrace, Otley, and now of Beamsley Place, Cardigan Road, Leeds. Young Stead, who was 18 years of age, joined the Navy about eighteen months ago. So recently as Sunday last he telegraphed to his parents that he was safe after the great battle of last week, and was quite "merry and bright." Recently he was being trained as a wireless operator on board the "Hampshire." We are informed that the parents of young Stead on Thursday received a letter from the ship, posted on Monday morning, to say that he was quite well.

75 Years Ago - 1941

There has been a good deal of speculation this week as to how the Ministry of Food's egg control scheme is going to be applied. It is a subject of particular interest in the Wharfedale district, for in this locality there are many small poultry keepers, eggs are produced on most of the farms, and poultry may be said to be an important sideline in the trade of the valley. The bulk of the eggs are sold locally, either through the shopkeepers or by direct delivery or through the market, and the interests involved are considerable. Yet, unless present plans are modified, it seems that the present system of trading will have to stop.

A whist drive in aid of Burley Women Conservative Fund to provide comforts for the crew of the minesweeper "Clavella" was held at Paget's cafe on Wednesday. A two minutes silence was observed for the late Mrs Wells, Chairman of the Association.

50 Years Ago - 1966

Development of land on the western outskirts of Ilkley at Victoria Avenue was approved subject to conditions by Ilkley Urban Council at its meeting on Monday night. The land was during the war occupied by the MAP (Ministry of Aircraft Production)bungalows.

Since the W.V.S. conceived the Home for Tired Mothers at Hanford House, Margerison Road, Ben Rhydding, parties of boys from Moorland House School have been tending the garden. They have remodelled it and made a lawn. A party of three boys visit the home weekly and from time to time a larger party is taken there. The boys are made welcome by the Matron Mrs Darrah, and spend some of the time talking to the mothers in residence.

25 Years Ago - 1991

Clifton Ladies' Group had a real slice of entertainment at their June meeting. They were treated to a demonstration of 'continental cuts' by Wilkinson's the butchers, who have a branch in Otley. Among the delights was a Stroganoff Pinwheel , which is savoury mined beef in puff pastry.

A report of some of the happenings in Otley's twin town of Montereau has been translated for the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer from 'La Republique' by Mrs Chris Renshaw of Otley. The big news for 1992 in Montereau will be the opening of EuroDisney in April which is quite near to the town.