125 Years Ago - 1891

THE news of the death of the his Grace the Duke of Devonshire was received at Bolton Abbey a little before nine o’clock on Tuesday morning by means of a telegram from Chatsworth to Mr A. Downs, the resident agent. Immediately the news became known the bell in the abbey was tolled, and many of the inhabitants drew down their blinds as a mark of the very high esteem in which not only the Duke, but other members of the family, were held by the tenantry.

The severe frost has rejoiced the hearts of many in Ilkley for it has enabled them to indulge in the health-giving exercise of skating. The Tarn, for several days past, has been the scene of much enjoyment to the young of both sexes.

100 Years Ago - 1916

“A MERRY Christmas.” This old time wish may on the surface seem a bit incongruous in these present days of the hideous carnage of war. When thousands of homes are suffering bereavement, stricken with grief and sorrow, and desolate through the loss of dearly loved ones, to speak of merriment does, perhaps, appear somewhat out of place. But believing that the quoted phrase contains a deeper meaning than the mere expression of a desire for a reckless prodigality in the use or abuse of the good things usually associated with the celebration of the coming Festival, we venture to extend the usual formula to our readers, with all the heartiness at our command.

Pte. Alfred H. Wilkinson, elder son of Mr and Mrs J. H. Wilkinson, of Villa Rosa, Calverley Lane, Horsforth, was reported wounded in October last. Letters have now been received from comrades stating that they saw Pte. Wilkinson wounded in a charge on September 26th, and that he was left behind on the field. The ground was soon after heavily shelled by the enemy, and there can be no doubt that he was hit by a high explosive, as no trace of him was subsequently found.

75 Years Ago - 1941

THIS Christmas there are many whose sons, husbands, brothers - and now even daughters - are away from home and standing amid all the perils of war. There are those at home who read the day’s news with a continuous though unexpressed question, and whose watch on the ways of the postman is a daily strain. They can be more than forgiven if they find the “Spirit of Christmas Present” a somewhat attenuated being this year. then there are those whose Christmas perforce is being spent away from their own homes, strangers in Wharfedale from the bombed cities and the danger areas; some indeed whose homes are but a heap of rubble.

The convalescent soldiers at Arthington Convalescent Home are to have a Christmas dinner of turkey, Christmas pudding, mince pies etc., and, it is hope, a drink of beer. In the evening there is to be a whist drive. The prizes have been given by the Wounded Warriors Association, who are also sending gifts to every man. It is understood that each man will receive a writing pad and 20 cigarettes.

50 Years Ago - 1966

A “HARD CORE” of parents in the Ilkley Urban District who refused to permit their children to receive dental treatment have created a situation described as “appalling” at the December meeting of the Ilkley Education Committee on Tuesday. The meeting passed a resolution expressing concern. Mr C. E. Smith said it was not uncommon for children of 14 to have a full set of dentures.

Applications from the Help the Aged Housing Association Ltd, in respect of the conversion of “Kirkwood”, Moorfield Road, Ben Rhydding, into flatlets for letting to aged persons of limited means have been approved by the Council.

25 Years Ago - 1991

TO THE pupils of Ashfield Infants School, Otley, the star of the new film version of Wuthering Heights, will not be Ralph Fiennes, who plays Heathcliff, or Juliette Binoche, who is Cathy. It will be Sean Bowden, who has made the great leap from being a snowman in the school’s Christmas play to a part in a £5m Paramount movie to be shown all over the world. Admittedly it’s not a big role. In fact, it has mostly involved standing about looking glum. But taking part in the production has been a big adventure for the six-year-old.