125 Years Ago - 1893

We regret to record that on Friday last an accident befell the Rev. E. Thomas, Rector of Guiseley. When leaving the Conservative Club , Mr. Thomas fell down the steps, which are very steep and awkward, breaking his arm and sustaining injuries to his face.

On Tuesday afternoon a man named Greenwood was engaged painting over the entrance door at the Parish Church, Yeadon, when the ladder on which he was standing slipped, and he was precipitated on to the flags below. He was very badly cut about the temple, and his shoulder was also severely injured.

100 Years Ago - 1918

Although the Women’s War Work Exhibition held in the King’s Hall was not such an attractive affair as some imagined it was going to be, it served in a striking and practical way to illustrate what women are doing on the land, in munition factories, and at military headquarters, depots and camps, to help win the war. Women have adapted themselves to war work and to war conditions in a wonderful way, and have shown a patriotism that should long ago have shamed into the Army all the fit men without “any just cause or impediment” liable for service.

Pig-keeping on co-operative lines has been commenced at Menston. It is not a municipal enterprise, but rather in the nature of a trading concern. A field, on which stand three cottages, has been bought by a body of trustees, and a number of sites are to be erected for the use of those members who have not sties of their own.

75 Years Ago - 1943

Sergeant Frederick Dixon (31), Royal Armoured Corps, whose home is in West Terrace, Burley, had a pleasant surprise in North Africa when he was ordered to join a draft detailed to escort German prisoners to England. The result was an equally pleasant surprise for his wife when she answered the the telephone to find her husband speaking from a British port. Setgeant Dixon went out to North Africa in November and fought throughout the campaign. He told a representative of this paper this week that his job was to keep the tanks supplied with petrol and oil. He was concerned in several fierce encounters but was reluctant to speak of them, though he picked out a tank battle at Medjez-el-Bab as one of the most terrific fights in the First Army’s campaign.

Sgt. Henry Polli, of Ilkley, writes from the Middle East, and tells of meeting there the Rev. Leslie Pickett, for several years assistant priest at St. Margaret’s Church, Ilkley, who became a Chaplain to the Forces nearly three years ago. Sgt. Polli says: “We met by chance somewhere on the desert in Egypt. It was a very pleasant hour we spent going over the old times; people we know and places at home. He gave me some ‘Ilkley Gazettes,’ I had not seen one since I left home.

50 Years Ago - 1968

The International Wool Secretariat Centre in Valley Drive, Ilkley, which has now started operations, will eventually employ 180 scientists and technicians. The new £1.25 million product development and technical service centre will speed the flow of new wool products into the shops.

A former Menston couple who have lived in California for nine years, have returned to this country to celebrate their golden wedding. Mr. and Mrs. William Maxwell, of Coasta Mesa, Orange County, California, are staying for three months with their daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Denis Carney, at Leathley Avenue, Menston. Their two sons - Bill (44) and Peter (40) have travelled from their homes in Balbao Island, California, and Truro, Nova Scotia to join the celebrations.

25 Years Ago - 1993

Chilling tales of ghostly-goings-on at The Swan, in Main Street, Addingham, have led to claims that the Jacobean building - which was once a mortuary - is haunted. Eye witness accounts from customers and tenants tell of two apparitions - a serving lady and a coachman in a fawn cap. Landlady Kay Foster says she is convinced that ghosts are watching over her.

Ilkley’s threatened slaughterhouse could be thrown a lifeline by new agriculture minister Gillian Shepherd. Legal experts say she could yet step in the save the abattoir.