125 Years Ago - 1893

John Judge, a labourer, who has been staying at the Model Lodging House, Otley, met with an accident on Wednesday whilst following his employment on some new buildings in course of erection at the Fox and Hounds Inn, Menston.Whilst descending a ladder his foot slipped and he fell to the ground, a distance of eleven feet, hurting himself severely. He was conveyed at once to Dr. Williamson’s surgery at Otley, where it was found he was suffering from an injury to the spine. After Dr. Williamson had attended to the injuries so far as possible, the man was conveyed to the Leeds Infirmary in the Ambulance Van.

The workpeople of Messrs. W. Walker and Sons had their annual excursion on Saturday last, journeying by an early train to Scarbro, where a very enjoyable day was spent. The weather was delightfully fine and warm.

100 Years Ago - 1918

His Majesty the King of the Belgians has been graciously pleased to confer the Medaille de la Reine Elizabeth on Mrs Rabagliati “in recognition of kind help and valuable assistance personally given to the Belgian refugees and Belgian soldiers during the war.” Mrs Rabagliati has been president of the Ilkley Ladies’ Belgian Hospitality Committee since September 1914.

Bombardier J. G. Dinsdale, R.F.A., eldest son of Cr. J. Dinsdale, The Grove, Ilkley, has been “gassed” and admitted into hospital in France.

75 Years Ago - 1943

Another instance of the way in which local associations are frequently encountered by men serving in foreign parts is given in a letter which L/Sgt. Phillip B. Robinson has sent to his sister Mrs. M. A. Orton, of “Kenroyd”, Netherfield Road, Guiseley. L/Sgt Robinson, eldest son of the late Mr. Walter Robinson, master of Prince Henry’s Grammar School, had been convalescing in a place in Southern India. He says: “Whilst I was in Ootacamund I came across an unexpected link with the old town - an Otley Road! It seemed so strange to see the familiar name on a street name plate.”

“Bomb Rome” - the Rector of Guiseley, Archdeacon Lowe says he hopes that Rome will be bombed by the R.A.F. Writing in the July “Guiseley Parish Messenger” on the subject of the “air war”, he says: - “The damage done to the war productive centres in Germany must be colossal. Bomber command will go on relentlessly hammering the Ruhr, until it ceases to count in Germany’s war effort. It is the best way to bring them to their senses.” He added: “What will they think when Rome is bombed, and I hope it will be, for it is no more sacred than London, even if the Pope is living there.”

50 Years Ago - 1968

After the hottest day in Ilkley since August, 1961, there were two thunderstorms on Monday which caused flooding in parts of the town. It was the 68th anniversary of the most devastating thunderstorm on record when considerable damage was done and one man lost his life as a building collapsed in Bolton Bridge Road.

The £3,500 swimming pool at Wharfedale’s Children’s Hospital will, it is hoped, be completed when the annual garden fete at the hospital is held on July 13. The fete will be opened by Lady Stoddart-Scott.

25 Years Ago - 1993

Last week Robert Key, Minister for Roads and Traffic, launched the biggest summertime anti-drink drive campaign worth £1.6m. There are more accidents involving drinking and driving, and more breath test failures in summer than winter. Between June and August around 5,000 people are killed or injured in alcohol related road accidents. In Yorkshire and Humberside last last year there were 661 drink-drive related accidents, involving deaths or injuries.

A former Menston man now living in the United States has created a research foundation at Leeds University. Dr John E. Crowther, who attended Menston Primary School and Aireborough Grammar School, has set up the John E Crowther/Martin Clarke Foundation which will fund in perpetuity a doctoral or post-doctoral research fellowship in mathematical geography.