Temperance Society heads for the coast (From Ilkley Gazette)

Temperance Society heads for the coast

10:18am Thursday 31st July 2008 in Features By Annette McIntyre

125 years ago

The Otley Temparence Society again announced two cheap trips: one to Blackpool and one to Scarboro (sic). At the latter place, the Engineer Volunteers will be in camp and, if the weather keeps up, there is no doubt that these annual trips, which are always well managed, will be liberally patronised. Captain Dawson, of the Engineer Volunteers, expressed his disappointment that he would not be allowed to take all the men to Scarboro.

A serious accident occurred to a little boy in Guiseley. The boy is in his fifth year and was amusing himself by jumping off a low wall in front of the Coal Company's Office when he fell. He had to be carried home and it was discovered that his leg was partly broken. In order to make a full break so that it could be set, chloroform had to be administered. The little fellow is now progressing favourably.

A Rawdon butcher was summoned to the West Riding Police Court for having unjust scales. Superintendent Stansfield said he visited the shop and found a large scale that was three-quarters of an ounce against the customer. He had warned the defendant before. The butcher was fined 6s with costs.

100 years ago

William Lowrie, a labourer, of no fixed abode, was charged with begging in Boroughgate, Otley. Lowrie stated that he belonged to Newcastle and was making his way to the Union. He was 69 years of age. Supt Strain said he had been previously committed at Otley. A sentence of one month's imprisonment was imposed.

The general meeting of the Rawdon Friends' Day and Boarding School afforded an opportune occasion for the formal opening of the new cookery room which has just been added to the school. The building, which has been utilised for cookery and laundry purposes, was formerly a stable and storehouse. It is light and airy, and the equipment, both for cookery and laundry, is admirable. The total cost amounts to about £400, towards which £315 has been raised or promised. The opening ceremony was kindly undertaken by Prof Smithells of the University of Leeds.

When the King was at Harewood Fred Elgie, mechanic, of Otley, borrowed a motor car and drove to see His Majesty. At Wetherby Police Court yesterday he was charged with driving to the danger of the public and also with driving without a licence.

75 years ago

Smoking ruins were all that remained on Wednesday night of the main building of Springwood Dyeworks, Horsforth, as the result of a spectacular fire which broke out at 6pm in the tentering room. Damage estimated as running into several thousands of pounds was caused and approximately 40 workpeople will be temporarily out of work.

The King, who is to be at Harewood House soon after The Twelfth, will shoot grouse over the Bolton Abbey Moors this season. Servants from Chatsworth arrived at Bolton Abbey yesterday to make ready the house against the arrival on Friday of his host, the Duke of Devonshire, who opens the season the next day.

The Guiseley Hospital Fund Committee were favoured with delightful weather for their 38th annual carnival and gala.

The early morning menace of showers did not materialise though there was an anxious period in the afternoon when it seemed that the crowd of visitors would have to scamper for shelter. A spokesman for the event said that when the financial side of the gala comes to be totted up it is probable there will be a nice balance for the hospitals.

50 years ago

An upward trend in local unemployment fig ures, due to the proposed short-time working in textile and engineering industries, is anticipated by Otley and District Employment Committee. The secretary said that although the official' unemployment figures for early August would probably show little change, an increase could be expected in September.

An application is being made by Bramhope District Education Committee for the appointment of an additional teacher at Bramhope County School, which, owing to the large increase of pupils, will soon be held in four different buildings. It was reported that in addition to the actual school premises, use was already being made of one West Riding classroom and the Methodist Sunday School.

When Mrs Marjorie Kirk, formerly of Old Pool Bank, now of Northumberland, accepted an invitation to spend a holiday with friends at Chevin Edge, Old Pool Bank, she decided to bring her horse and a beagle pup with her by train. The horse, a chestnut gelding, is known as Titch because he is so big - he stands at 17hh. Miss Kirk hopes to ride him in a jumping event tomorrow.

25 years ago

An assurance has been given by local councillors that steps are being taken to alleviate flooding problems on the Cambridge Estate at Otley. Several residents have complained that in heavy rain, Teal Beck running through the estate, overflows into gardens and one housewife said she had written to Leeds City Council twice asking for urgent action to be taken. Cllr Graham Kirkland said: "We have spoken to the appropriate directors and it has been agreed that the final design work should be completed."

Guiseley Cricket Club has a problem. A pile of rubbish has gradually been getting bigger and bigger during the past five or six weeks because Leeds City Council workmen have failed to collect it. There are about a dozen plastic bags and a number of cardboard boxes containing the rubbish in a pile outside the pavilion. A spokesman for the club said: "I think it's disgusting the Council cannot look after us better than this."

Representatives of parish councils throughout the mid-Wharfedale area met informally in Otley Civic Centre on Monday to discuss the Otley Town Council proposal that they should withdraw from the Leeds and Bradford City Councils and band together to form their own Mid-Wharfedale District Council. A further meeting has been arranged for early September to receive a report on further investigations into the details of the scheme.