Stories from out files (From Ilkley Gazette)

Stories from out files

12:10pm Friday 4th May 2012 in Features

125 Years Ago – 1887

Destructive Fire – On Monday night a fire broke out in Todd’s photographic studio, North Parade, Otley, and occupied by Mr Greetham, photographic artist. Before the flames could be extinguished the whole structure, which was of wood, was destroyed, together with about 10,000 negatives, views and cameras, representing a value of £200. Mr Greetham was only insured for £100.

The Jubilee – A meeting was held in the Oddfellows Hall, Addingham, on Saturday to consider the best means of celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee in the village. There was only a small attendance. Mr T H Bracken presided, and in his opening remarks dwelt at some length on the prosperity of the country during Her Majesty’s reign.

100 Years Ago – 1912

High Speed – In the first reliability trial of the Bradford Motor Cycle Club on Saturday, A Drummond, of Ilkley, returned second. The run was from Bradford to Blackpool and back to Guiseley, the riders being started at two-minute intervals, and expected to maintain a speed of 20 miles an hour throughout the course.

Menston Claim – Ilkley will have to look to its laurels. Menston is making claims to be the ideal health resort in the district. The chairman of the Menston Parish council has boasted of it. Dr Hyslop said: “We have pure bracing air and a good sanitary system, and I do not think any township in the whole valley can beat Menston as a health resort, or for residential purposes for the good of one’s health.”

75 Years Ago – 1937

Coronation Gift – Ilkley’s Coronation celebrations began yesterday with the official opening by Mr Arthur Hentzen, Gilstead, Middleton, of the lovely woodlands which he has presented to the town as a Coronation memorial. These woods, which cover an area of approximately 23- and-a-half acres, are known as Coppy Wood and Stubham Wood.

Too Many Rabbits – Wharfedale farmers are not having so much trouble with the rabbit pest as are those in some other districts but the animals are sufficiently prolific in this district to cause the farmer to take an interest in the report of a select committee on the steps that might be taken to protect agriculture from its ravages.

50 Years Ago – 1962

Project Completed – Menston War Memorial garden, in an attractive setting in the ground of Menston Hall, now converted into old people’s flats, was opened by the chairman of the war memorial Committee, Eric A Busby, marking the completion of a project first put forward in 1945. Over 50 residents gathered around the colonnade for Saturday’s ceremony.

Kipling Comparison – For some reason Aireborough is not a name that most people normally associate with the literary world, and it is as well that when occasion arises we should be reminded of its place in letters. The presence of Mr G Bernard Wood, the Rawdon journalist and author, at the opening of the new Rawdon library prompted a comment by Coun J F Ambler that Mr Wood is a member of "a distinguished company of literary gentlemen connected with Aireborough." In the roll, he said, were Rudyard Kipling, Longfellow and William Riley.

25 Years Ago – 1987

Civic Send Off – Traffic through Otley’s Kirkgate was halted for 20 minutes on Friday when architect Ralph Bradley was given a civic send off at the start of his 440 miles sponsored run between twin towns Otley and Montereau, near Paris. Ralph’s week-long marathon is to raise money for Polio Plus, an international Rotary appeal to eradicate polio and other child killer diseases throughout the world.

Tourist Status – There has been an enthusiastic reaction in many quarters to the announcement that Otley has been granted tourist area status by Leeds City Council. Coun Brian Clarke said: “Perhaps the coaches that now pass through Otley on the Emmerdale trail can be persuaded to have a break in Otley and enjoy our lovely town for what it is.”