Christmas Nostalgia
  • A snowy scene from the past shows off some of the historic features of Ilkley town centre. This undated picture shows the snow around the fountain which stands at the junction of Brook Street, The Grove and Station Road.
  • This charming old wintry scene could have come straight from a Dickens novel, complete with ladies in bonnets, gentlemen with walking sticks, and townsfolk out promenading on The Grove, in defiance of the snowy streets.
  • The traditional form of horsepower did a mighty good job of clearing snow from the streets of Ilkley. This scene, showing heavy horses pulling a snow plough, is thought to date from the winter of 1947.
  • Judging by the prompt appearance of ice skates, and apparent skill of the skaters in this undated photograph, skating on the Tarn was once commonplace.
  • Pupils at Menston School performed a pantomime for younger children in December 1963. This picture was taken at the finale, showing the full cast as well as some of the young members of the audience.
  • The jolly party hats seemed to bring plenty to Christmas cheer to these youngsters as they celebarted their school Christmas party in 1963. The children were pupils of the County Infants School on Leeds Road in Ilkley.
  • The full cast of an Ilkley school's Christmas play posed for this photograph back in the 1950s. The picture was taken at Ilkley CE Mixed School.

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Christmas Nostalgia

Wintry weather may freeze the countryside, but warm and cheery Christmas celebrations are a popular tradition in Wharfedale. From local schools to the healthy assortment of community groups, clubs and societies in the area, there is always plenty going on to bring some festive cheer at this time of year. Father Christmas must have to work overtime to meet his extraordinarily busy schedule, putting in an early appearance at the many Christmas fairs and parties. Seasonal productions, nativity plays, concerts and parties pack the calendar, and caring members of the community are careful to think of isolated neighbours who may be spending Christmas alone. The photographic archives of the Ilkley Gazette record the great local tradition of celebrating Christmas. We have compiled just a few of the scenes from Christmas past to let readers see what local residents got up to in years gone, and maybe spot a few familiar faces.

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