125 Years Ago - 1893

We deeply regret to have to record the death of Miss Sarah Rhodes, which occurred at the hospital at twenty minutes to twelve on Saturday night last. Miss Rhodes, who was appointed Matron of the Ilkley Hospital in 1879, held the position up to her death with marked capability and good management, and her loss will be very severely felt by all with whom she came in contact. Since Miss Rhodes took office over 12,000 admissions have been made to the Ilkley Hospital, all the patients having passed under her immediate care. Of the number admitted 95 and a half per cent were either cured or visibly improved in health.

On Saturday “the 12th” grouse shooting was commenced under the most favourable circumstances known for many years. Good sport was afforded, the weather being most favourable.

100 Years Ago - 1918

One of the most charming features of the moors at this time of the year is the wealth of purple heather, and just now it is at its best. To the town dweller it is one of the most pleasing sights imaginable, and it speaks to such, not of the time for the slaughter of grouse by sportsmen, but of restfulness and peace, and the sweet, pure breath of heaven.

Mrs. Mitton wishes to thank the many kind friends who have subscribed towards the Brass Tablets placed in the Parish Church, Ilkley, and Christ Church, Nessfield, to the memory of her late dear husband.

75 Years Ago - 1943

Mr. and Mrs. C. Leadbetter Gill, of Brooklands Crescent, Yeadon, have been notified that their youngest son , Trooper Cooper Leadbetter Gill, a wireless operator in the Tank Corps, has been killed in action in Sicily. He was 20 years of age.

The W.V.S. are once again organising the local collection of rose hips under the direction of the West Riding of Yorkshire County Herb Committee and for this purpose will open a depot at the W.V.S. clothing store in Bridge Street, Otley. Schoolchildren are being asked to assist in the collection of the rose hips, the syrup of which is valuable for growing children, the vitamin content being very great.

50 Years Ago - 1968

A good deal of interest was taken in a seven coach diesel hauled train which brought a party direct from King’s Cross to Ilkley on Saturday for an inspection of the International Wool Secretariat at Ben Rhydding. It was a reminder of the days when Ilkley had a through service to London. There will be a bigger train arriving at Ilkley on Thursday, 5 September, when visitors from all over the world will attend the official opening by Sir William Gunn, Chairman of the Board of the I W S.

Proposals to introduce more parking restrictions in the centre of Ilkley are not unexpected. A good deal of what goes on in the town is viewed with a tolerant eye, and constant offenders have only themselves to blame if authority has now felt that in the interests of the majority the wilfulness of the small minority must be curbed. The Saturday morning practice of motorists of leaving their cars in positions which create problems has grown in the past year or two. The unwillingness to walk a few yards seems to be more prevalent in Ilkley than in most towns.

25 Years Ago - 1993

A new footbridge labelled “idiotic and illogical” is not expected to open for at least another week. Workmen are finishing safety work on the £120,000 bridge at Ilkley Railway Station which has a ramp on one side - but a steep flight of steps on the other. Its design was condemned by disabled campaigners when first revealed by the Gazette in April.

Intrepid budding reporter Elizabeth Berry succeeded where national hacks have failed - by snatching an interview with top British cyclist Robert Millar. The cyclist is renowned for giving the cold shoulder to reporters and normally rejects requests to speak to the Press. Elizabeth, 11, seized a rare chance to speak to her idol when the Cycling World Cup came to Leeds. The girl from Ghyll Wood, Ilkley, tracked Millar down to the Hilton Hotel and waited for him to appear in the reception area before approaching him for an interview.