1885

For several years past the question of making a railway through to Skipton has at intervals been in agitation, and opinions freely expressed as to the benefits or otherwise to be derived therefrom. Whilst almost universally admitted that railway communication was desirable, there has always existed a strong feeling of opposition to the scheme which has received the sanction of Parliament on account of the manner in which it crosses Ilkley. Expressions of regret are constantly to be heard regarding the spanning of Brook Street with a bridge, and the severance of the place from there westward with a high viaduct or embankment, which, however architecturally beautiful it may be, will mar the general aspect of the place.

The will (dated December 6th, 1883) of Mr William Middleton, late of Myddelton Lodge, Ilkley, and of Stockfield park, near Wetherby, Yorkshire, who died on February 26th last, was proved at the Wakefield District Registry on the 21st ult., by the Hon Mrs. Juiana Constable Maxwell Stuart and Miss Appollonia Mary Middelton, the sisters, the executrixes, the value of the personal estate amounting to upwards of £38,000.

1910

Memorial services were held at all the Ilkley churches on the day of the funeral service of HM King Edward VII. Flags flew at half mast and the four lamps in front of the Town Hall were draped with black, as were those at the bottom, of Brook Street which bore shields with the Royal Coat of arms. The official service took place at Ilkley Parish Church.

Following the death of the King there have been less visitors than usual at Whitsuntide in Ilkley despite perfect weather. Therefore those who visited the town were rewarded with ideal conditions and enjoyed the beauty of the moors, woods, and riverside. Sangers Circus, which was at Ilkley for the day, and the Skating Rink, were both big attractions. The cloakroom at the railway station resembled a wholesale clothing factory and the weather was so warm that overcoats, cloaks and wraps were left there for the day.

1935

“A Merry Christmas!” This was quite a common greeting this morning as people with heads bent against the falling flakes trudged through the snow. It cannot be said that any surprise was occasioned by such weather in May, for since the weekend the temperature had fallen and the figures for Monday at Ilkley Weather Station showed a minimum temperature of only one degree above freezing point. Though there was a certain amount of sunshine yesterday there was a cold wind which brought with it periodic snowstorms and prepared the way for today’s heavy fall. The snowstorm began this morning shortly after 7.30am and the roofs and roads were quickly covered. It is not often that cricket matches are cancelled owing to snow, but this seems a likely possibility for tomorrow.

The annual party for Ilkley mothers and their babies was brought forward this year to be included as part of the Jubilee celebrations and there was a happy scene in the Winter Garden yesterday when some 300 mothers and babies were entertained to tea, and a programme comprising a dancing display and a Punch and Judy entertainment was arranged. Tea was served in the balcony of the Winter Garden, and this was followed by a period in which the tiny tots amused themselves on the floor of the ballroom.

1960

The activity of an unauthorised bathing party at Ilkley Pool will be considered at the next meeting of the Moor and Parks Committee of Ilkley Council when the question of prosecution will be taken into account. The bathing pool officially opened yesterday, but at midnight on Monday a police officer on patrol found a mixed bathing party from Bradford and Shipley in progress. The policeman was in Denton Road when he heard shouts and laughter coming from the site. He investigated and as he got nearer, he heard people jumping and splashing in the water and saw four cars parked outside the entrance.

This is bluebell time, with the various Bluebell Woods, throughout the district carpeted with that soft and hazy sheen that is such an annual delight – and such an annual temptation. Everywhere one went at the week-end it was the same story. Pesestrians were carrying great sheaves of wilting bluebells; cyclists had them strapped to the back of their bicycles; motorists had them sprawling on the rear window-shelf.

1985

Delight at the speed in which 2,600 signatures have been obtained on a petition, opposing the rationalisation plans for Ilkley’s rail links with Leeds and Bradford was expressed at a meeting of the Wharfedale Rail Users Group Executive committee. A large number of the signatures were from regular commuters and the group is now aiming to get more support from anyone else who wishes to use and retain the rail service.

Ilkley is to see at least three major property changes in the centre of the town this year. Ilkley Hall and land alongside has been sold for £500,000, work has started on four new shops in Brook Street and permission has now been given to build four new shops on the Grove. Spooner Industries Ltd, the Ilkley based engineering firm, have sold Ilkley Hall together with part of the grounds.