125 years ago

At the Otley Petty Sessions, Michael McGuire, of no fixed abode, was placed in the dock on the charge of begging at Ilkley. Sergeant Lee deposed to being on duty in plain clothes at about eight o'clock in the morning when he observed the prisoner going from house to house in Skipton Road soliciting alms. Witness saw the prisoner about 9pm on the previous evening and heard him arrange with another member of the begging fraternity to meet him on the following morning. Numerous complaints were now being made almost daily of begging at Ilkley. Their worships said a stop must be put to what appeared to be professional begging and committed the prisoner to the Wakefield House of Correction for 14 days.

This letter to the editor appeared: Sir, - A few days ago it was my fortunate lot to visit a country town in the Midlands, where I enjoyed a very pleasant swim in the river, and could not help contrasting the differences of that town with our own. Can nothing be done to provide a proper place with dressing rooms? I think if some of our bathing friends were to call a public meeting of all interested in the movement they might find some means of solving the difficulty."

100 years ago

There are many excellent people who have a strong objection to Sunday performances and indeed Sunday music of any kind. Except that which is to be found in churches and other places of worship; but Sunday concerts are infinitely better than some forms of recreation now prevalent on the Sabbath, and the decision of the Band Committee of the district council to provide a concert occasionally on the Sunday is in our opinion a very laudable proceeding.

The Parish Church bellringers had their annual excursion on Monday, spending an interesting day in the Lake district. Accompanied by Mr S.B Wheldon (People's Warden), the party left Ilkley at 6am and journeyed to Lakeside, Windermere, via Bolton Abbey and Skipton, arriving at Lakeside before 9am.

A few days ago it somehow got abroad that this regiment, although a much larger body of men than has previously visited Ilkley, were not likely to benefit the tradesmen to the same extent as previous camps. Rumour had it that they were bringing all their provisions and everything else they possibly could, but those who set this story moving were evidently 'talking off the top.'

75 years ago

Ilkley Winter Gardens hosted the first ever British Gliding conference in July, 1931. The Gazette recorded: "Useful discussions on various aspects of gliding club management, valuable interchange of experience in modern practice of training, and above all an inspiring vision of possibilities to which gliding may attain in the future were outstanding features of the conference." Ilkley Gliding Club, to tie in with the conference, had organised an eight-glider display at their new flight base near Malham Tarn.

About 350 Wharfedale Scouts took part in the annual rally at Ilkley. Major D E Roberts, MC, District Commissioner for Farsley, accompanied by Mr Eric Rawnsley, who was in charge of the parade, inspected the scouts. Silver spoons, meanwhile, were handed out to the parents of well behaved infants at Ilkley Baby Day.

Mr C G Gibson, MP for the Pudsey and Otley Division, paid a visit to the Wharfedale end of the division and addressed open-air gatherings at Ilkley and Rawdon.

50 years ago

A decision to increase the scope of Middleton Hospital has been announced owing to the decline in the incidence of tuberculosis. The number of patients has steadily declined. The Leeds Regional Hospital Board has asked if the hospital would accept 60 geriatric patients in the near future.

A garden party to celebrate the centenary of Wells House was held by the students of the Ilkley College of Housecraft on Saturday. In spite of heavy rain many visitors turned up to support the effort. Tea was prepared and served by the first year students. In addition to confectionery, handicraft and garden stalls there were games, country dancing and the performance of a period play, The Spinsters of Lush.

Problems confronting the new County Infants School in Leeds Road, Ilkley, were discussed by Ilkley Education Committee on Tuesday evening. These included the difficulty of upkeep of the flower beds, the possible distraction of pupils by children using the field behind the school for sports, and the discomfort caused by sunshine during the summer months.

25 years ago

Members of Ilkley and District Business and Professional Women's Club discussed 'Women's Action Day'. In her preliminary talk, the organiser, Mrs Joy Fraser, described the meeting of 67 women's organisations representing more than two million women who discussed equal rights, status, opportunities and responsibilities and the achievement of their aims.

Addingham parish councillors accompanying Burley in Bloom contest judges around the village were embarrassed and humiliated at what they saw - public gardens, open spaces and car parks were choked with weeds and nettles, it was reported at the council's July meeting. Especially annoying was the fact that Ilkley had been swarming with gardeners the previous day, making the town ready for judging.

One of the most unexpected and exciting events during Ilkley Literature Festival week was the arrival in Ilkley of a theatre group from Soweto, South Africa. The Bahumutai Drama Group is at present on tour in Britain with a play written for them by a member of the company, and with the support of friends here, they were able to put on an impromptu performance at the Methodist Chapel in Wells Road.