125 years ago - 1886

SEASONABLE GENEROSITY: In consequence of the continued severity of the weather, the works, as far as outdoor labour is concerned, at the new West Riding Asylum, in the course of erection at Menston, are completely stopped. Many of the men employed there are in circumstances of great necessity. To alleviate the distress, soup kitchens have been established.

LECTURE: The first of the lectures in connection with the ambulance classes, recently formed for the purpose of instructing the men employed upon the Ilkley and Skipton Railway, was given by Dr Godfrey Carter, at the Navvy Mission Room, Ilkley.

100 years ago - 1911

TALK ON CHINA: The annual meeting connected with the Ilkley and Ben Rhydding Auxiliary of the Church Missionary Society was held in the town hall and as a lecture on China, illustrated by cinematograph pictures, was given by the Rev J B Ost, for over 30 years a missionary in China.

LIFE SAVING: The new pavilion which has been erected by the Otley Swimming and Life Saving Club was used for the first time on Tuesday evening, when a lecture on “Life Saving and the Otley Swimming Club, past and present,” was given by Mr D H Russell.

50 years ago - 1961

DESTRUCTOR GOES: A landmark in Ilkley since 1905 the sixty feet high chimney at the Ilkley destructor was felled on Wednesday morning. Its removal is part of the sewage improvement scheme which is being carried out in the area. The destructor was opened in 1905 and cost £2,300 but has not been in operation for the past 20 years.

QUESTION TIME: Burley and Menston Young Conservatives held an “Any Questions?” panel game in Kirkland, Menston. Questions ranged from “what would members of the team do if they won £75,000 on the football pools?” to “do the team agree to the raising of the National Health Service contribution?”

25 years ago - 1986

TANK BATTLE: The erection of a climbing frame in the shape of a tank in Wharfemeadows Park, Otley, by Leeds City Council has been criticised by local councillor Dr Graham Kirkland. Labour is issuing propaganda against war toys, he said, “and yet Labour is responsible for building the biggest war toy in Otley and probably the biggest in Leeds. Local residents active in the peace movement tell me that they feel betrayed.”

MICROWAVE TIPS: The Parent-Teachers Association of Burley Middle School arranged a demonstration of microwave cookery and the use of a food processor. This was held in the school with Mrs Jenny Mitchell demonstrating items not usually associated with microwave cookery.