125 Years Ago – 1889

The Victoria Swimming Bath is now open to the public, and if only a little warmer weather makes its appearance, I believe it will be well patronised. A knowledge of the natatorial art in these days is essentially necessary and ought to form part of every boy’s education. The cold air is taken off the water by steam pipes running round the side of the bath, which makes it far more preferable to the river, while a professional is shortly to be engaged to instruct the uninitiated in the mysteries of the art.

Much sympathy is being expressed on all hands with Mr Thos. Blackburn of West Hall Farm, in the heavy losses he has sustained by death among his stock. On Thursday of last week a valuable young entire draught horse, named Quartermaster, belonging to Mr Blackburn, died suddenly. Again on Sunday morning he was further depressed to find one of his dairy cows dead in the field.

100 Years Ago – 1914

At the Otley Police Court on Wednesday an actor-vocalist , and a member of the theatrical company, giving the revue “What O ! Here and There” at the Kings Hall, Ilkley, was charged with stealing a quantity of music belonging to the company. According to the evidence the music was on the stands when the company left at 11 o’ clock on Monday night, but when they returned for rehearsal on Tuesday morning it had all disappeared.

The Rev W. E. Bradley MA, vicar of Ben Rhydding, returned home on Wednesday. In consequence of ill health, Mr Bradley, some six months ago, undertook a tour in the Far East, during which he has visited many of the C.M.S. Mission stations in India, China and Japan.

75 Years Ago – 1939

Empire Day next Wednesday will have special significance this year because of the unrest that has continued for so long, and which is not yet at an end. Its celebration will be particularly sincere on this occasion, and both the inhabitants of these islands, as well as the populations sprung from their stock overseas, may take heart from the knowledge that amid all the trials and perplexities by which the world is still beset, the unity of the Motherland and her Dominions and Colonies still persists.

Yeadon people are probably the most disinterested of any in the extensive developments that are taking place at the Yeadon Aerodrome. They have watched the developments casually as they watch the aeroplanes roaring overhead. Both machine and aerodrome are taken very much for granted. Nevertheless they will join the Empire Day crowds to see at closer range the progress that has been made. The new terminal premises are expected to be completed by the end of the present month.

50 Years Ago – 1964

The decision of Mrs Rogers not to seek re-election to the Ilkley Council has contributed to the reduction of women councillors to one, a position which has not obtained since 1945. The remaining woman, Councillor Mrs H Hawkins, has now the distinction of being in addition the member with the longest period of continuous service in the new council.

The number of changes in house ownership during a year is very considerable, and at least 115 houses were empty in Ilkley on 31 March. This is stated by the treasurer to Ilkley Urban District Council in his report to the Rating Committee.

25 Years Ago – 1989

A thunderbolt hit Ilkley last Friday and blew up a computer terminal, set off several fire alarms and disrupted rail services. Ilkley Fire brigade were soon at work around the town and attended a call at 57, Grove Road, where the thunderbolt had caused a computer terminal to blow up. No one was injured.

Indian, Italian and Chinese foods are all very popular and no doubt feature regularly on our menus, but Mexican food might not be so familiar. Tacos form part of the staple foods eaten in Mexico, they are cooked corn tortillas, which are U-shaped pancakes and can be filled with a variety of foods, such as meat or fish, topped off with lettuce and other salad ingredients.