100 years ago in Farnhill and Kildwick

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1914

The aim of this page is to provide a monthly summary of events in Farnhill and Kildwick 100 years ago, as reported in the local newspapers of the time: the Craven Herald, Keighley News, and West Yorkshire Pioneer.

We begin our diary in May 1914, three months before the start of WWI.

If you have any additional material please email the web administrator.

Note: The Farnhill and Kildwick History Group would like to thank the staff at Skipton and Keighley libraries for their help with this project.

December 1914

Trouble at St. Andrew's - The vicar's parting shot

As the year comes to an end, so does the sorry tale of the Revd. Rhodes and the dispute at Kildwick Church.

In this month's Parish Magazine the vicar announced that the Revd. Gerald Richardson had agreed to come to Kildwick as a temporary incumbent. This will enable Revd. Rhodes to leave the parish immediately and only return when it is convenient for him to remove his furniture.

The vicar also announced the forthcoming departure of Canon Griffin. In a period of less than six months the church has lost its churchwardens, two organists, a choirmaster, the choir, and three clerics (Rhodes, Brereton and Griffin). But the vicar does not seem to take any responsibility himself for what has happened and closed his piece with a rather nasty sideswipe at his former parish: "I cannot think that it is much of a joy for you to see me breaking up my home in my old age ... It seems to me that some mistakes have been made in Kildwick as well as in Germany, and both places have lessons to learn ...".

Source: Craven Herald, 11th December 1914.

Life at the front

On the 1st of the month, the people of Farnhill received a first-hand account of what it was like at the front, by one of their very own. John Sunderland had been a lance-corporal reservist and had been recalled at the start of the war. Since then he had been promoted to Sergeant and recommended for a DSO, having carried a wounded man from the battlefield.

He told the meeting that life in the trenches was difficult and although men should be rotated every three days he knew of cases where men had been in the line for up to 14 days. He also said that if anyone read reports of the Germans being poor marksmen they should take that with a pinch of salt; he could say from experience that a great number of British casualties had been caused by German snipers.

If a man was wounded in the trenches he had to wait until night before he could be taken to a field hospital. Sergeant Sunderland recounted how his brother-in-law had been hit in the back by a fragment of an artillery shell. The explosion buried him up to the neck, where he had to stay for 13 hours, his dead comrades beside him. Then, while he was being dug-out, he was hit through the arm by a sniper. His rescuers were unable to recover the bodies of dead, which had to be left on the field.

The Germans were also having difficulties, and it appeared that they were unable to bury their dead which were left draped on the barbed-wire - for all the world like a human clothes-line.

The German and British trenches were less than 50 yards apart and the combatants would often call across to each other. On one occasion, the Germans had been heard singing the music-hall song "Hold your hand out you naughty boy". It was common practice for the both the Germans and British to put empty tin cans on the trench parapets, for the other side to shoot at; hits and misses being signalled by means of flags. Since the snow had started to fall the combatants had also indulged in snowball fights.

With regard to the atrocities committed by Germans, Sergeant Sunderland said that the stories would cause an Englishman's hair to stand on end. In the event of the Hun getting over to England he would shoot his wife and children rather than let them fall into German hands.

The newspaper reports of the meeting concluded by noting that Sergeant Sunderland's brother, Private A. Sunderland, was in hospital having lost a leg at Mons.

Sources: Craven Herald, 4th December 1914; Keighley News, 5th December 1914.

An interesting contribution to the Local Distress Fund

The Local Distress Fund stood at over £900, which included a £5 gold piece donated by a local gentleman. The treasurer of the fund was asking people to make bids for the coin.

Source: Craven Herald, 4th December 1914.

Life goes on

Despite the war, some aspects of village life went on as normal. A lantern lecture entitled "A Tour Round an Old Garden", held in the Institute, was particularly well attended. The slides illustrated the gardens at Steeton Hall at various times of the year. Photographs of birds and animals were also shown.

This year's Christmas billiard handicap, held at the Kildwick Unionist Club, was won by Charles Barritt. The prize was a gold medallion.

Sources: Keighley News, 5th and 24th December 1914.

More socks for the troops

A parcel of socks, scarves and body-belts for the troops, made by the girls of Kildwick school under the direction of Miss Spencer, was forwarded to Queen Mary's Needlework Guild.

Source: Keighley News, 24th December 1914.

National and International news

8th - Battle of the Falkland Islands - In an attempt to destroy the wireless station and supply base at Port Stanley, a squadron of ships commanded by Admiral von Spee ran straight into the British South Atlantic fleet which was in harbour taking on coal. The British sustained only minimal casualties and no damage; however, out of eight German ships only one survived the action. Admiral von Spee and his two sons were among the German dead.

16th - Naval bombardment of Yorkshire coast - A raid by a detachment of five ships from the German High Seas Fleet carried out a 90-minute bombardment of Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough. Fire was returned by two costal defence batteries at Hartlepool, which succeeded in damaging three of the German ships. On land over 100 people, mostly civilians, were killed. At Whitby, the costal station on the West Cliff was destroyed; both Scarborough Castle and Whitby Abbey were hit and minor damage sustained.

The raid had an enormous effect upon British public opinion, both as a rallying cry against Germany for an attack upon civilians, and in generating criticism of the Royal Navy for being unable to prevent it. The attack became part of a British propaganda campaign, 'Remember Scarborough', used on army recruitment posters.

18th - Egypt becomes a British Protectorate - Following the declaration of war with the Ottoman Empire, of which Egypt was nominally a part, Britain declared a Protectorate over Egypt. The Khedive was deposed and replaced with another family member, who was made Sultan of Egypt.

24th and 25th - "Christmas Truce" - In the week leading up to Christmas, parties of German and British soldiers began to shout seasonal greetings to each other across no-man's land and engage in joint carol-singing. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many soldiers from both sides ventured into "no man's land", where they exchanged food and gifts as well as burying their dead. Famously, troops from both sides also took part in games of football with each other. In many sectors, the unofficial truce lasted through Christmas night; and up to New Year's day in others.

Sources: "1914"; "Britain in 1914"; "Battle of the Falkland Islands"; "Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby, 1914"; "Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby" "Egypt under the British"; "The Truce of Christmas, 1914"; "Christmas truce"; "The First World War" by A.J.P. Taylor; "English History 1914-1945" by A.J.P. Taylor.

November 1914

Trouble at St. Andrew's - The vicar stirs the pot again

You might have thought that, with his departure imminent, the vicar would have decided just to keep quiet for the rest of his time in Kildwick. But in his monthly column in the parish newsletter, the Revd. Rhodes once again tried to justify his actions of the previous six months.

His piece was rambling and incoherent, and hardly what you would call Christian in its attitude. In one paragraph he asked for people to "... grow in sweet kindliness, trusting the vicar and your neighbours, and placing always the kindest construction on their words and deeds". Then, in the next, he said "... [I] did the parishioners the honour of trusting to their good sense and loyalty ... My disappointment was extreme when they proved themselves unworthy of my confidence." Sweet kindliness indeed.

In amongst all this, however, was the news that the much-heralded new organist, Mr. Fisher, would leave Kildwick before the end of the month. He had been in his post for just four months.

Source: Keighley News, 7th November 1914.

WA Brigg becomes mayor of Keighley for third time

At a meeting of the Town Council on the 9th of the month in Keighley, Mr. WA Brigg of Kildwick Hall was re-elected mayor for a third year in succession.

In his accession speech, Mr. Brigg said that he only felt justified in assuming the office for a third time due to the special circumstances of the period. While no man was indispensible in public life, he did think that it would have been difficult for anyone else to take on the role - at least for some time.

Source: Craven Herald, 13th November 1914.

Farnhill must pay for a public telephone

A response was received to the Farnhill Parish Council's request that the Kildwick Post Office be turned into a public call and telegraph office. The Keighley Postmaster said that they thought there was insufficient business to justify a telegraph office in the village. They would be willing to make the Post Office into a public call office but only if the Parish Council would guarantee to make up the takings to a minimum of £11 6s. per annum for seven years.

Farnhill Parish Council decided to defer a decision until it could be determined whether Kildwick Parish Meeting would be willing to contribute to the scheme.

Source: Keighley News, 28th November 1914.

Poor response to Kildwick recruitment meeting

At the very end of the month a recruitment meeting was held in Kildwick school. Dr. Ambrose Pope of Bradford, who had just returned from Germany, spoke about the "German Menace" and the German intention to crush Britain. He called on women not to dissuade their men from going to the front to fight for their country. "Remember they went out to defend the village of Kildwick as truly as if the Germans were round it and attacking it."

He went on to say that the army were doing a great job but needed more men, and he appealed to the men of the village to go out and help their comrades. He was certain that any able-bodied man who had any pluck in him at all would join the forces. "You say you might get shot. Yes, you might, but was there any better cause in the whole world for which a man might lose his life ? He was defending his country."

Dr. Pope concluded by calling for men to give their names so that they could defend their home and country. The appeal met with little response.

Source: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 4th December 1914.

National and International news

5th - Britain declares war on Turkey - On November 5th, Britain declares war on the Ottoman Empire and annexes Cyprus.

14th - Death of Lord Roberts - Lord Roberts, British hero of the Boer War, died of pneumonia in France while visiting Indian troops fighting in with the British forces. His body was brought back to Britain, given a state funeral and was then buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.

Sources: "1914"; "Britain in 1914"; "Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts"; "The First World War" by A.J.P. Taylor; "English History 1914-1945" by A.J.P. Taylor.

October 1914

Trouble at St. Andrew's - The return of Revd. Brereton

In the parish magazine, the vicar reports that the previous vicar, Revd. Brereton, has agreed to return to Kildwick to help out with the parish until a new permanent vicar can be appointed. Revd. Rhodes announced, perhaps rather sulkily: "We need only wait until the necessary routine of our exchange is concluded and Kildwick may speedily forget the six years interlude in Mr. Brereton's vicariate. I shall, of course, be obliged to be in Kildwick for a short time to complete the work of handing over the parish, and making the necessary arrangements for removal etc., but need not obtrude myself upon you very much."

Sources: Craven Herald, 9th October 1914; Keighley News, 10th October 1914.

Gifts for soldiers

The ladies of Farnhill and Kildwick reported that they had sent 569 articles of clothing to the Red Cross and to the Mayoress of Keighley's appeal on behalf of Lord Kitchener's army. Weekly meetings, will continue, to produce socks and scarves.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 9th October 1914; Craven Herald, 9th October 1914.

Annual General Meeting of the Institute

The annual general meeting of Kildwick and Farnhill Institute took place on October 9th. It was reported that, in its three years the Institute had become the meeting place for a large number of local organisations, including: the Paxton Society, the Parish Council, St. John's Ambulance, the Water Company, and the local football and cricket clubs.

Sadly, due to a water shortage, it had been necessary to close the public baths for a short time during the year and the committee noted with regret a subsequent lack of support following their reopening.

It was decided to discontinue the Institute's association with the Yorkshire Union of Village Libraries; the library membership having fallen to just 15.

Membership of the Institute overall had also fallen during the previous year and the consequent reduction in subscriptions, together with a serious decrease in receipts from use of the billiard table, had resulted in a deficit of £7.

At the conclusion of the meeting it was announced that Mr. WA Brigg and his brothers had agreed to make a contribution of £10 to Institute funds.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 16th October 1914; Keighley News, 17th October 1914.

Official news of the death of Joseph Smith - Killed in Action

Official news of the death of Pte. Joseph Smith, on September 19th, arrived in Farnhill on the 13th October. A well-attended funeral service was held, at St. Andrew's, on the 18th.

Sources: Craven Herald, 16th October 1914; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 2nd and 16th October 1914; Keighley News, 17th October 1914; "Craven's Part in the Great War - Joseph Smith".

More Belgian refugees arrive in the area

Following the fall of Antwerp, on the 9th, the newspapers report the arrival of large groups of Belgian refugees who are accommodated throughout the area. Although the History Group has no information of any Belgians in Farnhill or Kildwick, it is known that over 150 were housed in Keighley, Silsden, Glusburn, and Crosshills.

Throughout the rest of the year, the Craven Herald and Keighley News would include columns in Flemish headed "For Our Belgian Guests".

Sources: Keighley News, 17th and 24th October 1914; "Belgian Refugees at Cross Hills c1914".

The re-dedication of Kildwick Church bells

At the beginning of the month the six bells, which had been taken away for recasting, were being returned to Kildwick together with two new ones donated by Mr. James Bairstow and Mr. J.W. Ackroyd.

The bells were immediately re-hung and, on the morning of October 28th, were re-dedicated "to the Glory of God" in a service conducted by the Bishop of Knaresborough. They were soon ringing a peal ...

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 30th October 1914; Keighley News, 31st October 1914.

Wedding of Lieut. Donald Horsfall and Miss Henrietta Musgrave

Just hours after the repaired and new Kildwick bells had been dedicated, they were being rung in celebration of the wedding of Donald Horsfall, second son of the mill owner Sir John Horsfall, and Henrietta Musgrave of Eastburn.

The newspapers reported this as "The largest wedding seen in the district for many years" and then went on to say that, but for the war, it would have been even more extravagant. A particularly impressive feature seems to have been the decoration of the church with a large number of flowers and exotic plants. This was remarked upon by all the local papers, and was described by the West Yorkshire Pioneer like this:

"The interior ... had been transformed into a veritable arboretum, its accustomed dim religious light being changed to radiance by a profusion of beautiful flowers, plants, and shrubs, which had been effectively employed in an artistic decorative scheme. From the church porch to the altar the building was emblazoned with autumn blooms, a myriad of vari-coloured chrysanthemums glowing with their soft light amid verdant ferns and trailing greenery. Hugh hot-house palms towered at the entrance to the nave, the sides of the pews in the main aisle were covered with white muslin, decorated with pink and white chrysanthemums ... festoons of ivy were garlanded across the nave ... and in the centre of each [were] bouquets of drooping plants and flowers ... etc. A photograph from our archive, contributed by Chris Flegg, suggests that such reports were not exaggerations.

The groom had been given a 48-hour pass to allow the wedding to take place and the couple were expected to make their home at Beanlands, in Glusburn.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 30th October 1914; Craven Herald, 30th October 1914; Keighley News, 31st October 1914.

National and International news

9th - Antwerp falls to German forces - Antwerp, the last major Belgian city and the "National Redoubt", was surrendered to German forces after a siege lasting a month.

19th - Start of first battle of Ypres - With the fall of Antwerp, the channel ports of Boulogne and Calais were vulnerable to attack by the Germans and, if they fell, it would sever the British supply line. Ypres was chosen as the best position at which the allies could defend the ports. The battle, which was the culmination of the "race to the sea" went on until the end of November. The two sides fought to a stand-still that cost over 250,000 lives (58,000 British). The large number of casualties saw the effective end of the BEF. After Ypres the remaining experienced and trained British regulars would be used in a training role. The fighting would be done, to a large extent, by volunteers and, later, a conscript army.

29th - Ottoman Empire enters the war - On October 29th, the Ottoman Empire declared war on Russia.

Sources: "1914"; "Britain in 1914"; "Siege of Antwerp"; "First battle of Ypres"; "World War I: Ottoman Empire"; "The First World War" by A.J.P. Taylor; "English History 1914-1945" by A.J.P. Taylor.

September 1914

Recruitment campaigns

Recruitment campaigns continued, across the region, throughout the month. In Keighley, following the Mayor and Mayoress's appeals at the end of August, it was reported that in the first month of the war over 1100 recruits had signed-up. All new recruits received a cigar, courtesy of the Mayor. Among them was one of the army's tallest men: 6' 7" tall Charles Thorne, aged 23; his younger, and taller, brother remained in Keighley.

Unable to compete with this, the Craven Herald did nevertheless claim the youngest member of the armed forces for Skipton: Bugler Ben Hardacre joined 6th West Riding Cadet Battalion at the age of 12, and was transferred to the full regiment on June 25th 1914, his 14th birthday.

Sources: Keighley News, 5th September 1914; Craven Herald, 11th September 1914.

Keighley anti-German rioters in court

On 10th September a large number of people who had been arrested during the riots in Keighley in August appeared in court. Evidence presented against them revealed that almost £400 had been caused and a local doctor reporting having treated at least three policemen for head injuries on the Saturday night and a number more on the Sunday.

Source: Keighley News, 12th September 1914.

Arrival of the first Belgian refugees

With most of the major cities captured during the German advance, and the "National Redoubt" of Antwerp under siege, Belgian refugees started to arrive in Britain (there would eventually be more than 200,000). A group of 21 arrived on September 22nd and were made comfortable at Bolton Hall, the home of the Duke of Devonshire.

Source: Craven Herald, 29th September 1914.

Farnhill and Kildwick's first casualties

Late in the month, Jim Pollard received news that his brother Jack, a reservist who had been recalled to the colours on the outbreak of war, had been wounded.

Note: In a remarkable piece of symmetry, James and John Pollard would later become the final two deaths recorded on the Kildwick war memorial. James died on October 7th 1919, and John a month later.

On the 19th September, Joseph Smith became the first man from Farnhill or Kildwick to be killed in WWI. Private Smith, 31, of Bucklar Hill, was killed in action with the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment during the battle of the Aisne.

Between 1900 and 1912, Private Smith had been a member of the regular army, and had served for 4 years in India. As a reservist, he was recalled at the outbreak of war; he was then sent initially to Dublin and then later to France. He left a wife and young daughter.

Sources: Craven Herald, 16th October 1914; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 2nd and 16th October 1914; Keighley News, 17th October 1914; "Craven's Part in the Great War - Joseph Smith".

National and International news

1st - Death of the last passenger pigeon - The last passenger pigeon, a female named Martha, dies in captivity in the Cincinnati Zoo.

3rd - Accession of Benedict XV - Benedict XV becomes pope, succeeding Pius X who had died on August 20th.

5th to 12th - First Battle of the Marne - The BEF and the French Army halt the German forces advancing towards Paris. Over 2 million men take part (500,000 killed/wounded) in the Allied victory. The German forces retreat in disorder; this is the abandonment of the Schlieffen Plan. Allied officers begin to talk of the war being over by Christmas.

13th to 28th - The First Battle of the Aisne - By the 12th the German retreat cannot be sustained. Exhausted, the German troops prepare dug-outs on the banks of the River Aisne and set up machine-guns. This proves to be an effective defence against the attacking forces. Further trenches are then dug, stretching eventually from Switzerland to the Belgian coast, as both sides race to try and outflank each other

18th - The Government of Ireland Act suspended - Implementation of the act, which is designed to provide Home Rule for the whole of Ireland, is suspended for the duration of the war.

Sources: "1914"; "Britain in 1914"; "Today in History - September 1914"; "The First World War" by A.J.P. Taylor; "English History 1914-1945" by A.J.P. Taylor.

August 1914

Paxton Society Annual Show

Throughout the summer the Farnhill branch of the Paxton Society, a Leeds-based organisation dedicated to advancing the theory and practice of horticulture has been holding fortnightly flower and vegetable competitions. On 1st August they held their third annual show, in the Institute. The competition was for the allotment holders and cottage gardeners of Farnhill and Kildwick only.

Mr. Charles Hill, the secretary of the society, won the prize for the best overall exhibitor; he also won the prize for the best exhibit in the flower section, as well as winning or being well placed in other categories.
L. Taylor and Emily Lister won prizes in special categories for school children.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 7th August 1914; Keighley News, 8th August 1914; Paxton Society.

Skipton and Keighley go to war

On August 3rd, the Skipton Territorials, who had been sent off to their annual training camp in Marske the previous week, were brought home early and an order for their immediate mobilization was received on the evening of the 4th. By 10am the following morning the Territorials were assembling and being formed up as the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. At 12:40 on Thursday (6th August) 660 men, armed and equipped, departed from Skipton Station en-route to Immingham Docks and from there to the continent.

This from the Craven Herald: "As the "Terriers" marched past on their way to the station one old farmer was heard to remark thoughtfully "There seems to be a lot of young 'uns amongst 'em", and his neighbour fully eighty years of age knowingly replied "Aye they're good enough, but they've not gotten t' best yet. They've got t' call on us.
There was no questioning the fitness of the patriotic band of soldiers, untried as many of them were. They left the town amid subdued but sincere farewells. As Craven's sons have shown in the past, they will not be found unready or wanting in the test that lies before them. Good Luck !

A similar mustering took place in Keighley where the order to mobilize was issued at 6pm and by 9pm 250 men had gathered at the Drill Hall, cheered on by five or six thousand well-wishers. Just after midnight the men were despatched by train to Skipton. Their departure was cheered by the crowd, which by this time had grown to over 10,000.

A further group of 191 Territorials, those who had returned late from Marske or who could not be equipped in time for the earlier departure, left Skipton station on 9th August. A final group of 100 left on Wednesday 12th.

Sources: Craven Herald, 7th and 14th August 1914; Keighley News, 8th August 1914.

Recruitment of volunteers

Immediately after the declaration of war the depot in Skipton saw a lot of volunteers waiting their turn to be recruited. About 70 were sworn in on Wednesday (5th). By the end of Thursday this number had increased to 200. On Monday 9th an order to increase the Battalion strength by a further 500 men was received at Skipton and over 100 of the new recruits were immediately sworn-in.

Sources: Craven Herald, 7th and 14th August 1914

Fewer people from Kildwick take a holiday

In what could be the least surprising news report of the month, it was reported that holiday bookings from Kildwick Station were at their lowest level on record. Only 80 tickets to Morecambe had been issued. Receipts for the week up to 8th August were down by £300 compared to 1913; and were down £200 for the period 10th to 13th.

Source: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 14th August 1914

An enterprising Picture House

WWI was the first war to be extensively captured on film. In Keighley, one enterprising picture house saw the potential in showing news-reels as well as patriotic, or perhaps jingoistic, films with a war-theme.

Sources: Keighley News, 8th and 15th August 1914

Town defence leagues

In an increasingly febrile atmosphere of "we must do something", Town Defence Leagues were formed in both Skipton and Keighley. The aims of these organisations and who they were responsible to was unclear. At the first meeting of the Skipton league it was agreed that the object was to enrol male inhabitants of 15 years and over who "will assist to safeguard the district, undergo elementary drill, and will, if called upon, undertake any duties assigned them by the League in Skipton and the surrounding districts."

The leader of the Skipton League approached the military with the suggestion that members of the League should be trained with rifles but was informed by Major Cass of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment that "the time was not yet ripe for members of the proposed league to undertake rifle drill, and that two or three weeks' drilling one hour each evening would be necessary to get a company of men into something like order".

On the 15th, all "unauthorised recruitment of men for military purposes" was banned by the government.

Source: Craven Herald, 14th and 21st August 1914

Spies and suspicious foreigners

Almost immediately after the outbreak of war, the authorities started to round up Germans and other foreign nationals for examination at regional depots. Those unable to satisfy the authorities were then interned. Two internment camps were set up on the Isle of Man, which eventually housed a total of almost 30000 enemy nationals.

In Skipton the round-up started on August 7th, when three Germans were detained and sent to Halifax for assessment. On their journey the three detainees were guarded by 38 men and two officers carrying rifles with bayonets fixed. The soldiers had instructions to deal summarily with any attempt to escape. Rumours circulated that one of the detained men, who had lived in Skipton for many years, had incriminating documents on him: this was later denied by the authorities.

On August 9th an alien of no fixed abode was arrested on the road between Skipton and Harrogate; he told the PC that he had two brothers on active service with the German forces and was also despatched to Halifax.

The 15th August edition of Keighley News carried a story which shows how wild the feeling about foreign spies was becoming. It reported that late in July arrangements had been made by a German chauffeur to garage a German-registered Rolls Royce in a private lock-up, on weekly terms, in Bradford. For several days "the owner would start out early in the morning and return at all times of the night, evidently after travelling great distances". Then, immediately prior to the outbreak of war, the chauffeur announced that the party would have to return to Germany immediately, leaving the car. The owner of the lock-up contacted the police who discovered that the car contained: a large number of German and English maps; detailed accounts of various journeys made; a ruler and a whistle; a camera stand and several rolls of unused film; a quantity of rope; and a number of German newspapers, with several paragraphs marked in blue pencil.

Clearly, very suspicious behaviour. Had Bradford been targeted by a German spy ?

Apparently not. As the article went on to explain, the Rolls-Royce it turned out, belonged to a Swiss businessman who had done considerable business with firms in and around Bradford. The newspapers had been sent to him by his mother, who had marked up items of interest. He had left the country suddenly on hearing of the possibility of war and had hoped that the car might be sent-on at a later date.

The owner of the lock-up persisted in his belief that the owner was German and added, as if to add credence, that the car had been commandeered by the Government.

Sources: Craven Herald, 14th August 1914; "WW1 internees on the IOM"; Keighley News, 15th August 1914

Keighley town council support Kitchener's appeal for men

When war was declared, Lord Kitchener was made Secretary of State for War. Kitchener was almost unique among the senior commanders of the army in that he did not believe that the war would be over by Christmas 1914. Rather, he believed that the war would last between three and four years and that the country would have to mobilise millions of men if the war was to be won.

On August 7th Kitchener, who never disguised his lack of faith in the abilities of the Territorials, made an appeal for 100,000 volunteers to come forward. Initially a simple newspaper advertisement, this appeal would eventually result in the famous "Your Country Needs You" poster.

In Keighley, where the numbers of volunteers had dropped-off significantly after the initial enthusiasm, a large recruitment meeting was held in the Municipal Hall, on 27th August, at which the Mayor, W.A. Brigg, and many other senior members of the council made an appeal for volunteers to come forward. Perhaps the most remarkable speech of the evening came from the Mayoress, Mrs. Cecil Sharpe; as reported in the Keighley News:

The Mayoress was then called upon by her brother to address the meeting. "You men", she said, "stop us as much as you can from taking the lead. (Laughter.) The least you can do is fight for us. (Hear, hear.) There are Yorkshire women as well as Yorkshire men, and I can assure the lads left behind that they will get nothing like the welcome when the struggle is over that will be given by the girls to those who have been to war. (Laughter and applause.) When I see an able-bodied, well-built young man walking about the streets enjoying himself I am ashamed of him. (Cheers.) I call on you men of Keighley to respond to the call of duty. I know all of you cannot enlist for many reasons. But I ask you to do something for your country at this time." (Cheers.)

Sources: Craven Herald, 21st August 1914; Keighley News, 29th August 1914; "Lord Kitchener"

Anti-German riots in Keighley

With anti-German propaganda coming from the platform of every public meeting, and stories of spies filling the newspapers and being shown at the local picture houses, it is perhaps not surprising that eventually things boiled-over.

On Saturday August 29th, after the pubs had closed, a gang of young men gathered outside a pork butcher's owned by Mr Andrassy, a German, and proceeded to smash all the windows. Local police were called but were severely outnumbered and unable to quell the ensuing riot and further police were required from Bradford, Shipley, Bingley and Cleckheaton. In addition, W.A. Brigg was telephoned at Kildwick Hall and immediately set off for the town, by car, collecting further constables on the way. By the time Mr. Brigg arrived, the situation had begun to calm and the rioters responded to his call for them to disperse.

Rioting broke out again at 10pm the following night, with attacks being mounted on a number of German-owned shops. There was widespread looting and Mr Andrassy's shop, which was again targeted, was set on fire.

The police baton-charged the crowd which responded by moving on to the police station where they smashed over 50 windows. Order was finally restored at 1am when additional police arrived, in a fleet of taxis, from Bradford. More than 10 shops were damaged, only three of them German-owned.

Source: Keighley News, 5th September 1914.

A guard for Farnhill reservoir

In order to counteract the perceived threat of spies and saboteurs, it was decided that the Kildwick Boy Scouts, led by Canon Griffin, would mount a guard over Farnhill reservoir.

Source: Keighley News, 29th August 1914.

Blasting powder stolen at Kildwick

On 22nd August, at Skipton Petty Sessions, William Gledhill, a labourer from Skipton, was found guilty of the theft of 2lbs of blasting powder, valued at 1s 2d. The theft took place at the White Lion, Kildwick.

Mr. James Pritchard, a quarryman from Bradley, said he had stopped at the White Lion and had placed the powder on a seat while he played a game of dominoes. The accused man had come into the room and after he had left it was discovered that the powder was missing. The local policeman, Constable Maddison, was called and he pursued Gledhill on his bicycle. When Gledhill was apprehended, he was found to be in possession of the powder, for which he could give no explanation.

Gledhill was fined 20s, including costs.

Source: Keighley News, 29th August 1914.

Farnhill and Kildwick Distress Fund launched

On 11th August the Mayor of Keighley, W.A. Brigg of Kildwick Hall, called a town meeting to discuss the outbreak of war and what it meant to the town. At the end of this meeting the Mayor proposed the creation of a local branch of the Distress Fund launched at the outbreak of war by the Prince of Wales. Mr. Brigg announced, to much applause, that he would open the fund with a personal contribution of £100, which would be matched by the same amount from the Solicitor-General.

Towards the end of the month, somewhat later than many other local areas, the Farnhill Institute launched it's own Distress Fund, "with the object of helping the dependents of any persons called to the colours from the villages of Kildwick and Farnhill. The fund will operate by subscription: 1d per week to be paid each Friday." 24 people signed-up and paid their first subscription.

A collection taken at St. Andrew's church raised £7 for the fund.

Sources: Craven Herald, 28th August 1914; Keighley News, 15th and 29th August 1914; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 28th August 1914.

Knitwear for the troops

The Kildwick branch of the Conservative Women's Association formed a sewing club to make shirts, socks, and other items for the wounded soldiers.

Sources: Craven Herald, 28th August 1914; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 28th August 1914.

National and International news

1st - Germany declares war on Russia - Germany demands Russian demobilization and then, 12 hours later, declares war on Russia. The German war plan, the "Schlieffen Plan" comes into effect. This assumes that the French will fulfil their treaty obligations and act in support of Russia and that Germany cannot fight on two fronts at the same time: the French must be engaged first and defeated quickly, before Russia can fully organise its forces in the East.

2nd - Germany issue an ultimatum to Belgium - Germany demands passage through neutral Belgium into France. The Belgians request and receive British assurances that Britain would act to defend Belgian neutrality, as specified by the 1839 Treaty of London. The Belgians reject the German ultimatum (August 3rd).

3rd - Germany declares war on France - In accordance with the Schlieffen Plan, Germany declares war on France.

4th - Germany invades Belgium - Early in the morning of 4th August, German troops cross the Belgian frontier. Britain sends an ultimatum demanding that the Germans respect Belgian neutrality; informed by the British ambassador that Britain would go to war with Germany over this matter, German Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg exclaimed that he could not believe that Britain and Germany would be going to war over a mere "scrap of paper" (meaning the Treaty of London). At 10:30pm George V holds a privy council, attended by just one minister and two court officials. It was this council that issued the formal declaration of war with Germany, using the royal prerogative. The Prime Minister and cabinet were informed later.

5th - First meeting of the War Council - The War Council, headed by the Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith, met to discuss how the British Army, in the form of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), might be deployed in the defence of Belgium. It was revealed that the War Office has only one plan for the deployment of British Forces on the continent: they must fight on the left flank of the French Army; there was no plan for their independent deployment within Belgium and no way they could provide direct aid to Belgian Forces. Just 12 hours after the declaration of war, the sole British war aim, the defence of Belgian neutrality, is abandoned without a shot having been fired.

5th - First naval engagement - The German vessel SS Konigin Luise is located laying mines off the Thames estuary and is sunk by HMS Antiphon. The following day HMS Antiphon hits one of the SS Konigin Luise's mines and is itself sunk.

8th - Antarctic expedition - Ernest Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic Expedition sets sail on the Endurance. Later, when Endurance becomes trapped in pack-ice, Shackleton will perform the exploits that will make him famous.

10th - Release of suffragettes - All suffragette prisoners are released unconditionally.

20th - BEF deployed - The British forces, in place on the French left, advanced forward to the small mining town of Mons, just north-west of the Belgian frontier.

21st - First British death of the war - Reconnaissance cyclist Private John Parr (aged 15 or 16) becomes the first British soldier to be killed in the War, at Obourg in Belgium.

22nd to 27th - Battle and retreat from Mons - Just after 6:30 on the morning of August 22nd, British cavalryman Drummer Edward Thomas of the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards is reputed to have fired the British Army's first shot of the War near the Belgian village of Casteau, the first British shot fired in anger in combat on mainland Europe since the Battle of Waterloo 99 years earlier. The BEF, employing rapid fire from their Lee-Enfield rifles defeat the German forces but are then forced to retreat in order to maintain contact with the French forces.

26th - Togoland surrenders - The German West African colony of Togoland surrenders to British and French forces.

28th - Battle of Heligoland - British cruisers under Admiral Beatty sink three German cruisers.

Sources: "1914"; "Britain in 1914"; "World War I", "Treaty of London (1839)"; "Ernest Shackleton"; "The First World War" by A.J.P. Taylor; "English History 1914-1945" by A.J.P. Taylor.

July 1914

Trouble at St. Andrew's - The new organist arrives and the vicar plans to leave

In the July edition of the St. Andrew's Parish magazine the vicar, Revd. Rhodes, announces that the new organist, Mr. Fisher, would be arriving in Kildwick on or around July 16th.

During the service on July 19th, the first at which Mr. Fisher participated, Canon Griffin announced that the vicar was leaving the church and that his last service would be on Wednesday 22nd. He then planned to leave the parish on the 23rd.

No new vicar cannot be appointed until the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church, Oxford, reconvene after the summer university holidays

Sources: Craven Herald, 10th and 24th July 1914; Keighley News, 25th July 1914.

Motorcycle accident at Kildwick corner

In what must have been one of the very first such accidents in the area, a motorcycle and side-car travelling towards Skipton came off the road and crashed into the wall on the right-hand side, near the church. Neither the driver nor his lady passenger were hurt, but the front wheel of the cycle was badly buckled.

Source: Craven Herald, 10th July 1914

Kildwick school - extended summer holidays

Kildwick school closed early for the summer holidays as the result of a measles outbreak affecting 60 pupils.

Source: Keighley News, 18th July 1914

Kildwick swimming gala

A larger turn-out than was expected braved poor weather conditions and the cold to attend or take part in the sixth annual swimming carnival held on the river bank at Kildwick.

There was a full programme of races, over a range of distances, for boys and men of various ages. There were also races for girls and young ladies that were noteworthy for the large number of contestants. The performance of Miss Frances Davy, who won the 60 yards race for girls under 13 years and also the girls' diving contest, was greeted with much applause.

A 100 yards "horse race" for males over 16 proved very amusing. The competitors were each given a barrel and their efforts to "mount up" caused much laughter. Only one competitor completed the course.

After the races had been completed there was an exhibition of life-saving techniques by Mr. Arthur Greenwood who taught swimming at the Glusburn Institute.

Sources: Craven Herald, 31st July 1914; Keighley News, 1st August 1914.

Skipton Territorials go off to the seaside

On the 26th, the Skipton and Barnoldswick companies of the 6th Duke of Wellington's Regiment went off to Marske for a 15-day summer camp and exercises. No problems were anticipated and the Craven Herald suggested: Given fine weather the units of our civilian army may be assured of an enjoyable, if strenuous, time.

Source: Craven Herald, 24th July 1914.

National and International news

5th - Potsdam conference - Leaders of Austria-Hungary meet German leaders at Potsdam. The Germans agree to support the Austrians should they invade Serbia and Russia respond in support of the Serbians.

11th - "Babe" Ruth - The future baseball superstar plays his first major league baseball game for the Boston Red Sox.

21st to 24th - Irish Home Rule Conference - King George V hosts a conference to discuss issues relating to the Irish Home Rule Act, particularly the possibility of allowing partition and direct rule in Ulster. The conference achieves very little; the bill itself is suspended with the outbreak of war.

28th - Start of WWI - Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Russia begins partial mobilization in support of Serbia (followed by full mobilization on the 31st).

Sources: Wikipedia entry "1914"; "Government of Ireland Act 1914"; "The First World War" by A.J.P. Taylor

June 1914

Trouble at St. Andrew's (still) - Is the vicar going to leave ?

In the St. Andrew's parish magazine for June 1914 the vicar, Revd. Rhodes, once again returned to the issue of the disputes that had been going on since March. Using quite intemperate language, he referred to the organist, Mr. Longbottom, as incompetent, and then went on to accuse "the hot heads of the Parish of instigating a season of parson-baiting". At the end of the article he dropped a bit of a bombshell:

"As it is my fixed principle to decline to quarrel with my parishioners, who seem bent on quarrelling whatever I do, it seems the kindest solution of the problem for me to permanently retire. I will therefore try to make arrangements to do so, as soon as possible."

Following the meeting that was abandoned in uproar last month, the vicar asked the church wardens to arrange another Vestry Meeting for June 10th. Nobody turned up.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 5th June 1914; Craven Herald, 5th June 1914; Keighley News, 6th and 13th June 1914.

Repairing the church bells

St. Andrew's bells have been sent away for repair. In the parish magazine the vicar reports that Mr. James Bairstow has agreed to pay the cost of work on the Treble bell. (In March, Mr. J.W. Ackroyd agreed to pay for a new Tenor bell, in memory of his late brother Richard Ackroyd.)

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 6th March 1914; Craven Herald, 5th June 1914.

Whit Monday festivals

The children and staff of Kildwick school held their annual festival on Whit Monday, June 1st. After a church service, which was accompanied by violin and piano (note, no organ), there was a parade around the district, with hymns sung at various points. A tea followed, with coffee and buns, in the schoolroom. In the evening, games and dances were held in a field off Skipton Road, provided by Mr. Smith Redman.

The Farnhill Primitive Methodist Sunday School also held a parade, followed by a tea in the schoolroom. Later sports events took place in a field adjacent to Kildwick Hall. Each child received a bag of sweets, provided by the children of Mr. and Mrs. Riddihough of Farnhill Hall.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 5th June 1914; Keighley News, 6th June 1914.

Kildwick school visits its Stepney "twin"

The headmaster, Mr. T. Appleby, and Mr. James Mosley led a party of 22 past and present schoolchildren of Kildwick school, together with some parents, on a brief and busy trip to London, to renew friendships with children and teachers of a school in Stepney, who had visited Kildwick the previous year. The party left Keighley station at 11pm and arrived at St. Pancras at around 6am the following morning. After breakfast the party visited Regent's Park and the Zoological Gardens. They then went by special bus to Westminster Abbey, taking in the sights of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament on the way, and then on along the Embankment to St. Thomas' school, Stepney, where they were served lunch.

In the afternoon, children from both schools visited the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, where they saw the crown jewels, the Beefeaters, and the working of the bridge. The afternoon concluded with a trip to a Dr. Barnado's Home. Tea was served back at St. Thomas's by the local schoolchildren, who then entertained their guests by singing a cantata entitled "St. Elizabeth Roses". Before leaving, the Kildwick children sang "Farewell, Stepney friends" and an invitation was made for them to visit Kildwick next year.

The day ended with some shopping, a return to St. Pancras by underground, and the 11:40pm train home. The party arrived home tired, but in good spirits, at 6:25am.

On Thursday 11th June, games and a picnic were organised on Farnhill Moor for those schoolchildren who were unable to go on the London trip.

NOTE: This appears to have been the last of a number of exchange visits between Kildwick and St. Thomas's school.

The photograph above shows Thomas Appleby with a group of Stepney schoolchildren on their visit to Kildwick in 1913.

Sources: Craven Herald, 12th June 1914; Keighley News, 13th June 1914.

Remarkable canal rescue

Five year-old Dorothy Simpson was saved from drowning when she fell from Redman Bridge into the canal. The cries of her play-mates were heard by Mr. Alfred Bowers who sprang, fully clothed, into the water and pulled her to the side as she was going under for the second time. This is the second time Mr. Bowers has saved a child from drowning (Keighley News - the third time according to the Craven Herald).

Kildwick school junior class, 1914, with Dorothy Simpson shown circled. Contributed to our archive by Mr. J. Whitaker

Sources: Craven Herald, 12th June 1914; Keighley News, 13th June 1914.

St. John's Ambulance Brigade treat injury

On Monday 8th June a young Farnhill boy, Clifford Sharpe, was injured when he fell out of a tree while playing near White Gate. His injuries were treated by Mr. John Sunderland a member of the local St. John's Ambulance Brigade, using equipment from the ambulance box installed last month at Kildwick corner. After treatment, the boy was taken to Dr. Ward in Crosshills who complimented Mr. Sunderland on his treatment of a fractured forearm.

Just two days later, members of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, including John Sunderland, took their First Aid examinations. (John Sunderland passed his examination and was awarded a medallion.)

Sources: Craven Herald, 12th June 1914, 3rd July 1914; Keighley News, 13th June 1914.

Landlord of Ship Inn fined

At Skipton Petty Sessions, on 13th June, the landlord of the Ship Inn, Andrew Waterhouse, was found guilty of serving drink during prohibited hours and fined 10s plus costs.

Source: Keighley News, 20th June 1914.

Mayoral Garden Party at Kildwick Hall

Mr. W.A. Brigg, the mayor of Keighley, and his sister, Mrs. Cecil Sharpe, the mayoress, hosted a large garden party. Despite bad weather, over 700 of the great-and-good of both town and county were present at Kildwick Hall; including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of York, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, the High Sherriff of York, the Mayoress of Huddersfield, the Mayor and Mayoress of Colne, Lady Vaux, and many representatives of Keighley Town Council.

This photograph, from our archive, accompanied the Keighley News account of the garden party. It shows (amongst others): Mr. W.A. Brigg (centre), Mrs. C. Sharpe (to his right), the Lady Mayoress of Bradford (to his left), and the Lord Mayor of Bradford (behind, with chain of office).

Throughout the afternoon, when the weather allowed, music was played by Kildwick and District Prize Brass Band, conducted by Mr. Joseph Hopkinson.

The social event of the season was covered in considerable detail by the Keighley News which filled two columns with details of the ladies dresses, described "By Our Lady Correspondent".

Source: Keighley News, 20th June 1914.

Methodist Band of Hope Demonstration

The annual Methodist Band of Hope Demonstration took place on June 13th, in fine weather. A procession, headed by the Kildwick Band, completed a circuit from the chapel that took in Kildwick Hall, Starkey Lane, Kildwick Junction, Crosshills, Holme Lane Top, Station Road, and then back to the chapel. Several of the children did the walk in fancy-dress costumes.

After the walk a gala was held in a field adjoining Kildwick Hall, loaned by Mr. Leolin Brigg. The children held games and sports, and the adults were able to dance to music played by the band.

A total of £6 15s 9d was collected for Band of Hope funds.

Sources: Keighley News, 20th June 1914; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 19th June 1914.

Accident on Kildwick Bridge

An accident occurred on Kildwick Bridge when four passengers were thrown out of a horse and trap owned by Mr. B. Lister of The White Lion.

Source: Keighley News, 20th June 1914.

Request for Kildwick Post Office to have public telephone

At the Farnhill Parish Council meeting it was decided that the council would approach the Postmaster in Keighley to suggest that Kildwick Post Office be made into a public telephone call office and telegraph office.

Source: Keighley News, 27th June 1914.

National and International news

23rd - Kiel Canal re-opened - The Kiel Canal, linking the Baltic with the North Sea, was re-opened after work to make it deeper was completed. The British Fleet attends the ceremony, on June 23rd, and the dreadnought battleship King George V was inspected by Kaiser Wilhelm II.

28th - Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand - The heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian empire and his wife, Countess Sophie, were assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia, by the Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip, who was arrested at the scene. It was their wedding anniversary.

Sources: Wikipedia entry "1914"; "The First World War" by A.J.P. Taylor

May 1914

Trouble at St. Andrew's - 1

Throughout the whole of May services a St. Andrew's were held without the usual organist or the adults of the choir, the typical compliment being just 6 to 8 Boy Scouts. This was a result of the row that had been going on at the church for a couple of months.

It started early in March, when St. Andrew's professional organist, Mr. Longbottom, accepted a Sunday engagement to play in a performance of Hadyn's "Creation" at Silsden Primitive Methodist Church. Mr. Longbottom believed he had the permission of the vicar, Rev. Rhodes, to do this and provided a deputy for the service at St. Andrew's. However, the vicar said he had made no such agreement and, on March 21st he wrote a letter of complaint to Mr. Longbottom which ended "... I presume you propose terminating your engagement with us". Mr. Longbottom replied to the vicar saying that he had no intention of resigning; to which, the vicar responded "... there is no alternative. I shall expect to receive your resignation by return of post."

Also on March 21st, the vicar wrote to the choirmaster, Mr. Arthur Smith: "As Mr. Longbottom is leaving us and it will be a most desirable point to have a free hand to make entirely new arrangements, may I ask you if you will kindly send me in a notice of resignation next quarter-day, June 25th." In his reply, Mr. Smith wrote "You say Mr. Longbottom is leaving us. Of this I had no idea until I received your letter on Sunday ... I understand there is friction between you, but why I should have to suffer for it I fail to see."

Further acrimonious letters were exchanged, the up-shot of which were that both the organist and the unfortunate choir-master were told that their services would not be required after June 25th. On hearing this the adult members of choir, giving their "entire confidence and sympathy" to Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Smith, resigned en-masse, also effective June 25th - thus leaving the vicar without organist, choirmaster or choir from that date.

In April, while the vicar away for a month's holiday, things got even worse when the organist, choir-master and the adults of the choir all went on strike in response to comments made in sermons by the vicar before his departure and by his deputy, Canon Griffin. While the vicar was away, Canon Griffiths was required not only to take the service but also to do what he could at the organ.

In the middle of May, the local papers reported that a new organist had been appointed: Mr. F.E. Fisher ARCO LRAM - a friend of Canon Griffin.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 9th April 1914; Craven Herald, 10th, 24th April, 8th, 15th May 1914.

Trouble at St. Andrew's - 2

You might have thought that one row at the church would be sufficient, but at the same time as Rev. Rhodes was in dispute with the organist, choirmaster and choir, he was also getting in a strop with his churchwardens.

At the annual Vestry Meeting, held on April 15th, the agenda had two major items: the signing-off of the church accounts for the previous year, and the election of a new slate of churchwardens. Right from the outset the vicar set himself in opposition to the others present. He claimed there was an issue with the accounts, in which funds designated for one purpose had been used for another in order to rectify a technical shortfall. He called this a mis-appropriation of funds and would not consent to the accounts being signed off.

He then required the churchwardens who were completing their one-year term to perform a ridiculous piece of theatre in which they signified the relinquishment of their posts by ceremonially laying their keys on the table. This was done with no good grace. The subsequent election of new wardens then descended into farce. Various people were nominated and all refused to serve. Mr. Sam Haywood, when asked to serve again as churchwarden for Kildwick, actually went so far as to say "No, thank you. Not for a pound a minute. No, NO !"

Shortly after this one of the parishioners present suggested that the meeting be adjourned so that things might cool down a little. The vicar refused and pre-emptorily closed the meeting, adding that because no new churchwardens had been elected the old ones remained in-post and would be responsible for any shortfall in the accounts. One quick-witted onlooker pointed out that the vicar had made the wardens place their keys on the table and they had consequently resigned. Another suggested that they could hold another meeting. The vicar said that as he was intending being away from the parish for some time if any meeting were to be convened it would have to be held elsewhere.

On April 30th another parish meeting was organised to elect church wardens and other officers. The intention was to hold this meeting in the belfry but as people assembled in the churchyard the belfry door was found to be locked. Seth Tillotson, the sexton, was seen nearby and Sam Heywood demanded the keys from him. Mr. Tillotson refused and was then told by Mr Heywood that because the wardens paid his wages they were in effect his employers. Mr Tillotson responded with the biblical quotation "No man can serve two masters." and left. After an unsuccessful attempt was made to get into the church through a window, the meeting went ahead in the church porch. In addition to the election of church officials, this meeting carried a motion of protest against the vicar for locking the belfry and agreed to make a complaint about the vicar's behaviour to the Bishop.

Sources: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 17th April 1914, 2nd May 1914; Craven Herald, 17th April 1914, 1st May 1914.

School Parents' Day

The first ever parents' day took place at Kildwick school on Wednesday 13th. There was a good attendance. The Keighley News reported "The children recited and sang and the parents inspected drawings and witnessed kindergarten games."

Source: Keighley News, 16th May 1914

Ambulance Box at Kildwick Corner

Participation in the St. Johns' Ambulance Brigade seems to have been very popular at this time and the local newspapers have regular reports of meetings and the results of examinations.

This month the Farnhill and Kildwick Branch held a meeting to raise money to pay for "a large ambulance box and equipment which has been placed at Kildwick Corner". A total of £2 13s 6d was collected from subscribers. The box was estimated to cost nearly £8 in all.

Source: Craven Herald, 29th May 1914

Presentations to Teachers

On May 23rd, at the triennial festival of the Ripon Diocese Sunday-school Association, certificates of enrolment were presented to the following teachers from Kildwick Parish Church: Misses H. Tillotson, E. Foster, E. Overend and G. Backhouse, and Messrs E.E. Longbottom, W.B. Whitham, T.E. Sugden and C. Slack.

Source: Keighley News, 30th May 1914

School Trip

On Wednesday evening, May 27th, the headmaster, Mr. Thomas Appleby, organised a school trip from Kildwick school to the museum in Keighley, in order to study the bird specimens kept there.

Source: Keighley News, 30th May 1914

Road repairs

At the parish council meeting on May 28th, the council discussed the forthcoming making-up of Newby Road and Back Mary Street. A suggestion was made that Newby Road be widened, but it was unclear how this could be done. Plans were also in hand for the tar-spraying of parts of Farnhill Main Street: from the old Mill to the chapel, and also from White Gate to Twig Nook.

Source: Keighley News, 30th May 1914

National and International news

Irish Home Rule Act - This month finally saw the completion of the Irish Home Rule Act, providing for a devolved government in Dublin.

Sinking of the Empress of Ireland - In the early hours of May 29th, the ocean liner Empress of Ireland collided with the Norwegian collier Storstad, in the St. Lawrence river, Canada, and sank. Of the 1477 people on board, 1012 drowned. Only 4 out of a total of 138 children survived.

Sources: "1914", "Government of Ireland Act 1914", "RMS Empress of Ireland"; Keighley News, 6th June 1914