100 years ago in Farnhill and Kildwick

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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 1921

Nephritis at Kildwick school

On the 2nd, the Schools' Medical Officer visited Kildwick to examine a pupil throught to be responsible for an outbreak of nephritis (kidney infection). On the 12th a teacher at the school fell ill with the disease and was absent for the rest of the term.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

Winter Carnival events at the Institute

On three consecutive evenings a series of "Winter Carnival" events, mostly involving suppers and dancing, were held at the Institute. On the last of these, commemorating 10 years since the opening of the building, W.A. Brigg handed over the deeds to the Institute building to the Institute Committee. He hoped that the Institute would continue "as in the past, to be a model of what a village institute should be".

Source: Craven herald, 9th December 1921; Keighley News, 10th December 1921

Talks on the "Irish Question"

On the 17th the MP for Skipton, Col. R.F. Roundell, delivered a number of talks about the granting of independence to the Irish Free State. He visited the Institute in Farnhill, and the Conservative Clubs in both Kildwick and Crosshils.

Source: Craven Herald, 23rd December 1921

Christmas celebrations at the school

An illuminated Christmas tree was set up in the school and on the last day of term each child was presented with a present from the tree plus an apple or an orange. Lessons ended at lunchtime on the 23rd, but in the afternoon games took place and a tea was provided for the infants, those children who were fatherless, and those whose parents were out of work.

Sources: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922); Keighley News, 31st December 1921

Gas and electricity

A meeting of Farnhill Parish Council, held on the 28th, discussed the proposal by Kildwick Gas Company to increase the cost of gas to 1/8d per therm. It was decided to ask Skipton Rural District Council to approach the Gas Company as this proposal also affected neighbouring villages.

There was also discussion of a plan suggested by Keighley Corporation to extend its supply of electricity to Skipton, via a transformer station at Crosshills. When the Chairman asked members of the council how many households in Farnhill were likely to want electricity the answer was "only a few".

Sources: Farnhill Parish Council Minutes, December 1921; Keighley News, 31st December 1921

National and International news

6th - Anglo-Irish Treaty - British and Irish negotiators signed the treaty, giving independence to the Irish Free State.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

November 1921

Unionist Club fund-raisers

At the start of the month two evening events were held to raise money for the Kildwick Unionist Club.

The annual tea and dance was held in Kildwick school, where over 150 people were in attendance. A couple of days later a whist drive and supper was held at the club. The total proceeds were in excess of £30.

Source: Craven Herald, 4th November 1921; Keighley News, 5th November 1921

Dangerous driving in Colne

On the 7th, at the Police Court in Colne, Maurice Smith of Kildwick was found guilty of dangerous driving.

Witnesses reported that Smith, driving a van, had attempted to overtake a lorry causing an on-coming car to swerve off the road. There were no injuries, but the car sustained damage to a mud-guard and an axle.

Smith was fined £2 with a further 14s costs. The Chairman of the Bench commented that "there was too much reckless driving on the streets of Colne".

Source: Keighley News, 12th November 1921

Theft at Kildwick

On the 8th, two men, both general dealers - one from Bradford and one from Halifax - were found guilty of the theft of 3500 cigarettes, nine pounds of tobacco, 280 boxes of matches, and three cases of pipe-cleaners: the property of W. & J. Slater, tobacconists, of North Street, Keighley.

The items, which were being taken from Keighley to Kildwick by Mr. Francis Archer of Farnhill, were found to be missing from the cart on arrival.

Two felons were subsequently apprehended in Bradford when a police officer saw them carrying a bulky package; at which time one of them was reported to have said "It's a fair cop, it's 'bacca". The men pleaded guilty at Keighley Borough Court and were sentenced to 4 months imprisonment.

Source: Keighley News, 12th November 1921

Armistice Day

On the 11th, school playtime was rearranged so that the pupils could attend the Armistice Day commemoration at the new War Memorial. Afterwards the headmaster gave a Citizenship lesson in which the meaning of Armistice Day was discussed.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

A farmer's strange death

Skipton's deputy coroner was called upon to consider the death of Israel Smith, at Skipton Poor Law Infirmary on the 14th.

The coroner heard how Mr. Smith, aged 71, of Woodside Farm Kildwick, had sustained a graze to his leg about 10 days prior to his death, whilst working on the farm. He had complained about increasing pain until, after a week had passed, a doctor was called. Dr. Purcell diagnosed blood-poisoning and had him admitted to hospital.

On arrival at hospital Mr. Smith was described as suffering from celulitis, an inflamation of the leg, but had no other evidence of ill-health. However over the following days gangrene set in, which led to his death.

Sources: Craven Herald, 18th November 1921; Keighley News, 19th November 1921

Gypsy children at school

Three children from a gypsy van that had arrived in the area were examined by the school doctor. His report showed that in terms of physical stamina, and cleanliness they were quite up to the standard of the other childen in the school.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

National and International news

4th - Munich riots - After a speech by Adolf Hitler, members of the fascist brownshirts rioted in Munich

11th - Poppies - The British Legion held the first official Poppy Day.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

October 1921

The "White Crusade"

At St. Andrew's church, Rev. Hunter the rector of Keighley, gave a sermon to the men of the congregation in support of the on the strangely named "White Crusade". This movement, rather than having any overtly racial overtones, seems to have been a call for a return to moral rectitude. The reverend explained:

"They were living in a whirlpool of change. Old ways of life and thought were being discarded. Standards of life and morals they had held in the past were being set on one side, and out of the whirlpool there was a new spirit arising. A new world was emerging. The big thing was whether the new world was to be the golden world where life was four-square, and everyone doing his best. There was a danger that England was going to be sin-scorched and tarnished. The youth of England, he was afraid, was shirking its responsibilities ... something must be done to keep England clean."

A few days later, a similar address was given to the ladies of the village by one of the Sisters from Horbury House of Mercy - a hostel for "fallen women who needed to be rescued from sin and destruction".

Similar addresses seem to have been given throughout the local area around this time.

Source: Keighley News, 1st October 1921

Local social events

The month saw a range of social events in both Farnhill and Kildwick:

The Methodist Church choir held its annual outing to Morecambe.

Harry Roe and Tom Addy organised a whilst drive at Farnhill Institute, on behalf of St. Dunstan's Home for Blinded Heroes. Prize money of £5 was offered, and the prize-winners qualified for the next round of the all-England Whist Championship, to be held in Bradford.

Lady members of the Institute held their first Annual gathering, with musical entertainments followed by supper.
During the evening, crockery which had been bought by the ladies was presented to the Institute Committee.

A Sale-of-Work was held in Kildwick school, with a wide range of stalls; followed by a dance in the evening. The day's events raised over £80 for the Church funds - principally for the completion of the new screen and the provision of bell-ropes.
A few days later a social evening and supper was organised for those who had helped at the sale.

Sources: Craven Herald, 14th and 21st October 1921; Keighley News, 1st, 16th and 22nd October 1921

A visit from Col. Wilson

Late in the month the Kildwick school log reported that Col. Wilson (the Lord of the Manor of Kildwick) had made a visit to the school. He had been greeted by two of the senior boys who had thanked him for his gift of the playing field, on behalf of the whole school.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

National and International news

11th - An end to the Irish question ? - An Anglo-Irish Treaty conference, designed to establish a working relationship between Ulster and the rest of Ireland, opened in London.

21st - Valentino - The silent film "The Sheik" was premiered in Los Angeles. Its leading man, Rudolph Valentino, would go on to become a world-wide star and heart-throb.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

September 1921

School football

At the very start of the month, the headmaster of Kildwick school met with other heads in the area in order to discuss the formation of a small league for local school football matches. Schools from: Glusburn, Crosshills, Eastburn, Sutton, Silsden, Steeton and Kildwick agreed to participate. On the 27th the older pupils organised a Social Evening and raised £4 for their new football team and the following day they played their first match in the new league - beating Sutton Council School 3-0. It was the start of a short but impressive winning streak.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

On Sunday 4th, a Harvest Festival was celebrated at Farnhill Methodist Chapel. The church was decorated with fruit, vegetables, and flowers; music was provided by the chapel choir and Miss Dorothy Hill, of Farnhill, was the soprano soloist.

A week later, St. Andrew's celebrated their Harvest Festival. Afterwards, the fruit and vegetables donated to the Church were distributed among the sick of the village.

Source: Craven Herald, 9th September 1921; Keighley News, 10th and 17th September 1921;

WW1 Roll of Honour

On the 8th the school acknowledged receipt of a WW1 Roll of Honour. Created by Dr. Frank Dyce of Bradford, it listed the names of the 144 former scholars of the school who had fought in the Great War, in an oak frame.

Sources: Craven Herald, 9th September 1921; Keighley News, 10th September 1921; Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

A school excursion

On the 13th school was ended early in the afternoon, so that the children could attend the afternoon performance at "Bostock and Wombwell's Menagerie". Before they were allowed to leave they were tested on their knowledge of wild animals by the headmaster.

Note: The menagerie may have made regular trips to the local area. There is evidence that it was at Gargrave in 1912.

Sources: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922); gargrave.org.uk website

A Farnhill Hall - Glusburn Old Hall wedding

Not quite the "society" wedding you might imagine. On the 14th, the wedding took place at Cononley Baptist Church of Betty Feather, a former employee at Farnhill Hall, and Ephraim Holmes, a member of staff at Glusburn Old Hall. The reception was held at Farnhill Hall, hosted by Mrs. Reddihough.

Source: Craven Herald, 16th September 1921

Lamp-lighting

Farnhill Parish Council agreed unanimously to accept John Hargreaves' bid to act as lamplighter - in return for payment of £20 for the period from October 1st to April 1st. It was agreed that the lights would be put out at 10pm each night (later changed to 10.30pm on each Saturday).

Source: Farnhill Parish Council Minutes, September 1921

National and International news

13th - Burgers - White Castle hamburger restaurant opened in Wichita, Kansas. It formed the foundation of the world's first fast food chain.

17th - Shackleton - Ernest Shackleton set sail on his last expedition to Antarctica. He died of a heart attack on South Georgia on 5th January 1922.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"; "Ernest Shackleton"

August 1921

A local wedding

At the start of the month a local wedding was celebrated at St. Andrew's. The bride was Maud Lister, daughter of the landlord of the White Lion; and the groom was Charles Alec Hargreaves (known as Alec), from Church Terrace - just opposite the pub. Wedding gifts included a silver plant stand from members of Kildwick Old Boys Football Club, and an oak clock from the office staff at Junction Mills. The reception was held at the White Lion, and later the couple left for their honeymoon in Blackpool.

Sources: Craven Herald, 5th August 1921; Keighley News, 6th August 1921

Litter on Parson's Walk

Littering is not a modern phenomenon. This month, in St. Andrew's parish magazine, the vicar asked people not to discard their chip-wrappings on Parson's Walk. He wrote:

We deny no one a good meal. Our complaint is that the paper is not eaten as well. I would be glad if residents in the village would help me by using their influence to prevent the shedding of newspaper up Parson's Walk.

Source: Keighley News, 20th August 1921

Back to school

School reopened on the 22nd, after the summer break. 10 pupils were absent suffering from whooping cough.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

A talk on geology

Members of the Men's Bible Class of Farnhill Methodist Chapel were invited to Kildwick Hall to hear a talk on local geology. During the talk the speaker, Mr John Holmes of Cross Hills, said that a number of stones from the Eastburn area had been found to be similar to stones found in Newfoundland. He suggested that at one time a continent may have extended across the Atlantic. A member of the audience noted that in sending stone from Eastburn Quarry to Canada they were simply returning what was theirs.

Source: Keighley News, 27th August 1921

National and International news

11th - FDR - Franklin D. Roosevelt, later to become US President, was diagnosed as suffering from polio. He was permanently disabled.
Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

July 1921

Institute garden party

The annual garden party organised by the Kildwick and Farnhill Institute, which took place on Saturday in the grounds of Kildwick Hall (kindly lent by Messrs. Brigg), took the form of an “Olde Time Fayre.” The various stalls were in charge of ladies wearing quaint and ancient costumes, and there were afternoon and evening performances on the lawn of the operetta ”The King of Sherwood”. The principal characters were:

Robin Hood, Mr. R. E. Barker;
Maid Marian, Mrs. F. Sugden;
King Richard, Mr. Sam Tillotson;
Abbot, Mr. T. Clough;
Sheriff, Mr. G. Holliday;
Little John, Mr. T. Addy;
Much, Mr. A. Wilcock;
Friar Tuck, Mr. A. Darby;
Will Scarlett, Mr. E. Green;
Dame Scarlett, Miss D. Hill;
Sir Richard Lea, Mr. F. Sugden;
Edith, Mrs. T. Addy;
Dorothy, Miss L. Bell; and
Ella, Miss I. Peel.

Although each member of the company acquitted themselves well, Mr. A. Darby’s clever impersonation of Friar Tuck is worthy of mention. Much credit was due to Mr. T. Appleby, the coach, and Mr. E. Spencer, who was responsible for the musical part of the programme. Mr. Julius Spencer’s orchestra accompanied. During the interval, tea was served in the courtyard. At the close, a vote of thanks was accorded Messrs. Brigg and also all those who had assisted to make the effort a success. The proceeds, amounting to over £65, were for the Institute funds.

Source: Craven Herald, 8th July 1921; Keighley News, 9th July 1922

Women's Liberal Association

On the 12th, members of the Keighley branch of the Women's Liberal Association spent an enjoyable day at Kildwick Hall. The event was hosted by the Liberal candidate for Keighley in the forthcoming election, Mr. W.A. Brigg who lived at the Hall.

At a meeting in the afternoon, Mr. Brigg spoke on the Irish question and the Liberal Party's position on disarmament. A subsequent speaker talked about the League of Nations and Free Trade.

Source: Craven Herald, 15th July 1921; Keighley News, 16th July 1921

Farnhill property auction

On the 19th, at the Institute, there was an auction of properties in Farnhill. They included:

The grocer's shop on the corner of Newby Road and Mary Street with fixtures, fittings and stock, lately occupied by Mrs. Birtwhistle, along with two domestic properties at 17 and 19 Newby Road - sold for £450

The cottage, 15 Newby Road - sold for £75

Number 1 Mary Street - sold for £241

Two other properties, 5 Bucklar Hill and 8 Starkey Lane, were withdrawn having not made their reserve price.

Source: Craven Herald, 22nd July 1921; Keighley News, 23rd July 1922

Choir outing

St. Andrew's Church choir had it's annual outing. They went by motor-coach to spend the day in Knaresborough and Harrogate, returning via Blubberhouses Moor.

(I wonder if they all had to get out, in order to give the coach a chance to get up the hill ?)

Source: Craven Herald, 22nd July 1921

Antiquarians visit Kildwick

At the end of the month members of the Bradford Historical and Antiquarian Society paid a visit to Kildwick. They looked at the Aire bridge, and the church - where they were given a guided tour by local historian John Stell. They then went on to Kildwick Hall where they were hosted by Mr. J.J. Brigg.

Source: Craven Herald, 29th July 1921

Whooping cough

During the month an outbreak of whooping cough ran through the school, resulting in attendance dropping to an average of just 77.6 pupils. Several children were excluded on doctor's orders and the school closed early for the mid-summer holidays.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

National and International news

1st - China - The Chinese Communist Party was founded under the leadership of Chen Duxiu.
9th - Ireland - The Irish War of Independence came to an end.
10th - Bloody Sunday - ... or did it ? Clashes between Catholics and Protestants in Belfast resulted in sixteen deaths (23 over a four-day period) and the destruction of over two hundred (mostly Catholic) homes.
27th - Insulin - Researchers at the University of Toronto announced their discovery of insulin.
29th - Nazi Party - Adolf Hitler became Führer of the Nazi Party in Germany.
Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

June 1921

Census tips

In advance of the Census, held on the 19th, the Keighley News published some tips on completing the form - which had far more columns than the one used in 1911. People were reminded that entries should only be made for people who were in their property or en-route or working a night-shift, at midnight on the day itself.

Note: The 1921 census will be released to the general public on 6th January 2022.

Source: Keighley News, 18th June 1921

Temperance Society visit

Members of the British Temperance Society visited the area and were treated to tea in the Primitive Methodist schoolroom. In the evening a talk was given at Kildwick Hall on how spending on drink led to poverty and unemployment. The event was hosted by Mr. W.A. Brigg, the prospective Liberal candidate for Keighley.
Source: Craven Herald, 1st July 1921

No swimming lessons this month

The pupils of Kildwick school, who were supposed to restart swimming lessons this month, were unable to do so. The shortage of coal made it impossible for the baths at Glusburn Institute to be heated to a sufficient temperature.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

Academic success for Kildwick school pupil

At the end of the month the Kildwick school log book noted that John Robert Williams, a former pupil at the school, had been awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Leeds, at the age of just 16. In 1910, when a pupil at the school, Williams had won a scholarship which had enabled him to attend grammar school.
(J.R. Williams would subsequently join the Labour Party and contest a general election as the party's candidate in Darlingon. He was unsuccessful.)

Sources: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922); Craven Herald, 8th July 1921; Keighley News, 2nd July 1921

National and International news

10th - Unemployment figures - UK unemployment reached 2.2m with a further 2m employed but involved in pay disputes.

14th - "Lark Ascending" - First performance of the orchestral version of Vaughan Williams' "The Lark Ascending", conducted by Adrian Boult.
19th - Census day - The most extensive UK census up to that date. The information collected will be released to the public in January 2022.
24th - R.38 - The world's largest airship made its maiden flight from Cardington, near Bedford. The airship was beset by technical problems, an in-flight structural failure caused it to crash on 24 August 1921 with the death of 44 of the 49 crew.
25th - Rain, at last - Rainfall brought an end to a UK-wide drought that has lasted for 100 days. 1921 would see the lowest ever annual rainfall across the UK.
Sources: R38-class airship; "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

May 1921

Kildwick war memorial

On the 3rd May, Kildwick war memorial was unveiled by the dowager Lady Horsfall, whose son Cedric was named on the memorial.

Amongst the large number of wreaths laid was one from Kildwick School, as recorded in the school log by the headmaster, Thomas Appleby.

May 3 – The elder scholars attended the unveiling of the War Memorial for Kildwick & District this evening. A cross of flowers from the teachers & scholars was placed on the memorial by Emma Booth and Cecelia Smith, two girls whose fathers were killed during the War.

Sources: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922); Craven Herald, 6th May 1921; Keighley News, 7th May 1921

Free pies

On the 5th, about 50 players, friends and family of Kildwick Old Boy's Football Club held a social evening and pie supper at Kildwick school. The following day the surplus pies were distributed amongst the scholars at the school.

Source: Keighley News, 7th May 1921

Sunday school anniversaries

Over the Whitsun weekend, both St. Andrew's and the Farnhill Methodist Sunday schools celebrated anniversaries. Both involved special services for children on the Sunday; with processions around the village, followed by by tea and sports taking place on the Monday. The children from St. Andrew's were given tea and loaned a field for their sports by Mr. and Mrs. Laycock of Prospect House; the Methodists were hosted by members of the Brigg family at Kildwick Hall and grounds.

Source: Keighley News, 21st May 1921

Fencing-off Farnhill quarry

At its meeting on the 26th Farnhill Parish Council resolved to write to Mr. Riddihough, at Farnhill Hall, asking that as he was persisting in quarrying stone from Farnhill Moor and selling it, he should fence-off the quarry from the adjacent public footpath. They wrote "... As a public body we are are concerned as to who will be responsible should an accident happen to somone using the footpath so near to the unfenced quarry."

Sources: Farnhill Parish Council Minutes, May 1921; Keighley News, 28th May 1921

National and International news

5th - German war reparations - The "London Schedule of Payments" set out the World War I reparations payable by Germany. The schedule, subsequently revised many times, envisaged Germany completing reparation payments by 1988. The final payment was actually made on 3rd October 2010.

5th - Perfume - Coco Chanel launched the perfume Chanel No. 5.

5th - Football attendance - Only 13 people paid to attend the football match between Leicester City and Stockport County; the lowest attendance in the Football League's history.

7th - Japanese state visit - Crown Prince Hirohito of Japan arrived in London on the first official state visit of a member of Japanese royality to the UK.

15th - British Legion - The British Legion was founded, under the Presidency of Earl Haig.

25th - Irish war of independence - Members of the IRA occupied and burned The Custom House in Dublin, the centre of local government in Ireland. Five IRA men were killed, and over 80 captured by the British Army which surrounded the building.

31st (and June 1st) - Tulsa race riots - The city authorities of Tulsa, Ohio, conspired with a mob of White extremists, giving many of them weapons to attack the largely black neighbourhood of Greenwood. The riot left between 75 and 300 dead, and 10,000 black people homeless. The massacre became a part of the Oklahoma school curriculum in 2020.

Sources: Tulsa race massacre; "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

April 1921

Examination success

It was reported that Miss Vera Spencer, of Mary Street, Farnhill, had passed the Trinity College of Music senior examination. She was 15 years old.

Sources: Craven Herald, 8th April 1921; Keighley News, 9th April 1921

Kildwick man guilty of theft

John William Green, aged 57, a clogger from Kildwick, was found guilty at Lancaster of the theft of 12 pairs of clog-tops valued at £3-18s. He was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment.

Sources: Craven Herald, 8th April 1921; Keighley News, 9th April 1921

Ryecroft charity

At one time a significant source of relief for the poor, Farnhill Parish Council reported that this year the amount received from the charity was 12/6d. This had been distributed amongst the poor of the parish.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council Minutes, April 1921

A busy month at the school

Quite a few noteworthy events took place this month at Kildwick School:

4th - School restarted after the Easter holidays. There were 96 pupils on the roll. The four pupils who had been ill with diphtheria returned to school.

9th - Pupils were allowed out of school between 9.30 and 9.50 to view an eclipse of the Sun.
Note: They are likely to have been disappointed. The annular eclipse was only visible from the north of Scotland, northern Norway, and the arctic regions of Russia.

11th - On his way home, one of the infants, Eric Kitson of Main Street Farnhill, fell into the canal. A tragedy was averted when Alec Hargreaves, a former pupil at the school, dived in and rescued him.

19th - In place of the usual afternoon singing lesson, pupils were excited when a gramophone was brought into the school. Recordings of the violinist Jasha Heifetz and the band of the Coldstream Guards were played. Several of the pupils stayed behind after the end of school to listen to further recordings.

21st - Afternoon school started at 1.05pm and ended at 3.15pm in order to allow some of the pupils to attend the circus.

29th - The boys, having maintained a 100% attendance record for the whole week, were allowed to leave 10 minutes early.

Sources: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922); Craven Herald, 15th April 1921; https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/1921

National and International news

1st/3rd/15th - Coal strike - After the start of the coal strike (31st March), mine owners carried out a lock-out (1st). The government announced coal rationing (3rd). Other trades unions refuse to join the miners in their strike (15th).

26th - Motorcycle police - The London police introduce motorcycle patrols.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

March 1921

Stone from Farnhill quarry

It came to the notice of Farnhill Parish Council that Mr. Riddihough, of Farnhill Hall, was taking stone from Farnhill Moor and selling it in other townships. The Council wanted to know if they might be entitled to receive some of the money from these sales.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council Minutes, March 1921

Footpath in High Farnhill

There were also complaints raised about the footpath being laid in High Farnhill by the Rural District Council. The feeling was that, at just 3 feet wide, the path did little to help pedestrians while at the same time making it more dangerous for vehicles in places where the full width of the road was less than 13 feet.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council Minutes, March 1921

Kildwick War Memorial

In its issue dated 18th March the Craven Herald reported that work had begun on erecting the new war memorial in Kildwick.

Source: Craven Herald, 18/3/1921

National and International news

4th - US President - Warren Harding was sworn in as 29th President of the USA. He is generally regarded as one of the worst presidents.

17th - Family planning - Dr. Marie Stopes opened the UK's first family planning clinic.

19th - Just like that ! - Comedian Tommy Cooper was born (died 1984).

31st - Trouble down t' pit - The government returned the coal mines to private owners who then immediately demanded wage cuts. A strike was called, leading to the Government declaring a state of emergency under the 1920 Emergency Powers Act.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

February 1921

A "shower party"

A "shower party", involving entertainments, supper, and dancing was held at the Institute. It raised £22 for Institute funds.

Source: Craven Herald, 11/2/1921

Allotments

After all the fuss that was made about the provision of allotments for returning war veterans, the February meeting of Farnhill Parish Council heard how several of the available plots were unsubscribed. A committee was established to determine what should be done about the vacant land.
Source: Farnhill Parish Council Minutes, February 1921

Inadequate heating at the school

Throughout the month, the headmaster of Kildwick School noted that the heating in the building was inadequate. On the morning of the 4th, the temperature in the school at the start of the day was recorded as being only 8 degrees centigrade (46 degrees farenheit).

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

National and International news

16th - Unemployment - Unemployment in the UK reached 1,000,000 for the first time.

21st - Coup d'etat - A coup d'etat in Iran (Persia) led to the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty, which held power in the country until 1979.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"

January 1921

Diphtheria at Kildwick school

The school re-opened on the 3rd with one pupil absent due to diphtheria. However by the end of the month 24 pupils had been absent for more than a week, along with one teacher.

Source: Kildwick School Log Book (1907 - 1922)

"Faith tea" and prize-giving

On the 8th a "Faith tea" was held in schoolroom of the Methodist Chapel for pupils of the Sunday School, at which prizes were awarded for regular attendance. Afterwards, the pupils staged their own variety concert.

Sources: Craven Herald, 14/1/1921; Keighley News, 15/1/1921

"At Homes" at the Chapel

This month saw a number of "At Homes", parties arranged and hosted by different individuals, take place in the schoolroom of Farnhill Chapel, which had been decorated for the occasion. The events raised £46 for the chapel funds.

Source: Keighley News, 29/1/1921

Conservative club meetings

At the annual meetings of the Kildwick Conservative Club and the Women's Association, the President announced that they had had a "strenuous but successful" year, which had seen membership increase to 85. Mr. James Woodrow was re-elected as President of the Club, and his wife re-elected as Chairwoman of the Women's Association.

Sources: Craven Herald, 21/1/1921; Keighley News, 15/1/1921

Co-operative Holiday Association

Members of the Co-operative Holiday Association from throughout the West Riding gathered at the Institute for their annual reunion, including a party of over 30 who walked from Keighley to Kildwick Hall beforehand. The social evening, with supper, included a slideshow illustrating the holiday homes operated by the CHA both at home and abroad.

Source: Craven Herald, 4/2/1921

National and International news

1st - Tax discs - The first car tax discs were introduced in the UK.

2nd - Football club - The first association football club, Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, was founded in Brazil.

8th - Chequers - Chequers became the Prime Minister's official country residence.

20th - Submarine lost - Royal Navy K-class submarine HMS K5 sank in the English Channel with the loss of all 56 crew on board.

Sources: "1921 in the United Kingdom"; "1921"