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 1924

Winter Carnival events at the Institute

On the evenings of the 4th, 5th and 6th Farnhill Institute hosted a series of events under the general heading of "Winter Carnival". Sadly, poor weather over this period led to poor attendances.

Thursday 3rd -- Councillor J.J. Brigg, of Farnhill Hall, presided over entertainment provided by a local vocal quartet, led by Farnhill's own Miss Dorothy Hill.
Friday 4th -- Children of the villages were kept amused by a ventriloquist from Bradford who also provided a marionette display.
Saturday 5th -- The Aeollian Quartet, from Keighley, played a variety of music for the final evenng.

All three evenings concluded with music for dancing and supper, laid out in the upper room, prepared by the lady members who were also responsible for decorating the building.

Sources: Craven Herald, 12/12/1924; Keighley News, 6/12/1924 and 13/12/1924

Death of William Sunderland

Newspapers reported the sudden death of the well-respected local businessman, William Sunderland, at the age of 85. Mr. Sunderland had been involved with many local organisations including having been vice-president of the Kildwick Conservative Club, and a member of Farnhill Parish Council.

After the fire which destroyed a significant part of Farnhill Mill, in December 1905, it was the prompt action of Mr. Sunderland in rebuilding and reopening the weaving shed that provided some work for the people of the village who would otherwise have had to find work elsewhere. He had continued to run the business for about 15 years before selling it to the Bingley Weaving Company.

Sources: Keighley News, 6/12/1924 and 13/12/1924; Craven Herald, 12/12/1924

Clothes for Greek refugees

The overthrow of the Greek monarchy and subsequent civil unrest, including the forced exchange of ethnic groups between Greece and Turkey, led to a refugee crisis. The League of Nations mounted an appeal for clothing and local people responded by taking their old and unwanted clothes to a collection point set up in Kildwick Parish Rooms. They were subsequently despatched to a depot in London.

Source: Craven Herald, 26/12/1924

Christmas celebrations at Kildwick school

A Christmas tree was erected in the school on the 18th. It was decorated with gifts, provided by local people - one for each pupil - and illuminated (presumably with candles) at the end of school day. Most of the children stayed behind to see it and were joined by a number of parents.

Term ended at noon on the 19th. Morning classes were cancelled and the pupils spent the time singing carols and playing games. As they left, each received a gift taken from the tree along with a selection of sweets, fruit and nuts. Gifts were also sent to all the pupils who had left the school during the year.

In the afternoon the older scholars provided tea for the infants and those children who had only one parent. Again, fruit, nuts and sweets were distributed.

Source: Craven Herald, 26/12/1924; Kildwick school log book, December 1924

A quiet Christmas

It was a quiet Christmas in Farnhill and Kildwick. The mill shut down on Wednesday evening (Chrsitmas Eve) and re-opened on the following Monday. The local shops were also closed for two days.

Source: Craven Herald, 02/01/1925

St. Andrew's Sunday school party

The Sunday school's annual tea, concert and prize-giving was held in the Parish Rooms on Saturday 27th.

Tea was served by the teachers and this was followed by a concert with "turns" by various groups of pupils and teachers, as well as members of the Girls' Guild. The evening concluded with the distribution of over forty prizes to pupils by the teachers.

Source: Craven Herald, 02/01/1925

Social events

6th -- St. Andrew's Girls' Guild held a successful "Sale of Work" in the Parish Rooms. The event raised £6 10s for Guild funds.

11th -- The Girls' Guild held a social evening, once again in the Parish Rooms. Games were played and light refreshments provided.

13th & 18th -- Dances were held in Farnhill Institute.

Sources: Keighley News and Craven Herald; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

15th - Isn't hindsight wonderful ? - Winston Churchill criticised the government's plan to expand Singapore naval base saying "I do not believe there is the slightest chance of war with Japan in our lifetime." The Japanese army overran Singapore in February 1942, when Churchill described it as "the worst disaster in British military history".

20th - "Saturday Children's Hour" - A weekly radio programme of entertainment for children began on Norwegian Radio. It would be a fixture in the schedules for 85 years - last broadcast in September 2010.

24th - Plane crash - A commercial flight from London to Paris crashed shortly after take-off, killing all eight people on board. At the time it was the UK's worst civillian air accident and led to the first ever public inquiry into a civil aviation incident.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "December 1924"

November 1924

Bonfire

On the evening of the 5th, pupils of Kildwick School had a bonfire on the recreation ground. Earlier in the day, special lessons on the Gunpowder Plot had been given.

Source: Kildwick School Log, November 1924

A fatal traffic accident

The first reported road traffic death at Kildwick corner happened on Friday 7th. A man was crossing the road, leading his horse and cart, when a motor vehicle coming round the corner struck the horse - throwing it to the ground. The horse was badly injured and had to be destroyed.

Source: Craven Herald, 14/11/1924

Gazebo opened

The gazebo, built on the playing field in Kildwick (now known as the "Peggy Wilson field"), was officially opened by Col. Wilson - Lord of the Manor of Kildwick. The building was erected in memory of Col. Wilson's daughter, Peggy, who had died some years earlier.

On the 24th, the gazebo was used as a temporary classroom when the school heating system malfunctioned and the younger children had to be moved out of the building to ensure their safety.

Note: There are no traces of the gazebo today. It was demolished in the late 1950s or 1960s by Rev. Selby. This was done by the vicar even though neither the playing field nor the gazebo were the property of the Church.

Sources: Craven Herald, 14/11/1924; Keighley News, 15/11/1924; Kildwick School Log, November 1924

Armistice commemorations

The Armistice was commemorated in church services at St. Andrew's. On the 9th the regular Sunday morning service included a procession to the War Memorial, where appropriate hymns were sung and a large wreath, provided by ex-soldiers, was laid. On the 11th a large number of people gathered at the memorial, where a special service was held and a two-minute silence observed.

Sources: Craven Herald, 14/11/1924; Keighley News, 15/11/1924; Kildwick School Log, November 1924

Dogs of Devon - again

Following their very successful performance of the operetta "The Dogs of Devon" - telling the tale of Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada - last month, the Institute's Musical and Dramatic Society staged another performance in the Methodist Sunday School room. The proceeds were for the Kildwick Cricket Club.

Sources: Craven Herald, 21/11/1924; Keighley News, 22/11/1924

Theatre trip

Some of the older pupils of Kildwick School visited the theatre in Keighley to see a performance of Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice". On their return they were treated to tea by the headmaster, Mr. Appleby, and his wife.

Source: Craven Herald, 21/11/1924

Massed choirs at St. Andrew's

The combined voices of nine local choirs, totally over 150 people in all, performed at St. Andrew's church on the evening of the 22nd. The choirs were from churches in Kildwick, Silsden, Steeton, Cononley, Sutton, Glusburn, Cowling, Lothersdale and Skipton.

Sources: Craven Herald, 28/11/1924; Keighley News, 29/11/1924

Social events

1st -- A very successful dance was held in the Institute in support of Institute funds.

4th -- A lecture on the Beethoven was held in the Institute, with excerpts of live music performed by local musicians and singers.

11th -- There was a "Handkerchief bazaar" held in the Primitive Methodist schoolroom followed, in the evening, by a concert given by the ladies of the church. The day's events raised £25 for the church Crockery Fund.

13th -- There was a lecture given to the ladies' section of the Institute by Miss Leneghan of Sutton on the subject of "The Brontes in Ireland".

18th -- A whist drive was held in the Institute, with refreshments provided by the ladies' section.

20th -- A gramophone recital, with recorded music from the collection of Mr. John Peacock of Crosshills, was held at the Institute.

25th -- A whist drive was held in the Kildwick Unionist Club, with prizes for both men and women competitors.

25th -- A social evening was held in Kildwick School by members of the Women's Help Society, with both live music and gramaphone selections.

29th -- Funds for Farnhill Institute were raised by a dance, with music by Holts' Orchestra.

undated -- A social evening with supper and dancing was held in the Institute; organised by the Institute's Musical and Dramatic Society.

Sources: Keighley News and Craven Herald; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

1st - Meteorology - The RAF introduced flights designed to provide long-range weather forecasts.

2nd - Crossword - The UK's first newspaper crossword was published in the Sunday Express.

6th - Chancellor - Winston Churchill was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in the new Conservative government.

23rd - Multiple galaxies - In a letter to the New York Times, astronomer and theoretician Edwin Hubble suggested that the universe may consist of many galaxies.

24th - Australopithecus - Discovery of the first example of the hominid species Australopithecus africanus was announced.

27th - Mahler's 10th - The first performance of Gustav Mahler's 10th symphony took place in Amsterdam - 13 years after the composer had died, leaving the work unfinished.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "November 1924"

October 1924

Institute AGM

Kildwick and Farnhill Institute held it's 13th Annual General Meeting on the evening of Friday 3rd. It was reported that the previous year had been quite successful. The Institute's own library had grown to 145 books, with others on loan from West Riding County Council which were changed regularly. The accounts showed a balance in hand of over £16-00.

Source: Craven Herald, 10/10/1924

School harvest festival

The school celebrated its Harvest Festival on the morning of the 10th. The pupils brought in produce, including: apples, pears, grapes, bananas, tomatoes, blackberries and eggs, which was later sent to Skipton Hospital. Songs were sung and a concert performed. The morning ended with the playing of a selection of gramophone records.

School was dismissed at noon for the autumn holiday - five half-days.

Sources: Kildwick School log book, October 1924; Craven Herald, 17/10/1924

Amateur dramatics

Members of the Institute's Musical and Dramatic Society put on four performances of the operetta "Dogs of Devon", telling the story of how Sir Francis Drake defeated the Spanish Armada. Newspaper reports praised not only the singers but also the musicians, costumes and set designers.

Sources: Craven Herald, 17/10/1924; Keighley News, 18/10/1924 and 25/10/1924

School caretaker retires

On the evening of the 22nd, the school was filled almost to capacity with local people wanting to offer their appreciation to the caretaker and verger and sexton of the church, Mr. Seth Tillotson, who was retiring after 21 years in the posts. Gifts to Mr. Tillotson included a photograph album, a wallet, and a cheque for over £100.

Source: Kildwick School log book, October 1924; Craven Herald, 31/10/1924

Social events

2nd -- The Ladies' section of the Institute started their winter season with a social evening, to which male members were invited. The evening entertainments included music, a supper, and dancing.

7th -- 56 competitors participated in a Whist Drive at the Conservative Club, in aid of club funds.

24th -- An illustrated talk, with lantern slides, on "Cambridge and the Fen District" was given in the Institute by Miss Hanson of Oakworth.

28th -- The annual tea and a dance were held at the Conservative Club.

31st -- An evening of music and short plays was organised by the older girls of Kildwick School, to raise funds for the school's games fund.

Sources: Keighley News and Craven Herald; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

1st - Jimmy Carter - James Earl Carter (Jimmy), later President of the USA, was born in Plains, Georgia.

9th - Government defeat - King George V dissolved parliament after the government of Ramsay MacDonald was defeated in a confidence vote.

18th - Trans-world radio communications - Favourable atmospheric conditions allowed the first ever two-way wireless transmissions between the UK and New Zealand.

29th - Election Day - The Labour-Liberal coalition government, led by Ramsay MacDonald was defeated; losing a total of 158 seats (40 Labour, 118 Liberal). The Conservatives, led by Stanley Baldwin, had a 104 seat majority.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "October 1924"

September 1924

Garden party for Keighley liberals

On the afternoon of Saturday 6th, menbers of Keighley Women's Liberal Association were entertained at a garden party held in the grounds of Kildwick Hall, courtesy of the Brigg family. The gathering was adressed by Mr. R.R. Pilkington, MP for Keighley, and Sir Newbold Kay, the MP for Elland.

Source: Craven Herald, 12/09/1924; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 12/09/1924

Donations to the school

Members of the Petty family donated 40 books to the library at Kildwick School, adding to the 80 donated on previous occasions. The family also donated a tennis racquet and two dozen tennis balls.

Sources: Keighley News, 13/09/1924; Kildwick School log book, September 1924

Methodist harvest festival

On Sunday 14th special services were held at Farnhill Primitive Methodist Chapel to celebrate Harvest Festival. The chapel was decorated appropriately. Professional singers Dorothy Hill and Rupert Barker, both from Farnhill, were amongst those who sang at the services.

Sources: Craven Herald, 19/09/1924; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 19/09/1924; Keighley News, 20/09/1924

Traffic accident

On Saturday 20th four people travelling on a motorcycle and sidecar were injured in a crash. The party, three adults and a young boy, were on their way from Bradford to Morecambe when the driver lost control of his vehicle at Kildwick Corner and smashed into the wall of church. All four people wer treated at the scene by a local doctor; the adults' injuries were slight but the young boy had a serious head wound. The party then returned to Bradford by taxi.

Source: Craven Herald, 26/09/1924; Keighley News, 27/09/1924

Social events

12th -- A jumble sale was held in Kildwick Parish Rooms to raise funds for Kildwick Old Boys' Football Club.

13th -- Kildwick Athletic Football Club held a dance in Farnhill Institute, with refreshments supplied by "Ladies interested in the club ...".

16th -- A whist drive was held at Kildwick Unionist Club.

23rd -- A whist drive was held at Farnhill Institute, in aid of Institute funds.

Sources: Keighley News, Craven Herald, and West Yorkshire Pioneer; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

4th - The next war - In a speech to the League of Nations, British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald said that the next war was "inevitable".

25th - World speed record - A world land-speed record of just over 146mph was set by Malcolm Campbell in his car Bluebird on Pendine Sands, Carmarthenshire.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "September 1924"

August 1924

Mill holidays

The weaving sheds at the bottom of Farnhill Main Street were closed from 8th to the 18th. With many people taking the opportunity to go away on holiday the village was described as being "deserted".

Source: Keighley News, 16/8/1924

Liberals at Kildwick Hall

Saturday 15th was chosen by members of the Skipton Division of the Liberal party as the date of their annual summer meeting; and the chosen venue was Kildwick Hall, the home of the Brigg family. Unfortunately the whole of the event had to be held indoors due to poor weather.

Source: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 22/8/1924

A nasty accident

On the evening of Monday 25th young boy Kenneth Barker ran out on to Main Street near his home on the Arbour, and into the path of motorcyclist Sydney Emmott of Crosshills. Both parties ended up on the ground. The boy was unharmed but Mr. Emmott received injuries to his face and a knee, and his clothes were badly torn. However, he was able to ride home later.

Source: Craven Herald, 29/8/1924

"... and then the lighting of the lamps"

At the monthly meeting of Farnhill Parish Council, held on Thursday 28th, it was decided that the street lamps in the village would be lit from September 15th until April 15th 1925. The lamps would be kept lit until 10.15pm on an evening (10.30pm on Saturdays).

Separate arrangements were made for the culvert where it was decided that the lamps would be lit from the end of the month and would be kept on all night.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council minutes, August 1924

National and International news

6th - Ponzi scheme - Charles Ponzi was released from prison in Massachusetts after serving a sentence for fraud. He was immediately re-arrested on 10 further charges.

7th - Council houses - The 1924 Housing Act came into force, providing government subsidies to local authorities for the building of houses to rent.

21st - Corner-kick, and a goal - The first ever goal scored from a corner kick happened in a Scottish League Division Two game.

27th - Colour fax - The first colour Fax was transmitted by the US telecomms company AT&T.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "August 1924"

July 1924

Sunday school day out

On Saturday 12th the older girls of St. Andrew's Sunday School were treated to a day out by their teachers. The party went by train to Bingley and then by bus to Goit Stock wood. After taking a walk to the waterfall, tea was served at a local cafe.

Source: Craven Herald, 18th July 1924

Choir trips

On the 19th the adult members of the choir and the bellringers of St. Andrew's had an excursion to Liverpool, visiting the cathedral and New Brighton. The boys of the choir were taken on the same trip a week later.

On the same day, members of the Chapel choir had an excursion to Morecambe, with a trip to Silverdale.

Source: Craven Herald, 25/7/1924 and 1/8/1924

Open-air meeting

On Sunday 20th members of Farnhill Methodist Bible Class held an open-air meeting on Farnhill Moor, where local historian John Stell, of Sutton, gave a talk on the "History and Geology of Farnhill Moor".

Source: Keighley News, 26/7/1924

Moor fire

Just a year after a major blaze, Farnhill Moor was once again on fire. This time the matter was dealt with promptly and little damage was done. The West Yorkshire Pioneer took the opportunity to advise people against dropping lighted matches or cigarette ends on the moor in dry weather.

Source: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 27/7/1924

Farnhill canal bridge

The minutes of Farnhill Parish Council include reference to a letter received from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal Company denying any responsibility for the maintenance of the canal bridge at Cononnley Lane End. The company claimed that the bridge was built by public subscription in 1841 and it had had no part in maintaining either the bridge or the roadway over it. The parish council decided to refer the matter to Skipton Rural District Council and ask them to take up the matter with the canal company.

The parish council also decided to write a letter of complaint to Skipton Rural District Council about the poor quality of the resurfacing work that had recently been carried out on Farnhill Main Street. Apparently pot-holes were already beginning to appear.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council minutes, July 1924

Last day of term

Kildwick school closed for the summer holidays on the 25th. In the afternoon lessons were suspended and the pupils entertained their class-mates with a mixture of music, folk dancing, and recitations.

Source: Kildwick School log book, July 1924

Social events

5th -- A garden fete was held in the grounds of Kildwick Hall to raise funds for the Institute. Rain brought the event to an early close, but a dance was held in the Institute building on the same evening. The day raised £35 for Institute funds.

7th -- A social evening with dancing and supper was held by members of the Institute's Amateur Dramatics group.

Sources: Keighley News, Craven Herald, and West Yorkshire Pioneer; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

7th - "Chariots of Fire" - Harold Abrahams won the 100m at the Olympic Games in Paris. His friend, Eric Liddell, refused to take part in the race as the heats were held on a Sunday. Liddell went on to win the 400m race four days later

12th - A-tish-ooo ! - The brand name Kleenex was trademarked by the Kimberley-Clark Corporation.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "July 1924"

June 1924

Whitsuntide events

On Whit Sunday, services at St. Andrew's church raised over £18 for the Sunday School. The following day members of the Sunday school paraded through the village, ending up at Prospect House where the children were served tea and engaged in sports on a field loaned for the occasion by Mr. Robert Laycock.

On the Tuesday, the Sunday school teachers had their annual outing - a day-trip to Matlock, by train.

The Methodist services raised a record £45 for the Sunday School and the children held a "happy day" on the Monday. Presents were given by Mrs Reddihough, of Farnhill Hall, and by Mrs Laycock, of Prospect House. After tea in the School room, the children enjoyed games on a field provided by the Brigg family.

Source: Craven Herald, 13/6/1924; Keighley News, 14/6/1924

Accident at Cononley Lane End

On the evening of the 3rd, Frank Throup of Farnhill was driving his horse-drawn milk float to Connonley railway station. As he was crossing the main road at Connonley Lane End the float was hit by a car travelling from the Keighley direction. Damage to the float was significant with both shafts and the axle broken. Mr. Throup was thrown out of the float and landed on his back in the road.

At a court case held in Silsden on the 14th, it was agreed that the case against the driver of the car, Mr. Edward Jarman of Silsden, would be dismissed on payment of costs to Mr. Throup.
Source: West Yorkshire Pioneer, 20/6/1924

National and International news

4th - "A Passage to India" - The novel by E.M Forster was published.

8th - Lost on Everest - UK mountaineers George Mallory and Andrew Irving were last seen close to the summit of Everest. They failed to descend and it is not known if they reached the summit. Mallory's body was discovered in 1999; Irving's body has not been found.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "June 1924"

May 1924

Either May 1924 was an exceptionally quiet month in Farnhill and Kildwick or the newpapers didn't bother reporting things that did go on.

National and International news

9th - Scottish Home Rule ? - A bill which would have provided home-rule for Scotland was introduced in the House of Commons. The debate descended into total chaos and was abandoned.

19th - Image transmission - US telephone company At&T becomes the first in the world to use telephone lines to transmit images. 15 photographs were sent from an office in Cleveland to New York.

24th - Cello and Nightingale - In a remarkable live outside radio broadcast from her garden in Surrey, cellist Beatrice Harrison's playing was accompanied by the chirping of a nightingale.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "May 1924"

April 1924

Fire at the railway station

On the afternoon of the 4th fire broke out in the Station Master's house at Crosshills and Kildwick railway station on Station Road. The fire was quickly brought under control by means of a hose run from the station, although the water caused significant damage in one of the bedrooms.

Source: Keighley News, 5/4/1924

A notable recital

The local soprano and later recording artist, Miss Dorothy Hill, presented a solo recital at Farnhill Institute. There was a large and appreciative audience in attendance.

Source: Craven Herald, 4/4/1924

A fire at Kildwick school

On the morning of the 10th a fire was discovered in the boilerhouse at Kildwick School. The children were moved into the yard and the classroom furthest away, and then the fire was brought under control by local workmen and some of the older boys.

Source: Kildwick School log book, April 1924

Farnhill Parish Council Annual meeting

At the annual meeting of Farnhill Parish Council, W.A. Brigg was re-elected as Chairman. He noted that he had held the office for the previous 21 years.

It was reported that the scheme to provide allotments for local residents, the subject of a significant campaign in the immediate aftermath of the war, had not been a success and several plots were unallocated.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council minutes, April 1924; Keighley News, 19/4/1924

Easter services at St. Andrew's

The usual Easter services were held at St. Andrew's Church.

In his address on Good Friday the vicar, Rev. Hodge, criticised a number of local factories that had not closed, noting that it was a day that should be set aside for worship and prayer.

During the service on Easter Sunday a new pulpit cover, in leather and gold, was presented by members of the Hargreaves family in memory of John and Annie Hargreaves who had died recently.

Source: Craven Herald, 25/4/1924; Keighley News, 26/4/1924

Social events

5th -- A "quiet afternoon" for members of the Women's Help Society and other ladies was held at St. Andrew's Church.

5th -- A dance was held at Farnhill Institute, organised by Kildwick Old Boys Football Club with lady friends of the club in charge of refreshments.

10th -- A social evening was held at Farnhill Institute, the last of a series of winter events organised by the ladies group of the Institute Committee.

26th -- Another dance organised by Kildwick Old Boys Football Club was held at Farnhill Institute.

Sources: Keighley News, Craven Herald, and West Yorkshire Pioneer; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

3rd - Irish passports - The first passports were issued by the recently formed Irish Free State

4th - BBC Schools broadcasts - The BBC began broadcasting radio programmes specifically for schools.

12th - International football - The first international football match at Wembley Stadium was played between England and Scotland. The result was a 1-1 draw.

23rd - Brtish Empire Exhibition - The British Empire Exhibition was opened, at Wembley, by King George V.

29th - Philip Snowden's budget - Philip Snowden, of Cowling, presented the Labour Government's first Budget in his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "April 1924"

March 1924

Kildwick Parish records

At the annual meeting of the Yorkshire Parish Registers Society, held in Leeds, it was reported that their activities in 1923 had included the publication of Volume III of the Kildwick records.

Source: Keighley News, 8/3/1924

Wireless at the Institute

On the 3rd, a large number of people gathered in Farnhill Institute to listen to a live broadcast by the BBC of the operetta "Dogs of Devon". The transmission originated in London and was sent by telephone cable to Manchester from where it was broadcast by wireless.

The receiving equipment and a loudspeaker had been loaned for the occasion by two members of the Institute's dramatic society. The broadcast was timely as the Dramatic Society were rehearsing the piece for future performance locally.

At the end of the evening special thanks were given to those who had helped fix the aerial.

Source: Craven Herald, 7/3/1924; Keighley News, 8/3/1924

Flu (still)

The outbreak of influenza at Kildwick School, which started in February, continued. On the 21st, the headmaster noted that 20 pupils (out of a total of around 100) were absent due to the infection. The usual Citizenship lesson was cancelled and a pamphlet on the prevention of infection was read and explained to those attending.

Source: Kildwick School log book, March 1924

RAC at Kildwick

It was announced that the local representative of the RAC, based at Kildwick corner, would shortly be leaving his post. A new appointment had been made.

Source: Keighley News, 22/3/1924

Cononley Lane end

At the monthly meeting of Farnhill Parish Council it was noted that the approach to Keighley Road from Cononley was dangerous for both pedestrians and motor vehicles due to the high stone walls on either side of the road allowing only limited visibility. It was decided to join with Cononley Parish Council to ask Mr. Reddiough to give a small area of land so that the end of the lane cound be widened at the junction; and to approach the Rural District council to ask for a length of the walls on either side to be taken down and replaced with railings, to provide a better view of the main road in both directions.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council minutes, March 1924; Keighley News, 29/3/1924

Social events

4th -- A social and dance was held at Kildwick school, organised by the church to raise funds for the Oxford Mission to Calcutta.

8th -- A jumble sale was held in the Methodist Chapel school room.

9th -- A "confetti carnival dance" was held at the Institute; organised by the Kildwick Brass Band, to provide money for the uniform fund.

9th -- J.J. Brigg of Kildwick Hall gave a lecture on "Sinai" to members of the Farnhill Methodist Chapel Bible Group.

15th -- A dance organised by Kildwick Albion Cricket Club was held at Farnhill Institute. Over £4 was raised for club funds.

20th -- A lecture on "The Brontes" was given at Farnhill Institute.

22nd -- A dance organised by Kildwick Old Boys Football Club was held at Farnhill Institute.

27th -- A lecture-recital was given at Farnhill Institute by the local soprano Miss Dorothy Hill, with piano accompaniment provided by Thomas Appleby.

Sources: Keighley News, Craven Herald, and West Yorkshire Pioneer; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

3rd - End of the Ottomans - The last caliph, Abdulmecid, was deposed - bringing the Ottoman Empire to an end.

28th - BBC Plymouth - The BBC begins regular broadcasts from its radio station in Plymouth.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "March 1924"

Febuary 1924

A Midsummer Night's Dream

On the evening of Saturday 2nd, Members of the St. Andrew's Church Girls' Guild and the church Sunday School put on a very well-attended performance of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". The following week, the headmaster of Kildwick School, Thomas Appleby, gave a lesson on the play to the pupils, many of whom had been in the audience.

On the following Saturday a Fancy Dress Ball was put on for the girls who had taken part in the play. It was arranged by the ladies who hada coached the girls in the dances.

Sources: Craven Herald, 8/2/1924 and 15/2/1924; Keighley News, 9/2/1924; Kildwick School log book, February 1924

Flu

In the middle of the month Kildwick School log book recorded that attendence had been poor since the start of the month, with eight pupils absent for the whole of the previous week due to influenza.

Source: Kildwick School log book, February 1924

"Friendly" billiards

On the 19th a friendly competition took place between the billard teams from the Kildwick Conservative Club and Farnhill Institute held at the Institute. The team from the Institute came out easy winners.

A return match was held a week later at the Conservative Club. The Institute won again, by five games to one.
Source: Craven Herald, 22/2/1924 and 29/2/1924

Mission of Grace

A series of special services were held at St. Andrew's throughout the second half of the month under the general heading "Mission of Grace". Other events included parades from Crosshills to St. Andrew's and from St. Andrew's to the Methodist Chapel in Farnhill. The parades included the choir and Kildwick Brass Band who accompanied hymn singing along the routes.

Source: Craven Herald, 22/2/1924 and 29/2/1924; Keighley News 23/2/1924 and 1/3/1924

Early lambing

The first lamb of the year was born at Hellifield Farm, run by Lister Rishworth, on the 23rd.

Source: Craven Herald, 29/2/1924

Farnhill Water Company

The Annual General Meeting of the Farnhill Water Company was held at the end of the month. The accounts showed a profit of £70 for the year.

Source: Keighley News, 1/3/1924

Social events

5th -- A whist drive and supper, organised by Kildwick Old Boys' Football Club was held at the school.

7th -- A lecture on "The Beggar's Opera" was given at the Institute, illustrated with gramaphone selections.

14th -- A whist drive put on by the local branch of the Women's Unionist Association was held in Kildwick Conservative Club.

14th -- On the same evening, the ladies' section of Institute held a whist drive in Farnhill.

16th -- A dance was arranged at the Institute to raise funds for Kildwick Brass Band.

29th -- A "Leap Year Carnival Ball" was held at Farnhill Institute, to raise funds for Crosshills Tennis Club.

Sources: Keighley News, Craven Herald, and West Yorkshire Pioneer; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

5th - Pips - The hourly Greenwich time signal was broadcast for the first time by the BBC.

14th - IBM - The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR), based in New York, was renamed International Business Machines (IBM).

18th - HMS Hermes - The Royal Navy's first purpose-built aircraft carrier entered service.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "February 1924"

January 1924

Support for Kildwick Brass Band

In a letter published in the Craven Herald on the 4th, someone who called themselves "A Musician" complemented the playing of Kildwick and District Brass Band in streets around the local area during Christmas week. The author hoped that 1924 would see a reversal in the fortunes of the band which had rather declined in the recent years.

Source: Craven Herald, 4/1/1924

Accident at gas works

A tragic accident occurred at the Kildwick Parish Gas Company on the 6th, when a new girder slipped during new construction and a worker, employed by a company based in Halifax fell from a height onto his right arm. The arm suffered a compound fracture and had to be amputated just below the shoulder at hospital in Keighley.

Source: Craven Herald, 11/1/1924; West Yorkshire Pioneer, 11/1/1924

Back to school with bad weather and Whooping Cough

Kildwick School reopened on January 7th with 98 pupils present; there were a couple absent, suffering from Whooping Cough. Poor weather and the persistence of Whooping Cough saw reduced attendence levels throughout the month.

Source: Kildwick School log book, January 1924

Kildwick Albion Cricket Club AGM

The annual general meeting of the Kildwick Albion Cricket Club was held on the 29th. 1923 had been a good year financially for the club, with a slight increase in membership; although on the pitch the loss of the team captain, Rev. Ladley, was keenly felt after he had moved away from the village.

Sources: Keighley News, 26/1/1924; Craven Herald, 1/2/1924

Post collections

At the end of the month, Farnhill Parish Council discussed a proposal made by the postmaster at Keighley that the times of collections be altered to allow for the postman to finish work early on Saturday afternoons. The plan, to change the time of the Farnhill collection from 4.15pm to 1.15pm and the Kildwick Grange collection from 4.50pm to 4.15pm, was accepted by the council.

Source: Farnhill Parish Council minutes, January 1924

Social events

1st -- A social evening was held at the Institute during which prizes were presented to the winners of the recent billiards handicap. Both live music and gramophone records were played for dancing.

3rd -- Members of the St. Andrew's Men's Bible Class were entertained to supper by Mr. and Mrs. Appleby at Kildwick schoolhouse.

5th -- A social evening, with gramophone records, organised by St. Andrew's Sunday School, was held in the Parish Rooms to raise funds for St. Dunstan's Hostel and the RNIB.

5th -- The Methodist Sunday School held their annual tea and prize-giving.

7th -- The Institute's annual whist competition concluded with a prize-giving event.

10th -- A very well-attended Fancy Dress Ball was held at the Institute, organised by members of the Ladies' Committee.

12th -- A concert of music, organised by Kildwick Albion Cricket Club and featuring a number of local artists, was held in the school-room at Farnhill Methodist Chapel. The event raised £10 for club funds.

15th -- A whist drive was held at Kildwick Conservative Club.

15th / 17th / 19th -- A series of "At Home" evenings were held at Farnhill Methodist Chapel. Proceeds for the three events exceeded £30.

24th -- An evening's entertainment was provided for members of the Institute by Dr. and Mrs. Canter, the vice-president and president of the Ladies' Section.

Sources: Keighley News, Craven Herald, and West Yorkshire Pioneer; various editions throughout the month.

National and International news

1st - Shipping Forecast - The Meteorological Office broadcast a "Shipping Forecast" for the first time on the BBC.

15th - Radio play - The world's first radio play, "Danger" by Richard Hughes, was broadcast by the BBC from London.

17th - Lib-Lab pact - The leader of the Liberal Party, H.H. Asquith, announced that the Liberals would support a minority government headed by the Labour Party, making the fall of Stanley Baldwin's Conservative government almost certain.

21st - Death of Lenin - V.I. Lenin, The first leader of the USSR, died following a stroke.

24th - First Labour Government - Ramsey MacDonald became the first Labour Party prime minister.

25th - Winter Olympics - The first Winter Olympic Games were opened in Chamonix, France.

Sources: "1924 in the United Kingdom"; "January 1924"