“AS the Archbishop of York pointed out the other day, many people considered country life very dull as compared with the towns,” began a D&S report from 100 years ago that was bound to strike a chord with its country readers.

To alleviate the dullness in Muker, the villagers had subscribed £100 in hard cash and £100 in terms of free labour to prepare a site for the construction of a public hall. They had just indulged themselves in a day of festivities in which 12 foundation stones had been laid by different, but worthy, people.

Each said a few words about their connections to the dale and their high hopes for the hall. Eventually, after a “forceful speech” by the vicar, a programme of sports began.

There was a quoits competition, 100 yard and 200 yard sprints, a high leap, a wrestling competition (Mr J Alderson of Thwaite beat Mr J Alderson of Hill Top in the final), a potato race and a ladies potato race, plus a Gentlemen’s wallops competition (winner: C Scott) and a Ladies’ wallops (winner: Mrs E Cherry, runner-up: Miss E Guy).

Then there was a evening tea in the village institute, accompanied by the Muker band and ending with an open-air concert by the Merry Mascots of Hawes.

How can you ever say country life is dull?

  • We are desperate to know what a Gentlemen’s or Ladies’ wallops competition consisted of – please email chris.lloyd@nne.co.uk if you can enlighten us