The news that the four wind turbines at Chelker, which have so long stood out on the horizon, will soon be no more, could in itself be a landmark in the wider debate about renewable energy.

Promoted as a ‘green’ method of providing power, not relying on burning fossil fuels or leaving radioactive waste, turbines have nevertheless proved to be a contentious issue over the impact they have on the environment.

Aside from being considered a blot on the landscape by some, opponents also cite the impact on the environment caused by the noise, and concerns that they are a danger to wildlife such as rare birds of prey.

Although planning permission granted for the turbines at the prominent spot that is the Chelker Reservoir was only ever temporary, many locals who grew accustomed to seeing them would naturally assume that once the principle of them being there had been established, it meant there would be turbines of some sort there for a very long time to come. The blocking of plans for bigger turbines at Chelker was not in itself a surprise, as these would have had a more far-reaching impact on the countryside landscape.

The decision to completely remove turbines from the grassy slopes overlooking the reservoir, however, is more unexpected, and one which suggests the wind of change is now blowing firmly away from this type of renewable energy.

Memories of Great War

The First World War is now something that is almost beyond living memory.

But that makes it all the more important that we remember it.

Next year marks the centenary of the beginning of the conflict that was termed The War to End All Wars because of its unprecedented global spanning reach that cost the lives of millions.

We know now that it was somewhat optimistic to believe that the Great War would signal an end to conflict, but it is understandable from the ferocity, human cost and sheer scale of the fighting that those who lived through it thought there could be nothing worse to come.

Ilkley Library and Ilkley Grammar School are working together to put in place an exhibition commemorating the start of the First World War, which will depict for the current generations just what life was like in the local area during the war, and for those whose family members went abroad to fight.

It was a time of great hardship and sacrifice and the exhibition should prove illuminating, especially for young people today who can have no concept of what those dreadful years must have been like.

Anyone with any useful memories, documents or memoribilia is strongly urged to contribute to this exhibition to keep alive the memory of those who gave their all.