Signs of the times: the seasonal sparkle of modern streets and teas for the elderly in the 'good old days'Above: a great deal of voluntary hard work goes into erecting the Christmas decorations, which light up Kirkgate, Briggate and Bolton Road End each year.

Voluntary community work of a different kind was a seasonal feature in the decades following the Second World War when Silsden's senior citizens were treated to a Christmas tea. 

The annual treat was one of a number of events organised by a group of volunteers as community life got going again after the hardships and disruptions of wartime.  

The Christmas teas were held in the Methodist School Room and continued into the early 1970s. Coats and hats were almost a uniform for the ladies in the days when winters were famously cold. Coal fires and, if you were lucky, Esso Blue or pink- paraffin heaters provided warmth at home but not in all rooms. 

Above: Mrs Dyson (left) and Mrs Lambert were among the many helpers. Teas were also taken to the homes of elderly people too frail to attend.

Above: members of the organising committee included Les Dyson (on the left), Jim Brown (without a jacket) and Brian Brockbank (right).

Magic! Pantomime makes a welcome return to Silsden

After an absence of several years, pantomime returned to Silsden with three performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Town Hall (December 4 and 5). Pictured above are Neil Whitaker as Molly, the dame, and Kairen Booth as Snow White in the Silsden Community Productions show directed by David Hardman. All the tickets were sold.

Above: the wicked witch, played by Ros Driver, brings the dame to her knees while Snow White reacts to the unwelcome intrusion.

Above: Stupid, played by Mark Kelk (centre), drives his fellow dwarves to desperation. 

Above: talented teenies -- members of the Elizabeth Phillips School of Dance.

Above: blue rinse meets prince. The dame pleads with the prince, played by Alexandra Whitaker.

Above: Merlin, played by David Harper, outwits the wicked witch. 

Above: return of the ring. Barbara Williamson as the flummoxed fairy godmother on a flying visit from Cinderella. 

 Above: Laurie Driver as the woodman with a wooden horse. 

Above: a time for reflection. Cynthia Dodding as the witch in the mirror. 

Above: paws for thought. Dame Molly's dog Minnie.

Above: the happy ending as the charming prince saves Snow White from a spell of shut-eye.

Above: Silsden Community Productions director David Hardman with his leading lady, Kairen Booth. 

Above: musical director Terry Simpson with his wife, Margaret, who was the prompt.