Older readers may remember at least the latter years of the kind of simple pleasures epitomised by this old postcard titled “Judson’s, Newsholme Dene.”
This cottage, with its garden overlooking a level field in a curve of the North Beck, provided several generations with modest refreshments and recreation.
Its proprietors were justly proud of an entry in their visitors’ book penned in 1896 by Sir Isaac Holden, then an active 89-year-old: “I have passed this hospitable house hundreds of times during the last 36 years on my pleasant walks and have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Mr and Mrs Judson, whose courtesy, thrift and industry I admire.
“The scenery of the Dene and the friendly and country character of its inhabitants have rendered the beautiful glen my favourite walk.”
In 1960 Mrs Constance Carter, who had taken over what was then called the Newsholme Dene Café, tried drastically to change its ambience by installing a jukebox.
Her husband even planned a tennis court, a miniature golf course and a skittle alley. The jukebox attracted as many as 60 teenagers at weekends, mostly from Laycock and Guard House, though a few came from as far as Bingley.
However, Mrs Carter had failed to realise she needed a music and dancing licence and when she belatedly applied for one it was refused, allowing tranquillity to return to Newsholme Dene.
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