Bank a/c reconciled past months, how do I dispose uncleared cheque/dirdebit payment, receipts dating back a number of prior months?

Thanks for dropping by, @jcmaybelfast.

You'll have to create a Bank Deposit to uncleared the checks. This way you're year-end balance will match to your real-life bank deposits.

Here's how to create a deposit: 

1. Click the + New button on the left menu and select Bank deposit.
2. Enter the bank account in the Account field.
3. Enter the deposit date and other necessary details.
4. Go to the Add funds to this deposit section.
5. Enter the details for ACCOUNT, DESCRIPTION, PAYMENT METHOD, and AMOUNT.
6. Click Save and close.

You can see your past deposits and transactions you combined. The report lists will show your completed bank deposits: 

1. Go to the Reports tab.
2. Choose the “Sales and customers” section.
3. Select the Deposit Detail report.

Also, I'm adding our Bank website it provides articles that will help you in managing your QuickBooks account.

Should you need anything else or if we have misinterpreted your query, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm here to lend a hand. Keep safe always.