Apprentices are being recognised as part of National Apprenticeship Week and here in Craven we have lots to be proud of, so it seems. There are currently 11 apprentices doing a variety of jobs at Craven District Council, whether in business support, IT, vehicle maintenance, or at Craven Pool and Fitness Centre. The council’s apprenticeship scheme was first set up in 2005 and over the years, has given eight of them full time positions, while many others have gone on to secure employment elsewhere. Alasdair Robertson is now an assistant licensing officer with the council after a spell in 2011 as an apprentice. He decided to give working a go, after being put off by high university fees. “In the business support department, my main role was to assist all the departments within the council with administrative tasks whenever necessary,” he said. “I would also help set up meetings, take minutes and process the council’s post. This apprenticeship work provided me with an insight into how large organisations function and gave me a chance to develop valuable business skills that I now use on a day to day basis in my role as assistant licensing officer.” And he thoroughly recommended the scheme to anyone. “It has provided me with qualifications, a good wage, invaluable skills and the chance to pursue a career in licensing.”

Guns and cakes do not, on the surface, seem the perfect combination. But, that is what will be on offer at Coniston Shooting Ground, Coniston Cold, on Saturday, March 15, when the award-winning Shotgun and Chelsea Bun Club holds one its infamous “introduction to clay shooting and cake days”. The idea behind the club is to bring ladies together, who wouldn’t normally have a go at shooting and make it fun, accessible and more importantly affordable. No experience is needed and all equipment is included in the price. The days are really sociable, so ladies are welcome on their own. Founder Victoria Knowles-Lacks says: “We’re so excited about holding an event at Coniston Shooting Ground and it promises to be a fantastic event. Absolutely everyone is welcome to come along and try out this Olympic gold medal sport.” Once the shooting is over, the girls will regroup for a well earned cup of tea and slice of cake. The day costs £47.50 and is inclusive of 30 cartridges, 30 clays, gun hire, insurance, protective equipment and cake. To book or for more information, visit shotgunandchelseabunclub.co.uk.

A year’s free membership to Skipton’s Craven Pool and Fitness Centre is up for grabs. Craven District Council is asking people – whether they are members or not – for their views on the centre, and as an incentive is giving one lucky respondent a year’s free membership. It plans to use the responses to its online or paper survey to improve facilities at the centre, which is already seen as hugely successful. The survey, put together with help from business studies students at Craven College, should take less than ten minutes to complete, the council says. Coun Simon Myers, the council’s lead member on such issues, urged people to complete the survey. “Craven Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre offers leisure and fitness activities aimed at people of any age, ability or experience. We’d like to hear from as many residents as possible to make sure the facilities continue to meet residents’ needs.” The survey can be found on the council’s website at cravendc.gov.uk, or by the old fashioned way at the pool reception, or at the council offices in Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road. The survey runs until the end of April. The winner of the free membership will be announced in May.

After an absence of over 30 years, the old Carleton tradition of maypole dancing is being resurrected. The dancing is open to both boys and girls of primary school age who live in the village or whose grandparents live in the village. Practice sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 6.15pm at the village social club. The youngsters will give their first performance on May Day (May 5) at 3pm outside the Swan.

Two Airedale Hospital workers have stubbed-out their smoking habit in advance of national No Smoking Day on Wednesday. They have attributed their success to a “quit group” at the Steeton hospital. Medical secretary Alison Higgins has managed to stop before, but started again just over a year ago following two bereavements. “One night – whilst putting my daughter to bed – I went to kiss her but she turned her head away and said she was so sorry but she couldn’t kiss me because I smelt and tasted of cigarettes,” she said. “I was devastated and rang the smoking cessation team the following day.” Catherine Bramley, ward manager of the ambulatory care unit, had wanted to quit smoking for years. “I was a pack-a-day smoker for many years,” she said. “Taking part in Airedale’s ‘quit group’ gave me the motivation, knowledge and a plan of action. I haven’t had a cigarette for four months and I feel great.” To mark No Smoking Day, information will be provided throughout the week explaining where staff and patients wanting to quit can get help and advice. For more information, call 01274 437700 or visit smokefree.nhs.uk.