There are several references in the Craven Herald of 1914 of farmers and the local hunt handing over their horses for the war effort. A photograph of such a gathering has been sent to us by historian Ben McKenzie, who is keen to find out where the picture was actually taken. He has been told it shows the military in the area of Arncliffe, but believes it could be anywhere in the Upper Dales. He believes it was taken in 1914, but is hoping someone will be able to recognise the buildings in the background. At the outbreak of the war, the War Office was given the task of sourcing half a million horses to pull heavy guns, to mount cavalry charges, and to carry the wounded and dying to hospital. It meant that the countryside in the first year of the war was emptied of work and riding horses. Any help in locating the site of the photograph would be much appreciated.

Barnoldswick was well and truly up ‘on its high horse’ 50 years ago after some disparaging comments about the town appeared in an American newspaper. In a holiday piece in the Newark paper, it was reported that people in Barnoldswick (population 251) did not take to foreigners, even those from ‘nearby Scunthorpe’ and it went on to describe the town’s mill chimneys as resembling ‘rotten tree branches pointing skywards’. A correspondent also described a visit to the town which involved a trip on a horse and cart along ‘dung-filled dirt tracks’. The article was taken up by the national press and a letter was fired off to the editor of the offending paper by the chairman of the then Earby and Barnoldswick Council. Coun Hill pointed out there were 11,000 and not 251 people living in Barnoldswick and that the town was set in some of the most beautiful rural countryside that even Americans would wish to see. He pointed out that it was a shame that American visitors were not generally keen walkers and preferred to travel by car, as the area was wonderful for rambling. He mentioned the town’s current project to raise its share of the President Kennedy Memorial Fund - aimed at encouraging student exchanges - and hoped that the article would not slow it down. And finishing off, he extended an invitation to the editor and his readers to come and visit at any time - along with a couple of informative booklets.

Musician Tony Wright found himself lost for words when he found himself in the middle of a marriage proposal. Tony, who is member of the band Terrorvision, agreed to play the guitar for a rendition of the group’s song, Love Hold On, in his pop-up shop, Derdlab, in Craven Court, Skipton. Singing the vocals was Tim Hughes, who wanted to impress girlfriend Rebecca Lyons. But, at the end of the song, Tim got down on one knee and proposed to a surprised Rebecca. “I never expected him to propose there and then,” said Tony. “Fortunately she said yes, which was great. It was a crazy, crazy day.” The proposal can be seen on You Tube - use search words tim and rebecca’s engagement 16102014.

It’s that time of year again where you can stick on your Santa hat, don a lovely yellow tabard and collect for Marie Curie. And collections are planned in both Skipton and Settle over the Christmas period. This year, volunteers can sign up online at mariecurie.org.uk, making it a simple and easy process. Community fundraiser Leah Mitchell says: “Marie Curie Nurses continue to work hard at this special time of year by going above and beyond, in all kinds of weathers, to ensure that terminally ill people and their families receive the professional care and emotional support that they need in the comfort of their own homes. Twenty pounds pays for one hour of care from a Marie Curie Nurse so please help us make a difference today. We can’t provide this service without the help of people like you.” For more information, contact Leah on 01274 337017 or email Leah.mitchell@mariecurie.org.uk North Yorkshire Police are urging people to act responsibly and stay safe over Halloween and Bonfire Night. They say although this time of year is seen as fun by many, there are those for whom it causes concern and increases the fear of crime. To allay their fears, police officers and police community support officers will be on patrol. “I know that this is an exciting and fun time for many young people,” said Chief Superintendent Lisa Winward, head of uniformed policing. “However, there are some people who may find it distressing and can feel threatened by unexpected callers who are often dressed in disguises. It would be very helpful if parents could speak to their children to ensure that they understand how their actions can leave others in fear of crime. People working in shops should also be mindful of selling anything to young people which could be used to cause antisocial behaviour.” For information, visit northyorkshire.police.uk/halloween Staff at Skipton’s Halifax branch will support Leeds Children’s Hospital this Christmas by fundraising and delivering presents over the festive period. And they are asking the customers to support the appeal by buying donating any spare presents before December 6. A branch spokesman said: “We hope that the presents donated by colleagues and customers put smiles on the faces of lots of children this Christmas. If you have any spare presents you would like to give to the appeal, please drop by.” The branch is located on the High Street.

Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor has been sharing tips with members of Sutton-in-Craven-based AW School of Dance, pictured above. Robin offered to give workshops at dance schools across the country after a back injury meant he missed this year’s TV show. “He was inundated with over 1,500 applications, but thought as a trial he would only take on about 10 visits,” said AW owner Andrea Wortley. “We were extremely lucky to be chosen.” About 50 members - both social dancers and competition dancers - took part in a two-hour workshop at Silsden Town Hall where they learnt a new cha cha cha dance, which formed part of the routine he performed with Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden on last year’s show. Andrea added: “To have a visitor like Robin come up from London is a huge honour and all our dancers thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Robin passed on some tips on technique and presentation, which I’m sure everyone will remember at their next class – especially those taking their medal tests and taking part in local and national competitions in the coming months.”